Wedding Gift Ideas ( what you should ask for)

Photo by CWM Gary. Photo courtesy of www.sxc.hu

Register! Register! Register! Choosing a wedding gift is never easy so make it easier for your guests and have a gift registry, it is also a sure way to avoid getting 10 wall clocks, 1000 glasses, and so on and do it as soon as you have your date and venue confirmed. This also ensures that you get exactly what you would like as gifts.

Unlike the olden days when newlyweds probably still lived at home up to the wedding day, most couples nowadays will probably have moved out and have been living on their own for a while. This creates what I call the “dual factor” this means that the bride and groom will most likely each own a TV set, cooker, fridge, microwave, sofa sets, kitchen equipment and other items necessary to set up a home. Due to this fact here are a few ideas on what other gift options are available in this set up and which can also be used in conjunction with a gift registry.

Option 1:  Request for monetary gifts or gift vouchers from your favourite stores instead to be used as a nest egg or for future purchases for your new union. African culture is more accepting of a couple asking for monetary gifts as opposed to western culture (some consider it rude). This may be due to the numerous money dances (especially in West Africa) that we have at receptions or the Kenyan harambee spirit.

Option 2: This is one of my favourites, ask your guests to contribute to your honeymoon fund. You can choose to have them donate any amount of their choice or have option cards that read something like Dinner for two, Cab fare, fuel card, boat ride, train ride, spa treatment, breakfast, visa fees, etc (include items specific to your honeymoon destination) with suggested amounts to be purchased by the guests at the gift table or beforehand from you and present them to you at the reception. You can make a mention of this in your invitation cards if you so wish. This not only makes for an entertaining reception but also make the guests feel like they are part of your honeymoon. Remember to send out thank you cards as soon as you get back. A personal touch is buying postcards from your honeymoon destination to do this.

Option 3: Why not have your guests donate items or money to a charity(ies) of your choice in honour of your wedding.

Option 4: Sell all your items and purchase new items from the proceeds together for your new home and register for any thing else that you may need. Or pick a couple of items each from both houses to be used in you new home and sell or donate the rest to friends or relatives, then register for whatever else that may be lacking in your new home.