The good gift list guide
If you're not sure where would be the best place to register your gift list, read on for advice.
Whatever you want from your gift list, whether it's home furnishings and traditional china or one-off works of art or some additions to your wine cellar, there's a gift list company out there that will set you on the right track for married life.
Department Stores
Contact: 08445 61 61 61
How to register? Lists can be set up online or in store
How to buy? Online, in-store or by phone
Delivery? Free
Your hit list? Offers a whole host of gift list options – traditional gift list, giftcard, honeymoon fund, and charity option, or a combination of all of them. With a wide range of gifts available this store is great for everything from well-known brands to designer treats, from large kitchen appliances to the latest audio-visual technology.
And another thing... you will receive a £50 giftcard when you complete your list and 10% off anything you didn’t receive from your list.
Contact: 0844 800 0535
How to register? Lists can be set up online or in store
How to buy? Online, in-store or by phone
Delivery? Free delivery to an address in the UK mainland (Northern Ireland included) or Eire.
Your hit list?There's everything you need, from state-of-the-art kitchen equipment and exquisite tableware to superb luxury designer bedlinen and high tech gadgets from many exclusive brands that can’t be found anywhere else. For an unusual gift choice, think trips to luxury Malmaison and Hotel du Vin hotels or fantastic Red Letter Day Experiences. There’s also a gift card option which can be used to purchase any item in store and online..
And another thing... The bride will receive a £100 voucher for Destination Skin and the bride and groom also get 15% those essential purchases in the run up to the wedding! You can get 20% off all list purchases made after the wedding date.
Contact: 0845 600 2202
How to register? Lists can be set up online or in store
How to buy? Online, in-store or by phone
Delivery? Standard delivery is free
Your hit list? you'll find a huge range of gifts for all the important life events, plus you can add vouchers, holidays and charities to your list too.
And another thing...they will keep track of your gifts to help you write your thank you notes
Contact: 020 7838 0171
How to register? Make an appointment in store
How to buy? Online, in store or by phone
Delivery? Two free deliveries in London
Your hit list? The Wedding Shop is a great option for couples who want a personal service with a dedicated wedding consultant. Products are a mix of classic and contemporary and you can choose from hundreds of suppliers.
And another thing... Couples who have their wedding gift list here will receive a 10% discount on all future purchases.
Contact: 0845 302 1234
How to register? You can register online or in store and then monitor the list from your computer.
How to buy? Online, in store or by phone
Delivery? You can nominate a delivery date and there is a one-off charge of £3.50.
Your hit list? With great own-brand designs offering everything from china to furniture, M&S is a popular choice for many and is accessible for any price range. You also have the option to exchange gifts after the wedding, just in case over-enthusiastic family members went off-piste from the list!
And another thing... the website is constantly updated, so it's brilliant for brides who can't resist constantly checking what's been bought.
Contact: 0870 837 7377
How to register? You can register online or in store.
How to buy?Online, in store or by phone
Delivery? Two free deliveries within London for UK registered lists or 2 deliveries within the Republic of Ireland for Brown Thomas registered lists
Your hit list? The Selfridges Celebration Service allows your guests to donate money into an account for you to spend in store and it's not just for weddings: you can set up an account to mark a birthday, an anniversary… anything that's worth celebrating. Plus, they will add an extra 5 per cent to the total amount you receive. We like.
And another thing...you will receive a lifetime 10% discount on any additional purchases made by you!
Contact: 020 7225 6500
How to buy? In store or by phone
Delivery? Free in the UK Mainland (Some exclusions apply- e.g. Furniture/Home Appliance, Sound & Vision etc).
Your hit list? Harrods gift list is as comprehensive as you might imagine. You can choose from a huge range of products and there's a choice of two types of wedding list service. You can either choose specific items for your list in store with an Occasions Account, or opt for a Weddings & Celebrations Gift Card where guests can pledge money and it's yours to spend as you choose in store.
And another thing... You'll receive a De Brett's Wedding Guide when you set up a gift list. Your Harrods Weddings & Celebrations Gift Card can also be used in conjunction with the Harrods Rewards program and during Sale periods.
Contact: 020 7896 7590
How to register? Your gift list can be set up with a personal adviser or online.
How to buy? Online, in store with a personal adviser or by phone.
Delivery? Free on lists worth more than £300.
Your hit list? Offering a more high end choice of gifts, including homeware and furniture than the average department store, it can then be managed in store, online or a combination of the two. Heal's will provide gift cards to send out to your guests to tell them about the list.
And another thing... The company has seasonal offers so make sure you check out the latest ones online.
Contact: 0870 142 4141
How to register? At any Next home department or online
How to buy? Online, in store or by phone.
Delivery? £3.50 on any order and is paid by the guest.
Your hit list? New to Next, their wedding service lets you choose gifts from a wide range of stylish homeware products from electrical items for the kitchen to furniture. You can register at any Next home department or online.
And another thing... a few days after registering you will receive a wedding list pack and a Home brochure to help you compile your list, which you can then monitor online.
Specialist companies
Contact: 0870 6002525
How to buy? In store, online or by phone
Delivery? Normal delivery costs from £4.95 apply, paid for by the guest.
Your hit list? Offers a wide range of classic products, including furniture and large electrical items. The price range is very flexible and guests will be able to find cheaper, practical goods easily. You can also ask for vouchers or unwanted presents can be exchanged for them.
And another thing... There's a fantastic selection of goods and one on every high street so older guests who might not have access to internet will be able to find a gift for you.
Contact: 020 7384 8484
How to register? Online or by visiting the showrooms.
How to buy? Online or in person.
Delivery? Delivery is free in inner London.
Your hit list? Wedding List Services offers a customised service and a wide choice of products, including unusual items from specialist suppliers and designers from Alessi to Versace. Appointment times are flexible to suit busy couples and you can visit on Saturdays or in the evenings.
And another thing... Couples get a 10% discount if you buy extra items after the wedding. Family members who spend more than £500 get the 10% discount too.
Also worth a look
Divertimenti (0870 1295 027) is great for all kinds of kitchen stuff. You can also combine it with a list at The Wedding Garden Company (01342 823123). Use marriagegiftlist.com to create and manage your own list with products from your favourite online stores. The General Trading Company (0870 777 7000) has joined forces with The Wedding List Company to offer couples a great choice of gifts and accessories for the home.
Photo: Cath Kidson Roberts Radio available at johnlewis.com
