wedding list ideas

count_rostov

Now, I know that getting married isn't about getting presents, but I expect that most guests will want to get us something. I'm really resistant to wedding lists and come from a very creative/artistic family so expect to receive either homemade or beautiful gifts (paintings, antiques etc) rather than multiple toasters. However, we've just bought our first house and it is in a bit of a state so what we really need is to get our house reharled and also a bit of rewiring. My plan is to not mention a wedding list in the invitations, and hope that people will ask my mother what I would like if they are unsure. Reharling the house will cost about £2000 I think, so I thought about asking people to buy a square metre. However it seems really greedy to ask people for cash or just give them my savings account details! Is there anything like justgiving.com for wedding lists, but one where people can give anonymously? Does anyone else have a similar problem?
Obviously, I'll be delighted if people give me paintings/antiques, just re-read this and realise how mercenary it sounds!

cheekyweegit

Hiya Count,

Firstly congratulations on your upcoming nuptials and I hope it all goes well for you and the sun shines.

As for gift lists, I'm normally really against a formal list saying I want this and that especially when some of the items on the list are really expensive and it comes across as downright greedy in some cases I've seen, as it can be quite expensive just to attend a wedding in itself as a guest.

But............... I have to say I think and agree your idea to ask for or should I say suggest buy a square meter of your harling as a present is a great idea and certainly doesn't come across as greedy to me and will most likely be affordable and a relief as a result to those who want to get you something but don't have much money.

I think it was on here somewhere where the thread and they were paying off their house and colouring in the bricks to show how much they then owned month by month as a countdown. Could you not adapt this for the harling?

Just a thought and good luck with the wedding.

count_rostov

Thanks Cheekyweegit. That's a good idea - I could include a drawing of our house in the invitations, with a grid over it to show the square metres. And then send out coloured-in versions with the thank you cards, or put a coloured in drawing on the present table at the reception.
We live in the Highlands and most of fiances family and friends will travel from Somerset so I'm aware it will be an expensive trip for them (although we're having the reception in a youth hostel so are putting everyone up for free). Highlands, September, in all likelihood the sun will not shine! But it will be a great day nonetheless.
Thanks for your ideas.

flugellover

it's a tough one this.....getting hitched in August, and both me and H2B have lived away from home, and now live together, so no need for anything really for a gift list. However, like you, I know I will have relatives who will want to buy/bring SOMETHING....tradition and all (I would be the same I have to admit!! ) My folks have suggested we seriously consider the gift list option, and then IF people ask we can point them in that direction. All feels a bit uncomfortable to me tho....you know what I mean? Seems greedy!
As far as your house goes.....have you a quote from someone for the work? Could you ask the company if people could pre-pay them directly in bits? It's quite unconventional so they might go for it - you never know!! Also, it means that people could have the option of giving an annonymous amout....?
Bit off the wall - most of my ideas are and some of them even work too!!
best of luck

Chickenprincess_x

i too don't need anything for the house as we have lived together for a while so we are asking for money towards our honeymoon - some websites offer a service where people can pay money to them but as we haven't booked it yet and will most likely do it all seperatly i.e. flights hotel we cannot offer them to contribute like this

instead my friend came up with some short poems to explain our situation and make it less like money grabbing

here is some of the poem we'll be using, you could do the same but adapt it to your reason for wanting money (we will be putting it in the invitations)

We've lived together quite a while
And all the bills are paid
We've got our plates, our pots and pans
Our plans have all been made.

So if you'd like to give a gift
To help us celebrate
Some money for a honeymoon
We would appreciate

hope this helps?

chalky_75

The best wedding I went to of a couple who had an established house was their request to make donations if we so wished to 2 of their favourite charities.