Wedding List Alternative

Wedding list. To do or not to do? Originally the wedding list was designed to help the newly married couple set up their new home when they first moved in together after they were married. However it has become much more common for couples to live together before embarking on marriage and so this need for saucepans, plates and cutlery is becoming redundant.

Out of the past half dozen weddings I've been to only one that had a wedding list. So what are the alternatives?

Honeymoon Fund; this is a great idea if you're on a really tight budget but would still like a lovely honeymoon. Explain to your friends and relatives that as you already live together you have no need for household items, but would appreciate money which would be put towards a honeymoon.

Charity donation; this is wonderful for those of you with a special cause close to your hearts. If you've lost a family member or friend then perhaps asking guests to donate to a linked charity would be meaningful.

Bring food; perfect for the smallest budget. This is such a fab idea and gets all your guests involved. Ask your guests to bring a dish for a buffet. This will cut a large amount from your total cost and gets your friends feeling like they are helping. If you are really organised you can ask people to bring a certain type of food (dessert, salad, meat) so as not to end up with twelve salads and no meat.

Entertainment; if you have friends who are musically talented, for example, why not ask them to perform on your big day. You'll save money on a band and it will mean more to have friends playing than total strangers.

Nothing; some of you may feel that the presence of your guests if present enough.