Guests buy presents for couples to show thanks for being allowed to join their celebrations. Traditionally these wedding gifts were given to newlyweds to contribute towards kitting out their new marital home and life together. But, with an increasing number of couples nowadays already living together or owning their own home before marriage, couples need to be more creative when it comes to alternative gifts.

There are many different ways for guests to show appreciation, but it’s great to actually get something that can be of good use without going down the familiar route of vouchers.

Couples can get the ball rolling by letting their guests know in the early stages of planning that, in the nicest way possible, ‘of course gifts aren’t expected, just to have your company on our big day is more than enough – but if you did want to get a little something… please don’t get us a toaster.’

This article is dedicated to helping you choose an alternative wedding gift list if you aren’t a fan of the traditional high street style wedding gift list.

A suggestion of a gift can be money. Asking for money doesn’t always sit comfortably with couples and it can be an uncomfortable scenario to ask for money as a wedding gift, especially to the older more traditional generation?

However, all that’s needed in these situations is a little bit of tact. It’s no longer seen as ‘rude’ to ask for money, in fact, guests prefer to give a contribution that can go towards something.
Money can be put towards items for a ‘future’ dream house, a new car, or a honeymoon; jetting off to a dream destination that’s out of budget. Now doesn’t that sound nicer than a china set?

If you don’t want to ask for physical cash, you could still opt for vouchers from a specific shop or travel company, so that you can spend them as you wish in the future.

This one is more for the guest in need of a bit of inspiration on alternative gifting…

Personalised gifts are always greatly received; they’re considered thoughtful and sentimental, now who doesn’t like that? A keepsake that will always remind couples of the day – this can be anything from engraved glasses, planting a tree for them, or a photoshoot for their first anniversary. Another personal gift idea is ‘Something that grows old with you’; why not buy them a collection of vintage wine that improves with time, just like they will!

Newlywed couples may also like:

• Personalised chopping board
• Personalised swing seat for the garden – with either the surname of the couple or perhaps the name of their wedding venue?
• Personalised champagne glasses
• His ‘n’ Hers mugs, towels, or pillow cases

Giving something back is a perfect, feel-good present. Donating to charity, sponsoring a good cause, or getting sponsored for the London Marathon (if that’s your sort of thing) is a lovely idea for a gift. Helping someone else who is less fortunate feel the love that a newly-married couple has.