According to The Bottom Drawer, the UK’s leading alternative gift list company, the total value of wedding gifts received increases when the couple select alternative wedding gifts. Whereas the average gift list in the UK is worth £1,500(1), couples registered with The Bottom Drawer receive on average gifts valued at £1,970, almost a third more.

“Most couples getting married in this liberal age have been around the block,” said Ian Bush, The Bottom Drawer’s managing director. “They will probably have been living together or are on a second or third marriage. The last thing they want are three toasters and four sets of tea towels from well-intending friends or relatives – these are things they are likely to already have.”

To avoid this problem, modern couples create gift lists using traditional store-based list services. However, more-and-more couples are discovering that there is a service that would enable their friends and family to club together to get them something they really wanted, something they could not ordinarily afford, such as a garden or home makeover, or a holiday of a lifetime, or even a piece of art.

The Bottom Drawer was established in 2003 and recently launched a new website (www.thebottomdrawer.co.uk) with a huge range of alternative gifts for couples to choose from. The service is internet based and involves family and friends making a contribution to the larger gift, either monetary or by buying an element. For example, a garden makeover would be split down into the different parts with Aunt Maude buying five paving stones, and Granny buying a statue, Great Uncle Hector some shrubs, and so on.

Ian Bush added: “This new approach to wedding lists is proving very successful, with the added benefit of those using it are finding their gift total increases from what they would otherwise have received. People tend to like to give more if they know what they are giving will be appreciated.”

1) Figures from www.uknetguide.co.uk