Weddingjournalonline.com, the online version of Irelands largest Wedding Magazine - Ireland's Wedding Journal.

Wedding gift lists are one of the highlights of planning a wedding and are an excellent way of making sure you receive the presents you really want and need...

Many couples feel uncomfortable about wedding gift lists, but in actual fact, guests prefer some guidance on what to buy and if you don't have a list, you could find yourself with seven toasters, no kettle and a hideous crockery set! Or if you already share a home, accessories that are not to your taste, but which you feel obligated to have on display.

Traditionally, guests contacted the bride's mother for information about a list, but this is often no longer the case. If you've got a list with a department store, it's very easy to include a discreet note with the invitations letting guests know how they can find out about your list if they would like to.

The traditional list: This involves you compiling your own list and distributing it to those who ask to see it. Include the manufacturer's name, model and colour of whatever items you've asked for. When guests have chosen a gift, the list is returned with that item crossed off. Since invitations should be posted 8 to 12 weeks before your wedding day, there will be plenty of time for your list to do the rounds. It is traditional that the host (usually the bride's mother) circulates and organises the traditional wedding list.

Department store/online gift lists: An increasingly popular way of handling gift lists is by using the services of a particular shop, department store or website. As part of the service, the store/site will manage your list so that when guests telephone, buy online or visit the store, the item chosen is removed. After your wedding, the store will send you details of who has purchased what.

GIFT LIST TIPS

Start early Weekend appointments at stores and shops get booked up very quickly, so if you plan to use an in-store gift list service, make a booking as soon as you possibly can – four months before your wedding at the very least.

Talk to him You and your partner may want different things from a gift list, so sit down together and talk it through.

Think of your guests A gift list is an ideal way to get a helping hand in setting up home together or obtaining those things the two of you never got round to buying, but although the day is all about you, think about your guests' financial situations as well, and tailor your list accordingly.

Include some smaller items that don't cost very much and also give the option of vouchers as a present, so that if there is nothing a guest would like to buy within their budget, they can give you a contribution to something larger.

Make as long a list as you wish A common mistake is making a list that is too short because you don't want to appear greedy, but in reality, more choices available in terms of price and items, the more comfortable guests with lower budgets will feel about their selections.

Take your time Don't feel pressurised to finish your guest list in one session at your chosen store or website. You can always add to it later. And as most lists are online as well as in-store these days, this shouldn't be a problem. However make sure your list is finalised 12 weeks before your wedding day, so that details can be sent out with your invitations.

Don't play it too safeWhile traditional household items make up the bulk of most wedding lists, don't be afraid to include off-beat items such as spa trips and treatments, weekend breaks, dining out vouchers, home technology items and quirky home accessories. Paintings are also becoming popular wedding gifts.

Quality over quantityChoose quality items that will last a lifetime – and so will the fond memories of whoever bought it for you. It's also a good idea to stick to classic designs that will still look good years after your wedding.

Clubbing together Some couples may already have a home together and therefore have all the essential household items. If this is the case, it's perfectly OK to ask for items like garden furniture, leather photo albums, state-of-the-art kitchen equipment or a dream honeymoon and suggest groups of guests club together to buy a gift between them, or donate an amount of their choosing towards one big present.

Any alternative?A modern alternative is asking guests to donate money to a charity. This can be done with a discreet note in the invitation, directing gift-givers to your chosen charity. However, older or more traditional guests might be offended and will want to give you something practical for your home instead.

Ensure you're insuredIf you roughly tally up the total cost of all your anticipated wedding gifts, you'll get a shock, so make sure you have adequate home contents insurance - just in case the unthinkable happens.

Remember to say 'thank you' Handwritten thank you cards or letters are a must. Email or texts are simply not acceptable – even in this modern age.

When you create your invitation list, put a copy of it in a notebook so that you can record what you were given, and by whom.

While it's acceptable to send a thank you up to three months after your big day, it's best to do it within two weeks of returning from honeymoon. After that, people will start wondering if you didn't like their gifts.