Here at Smashing The Glass, we’re big fans of gift giving (and, if we’re honest, gift receiving), but we know that not everyone feels the same way as us.
Gift lists can feel thorny for some. Couples who have lived together for a while can find themselves stuck on what to ask for, as they already have everything they need to start a life together. Others may find gift lists a bit too traditional, or feel uncomfortable asking for things for themselves. However, we’re so strongly in favor of having a gift list, that we’ve decided to make it our personal mission to change your mind!
Because we’re such huge advocates of the idea, we thought we’d call on some true experts to help make the case for us, our dear friends at Prezola!
Prezola, the UK’s favourite wedding gift list, known for being stylish, on-trend and, great news for the wedding budget, free, are taking over the STG pages with some top tips for creating the perfect wedding gift list.
Remember that people will get you gifts regardless
Even if your invitations specify “no gifts”, it is inevitable that people will want to bring something. Many would feel uncomfortable arriving to a wedding empty handed, while others may assume that you don’t really mean it.
Whatever their reasons, well-meaning people will definitely ignore you. You may as well give them a list full of things you truly want and will cherish forever, instead of being forced to stare at that lovingly given hideous china ornament from great aunt Marion for the rest of your married life.
Get over your discomfort
We totally get it – it can feel uncomfortable to ask guests for gifts on top of their already considerable travel or accommodation expenses, but they will have factored that in and will be really happy to have some guidance when it comes to buying you a present.
If you still feel a bit iffy about it, there’s no harm at all in making it clear in the invitation that you are not expecting anything but the pleasure of your guests’ company, but for anyone who wants some guidance, you have provided a gift list.
Reduce the risk by using a protected gift list
Using Prezola takes away all of the potential risks associated with giving wedding gifts. It prevents potential loss from guests do not turn up with envelopes of cash, or cheques, potentially made out to the wrong name. Everything is insured and 100% guaranteed to be delivered to you, so a gift list really does give you peace of mind.
Make your gift list whatever YOU want it to be
Gone are the days when gift lists were full of department-store toasters and monogrammed napkins, there are no rules when it comes to creating your dream gift list. You can have a mix of your favourite brands, furniture, experiences, honeymoon funds, and even donations to a chosen charity.
If you choose to go with Prezola, you’ll have a huge selection, so you can mix the traditional with the ultra-modern — your gift list can contain anything from Vera Wang and Le Creuset to Fitbit and GoPro. There are over 500 major brands and 50,000 gifts to choose from!
Kit out your modern Jewish home
For young, Jewish or Jew-ish couples, it’s a great chance to get everything you need to keep a Jewish home, with the gorgeous, on-trend ‘Judaica’ available through Prezola. You can have a gorgeous menorah, stunning Shabbat candles and a swoon-worthy Challah board alongside your other gifts — and the relatives will LOVE getting them for you.
Don’t think about what you need, think about what you WANT
OK, so you already have everything you need — but as we covered above, people will get you gifts regardless, so what is it that you’ve always wanted as a couple that has felt like too much of a luxury? Now is the time to upgrade to those luxe items you’ve always wanted.
You can choose wall prints, cocktail sets, KitchenAid stand mixers and more through Prezola. Fill your home with things you love to look at and use, and that will remind you of your guests every time you do. Guests know this and it will make them happy to buy you something unique that stands out.
Don’t be afraid to ask for honeymoon contributions
Alternatively, or even in the same list, you can mix it up by asking for guests to help you out with your honeymoon fund. You can also simply receive cash contributions if that’s what you need — you can do this in the form of experiences or simply by asking for contributions — you are free to spend the cash contributions any way you like either way. And with a Prezola honeymoon fund, you won’t pay any commission fees or extra costs.
Give your guests plenty of options
One last top tip — put more gifts on your lists than there are gifts. That way, guests on a budget can opt for something less expensive, while others might want to buy you more than one gift, or take advantage of Prezola’s group gifting service, where multiple guests can contribute to one gift.
If you’re convinced (we certainly are) then why not sign up to Prezola today?
