Fun and functionality is key to buying a memorable wedding gift

MOST people who get married in Australia are already living together, so they probably already own a kettle and other kitchen paraphernalia. But that shouldn’t put wedding guests off buying homewares as a gift.

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MOST people who get married in Australia are already living together, so logic dictates they already own a kettle, toaster and all the usual kitchen paraphernalia. Apparently that shouldn’t put wedding guests off buying homewares as a gift.

As the wishing well, where the bride and groom ask for cash in lieu of gifts, has almost become routine at weddings these days, wedding registers have become the next best thing for guests who find the whole cash-in-an-envelope trend a tad uninspiring.

Karaline Loiterton, founder of gift registry weddinglistco.com.au says a thoughtful gift will leave a memorable impression, while a cash donation won’t have a lasting impact.

“The Australian Bureau of Statistics show that 87 per cent of people live together before tying the knot, and they would already have a dinner set and okay towels, but now is the time to get those nicer things that you won’t splurge on once you’ve settled into paying a mortgage or have a child,” she says.

“It’s not about buying them something that they necessarily need right now. When couples are putting together a register I ask them to think into the future when they are perhaps hosting a Christmas lunch and then the good 10-to-12 dinner setting comes in handy.

“The average, day-to-day stuff they will already have, but they won’t have the plush towels and the expensive bed linen.”

Miranda Kerr has inspired a new generation of Royal Albert devotees. Brides-to-be are reportedly quite taken with the models’ designs for the timeless brand. Miranda Kerr for Royal Albert, Joy three-piece tea and cake set, $145, from wwrd.com.au/royal-albert/

Karaline — whose website has been used by celebrity couples such as Luke Ricketson and Kate Waterhouse; Anthony Bell and Kelly Landry and AFL’s glamour couple Chris and Rebecca Judd — says she asks all her clients to be choose things for the registry that are not mundane.

“We always tell couples to put things on the list they would not ordinarily buy for themselves. Overwhelmingly, we find that people who buy gifts are two-and-a-half times more generous than guests who give money but we also tell them to choose things under $50 too,” she says.

“A gift is not an obligation, it’s not a cover charge for being invited to the wedding and unless they’re Armenian, Greek or Chinese where it’s customary to give money, the couple is always disappointed in how much they get,” Karaline says.

“And really, it’s not a terrible thing to come back from a honeymoon and have all these beautiful gifts.”

Perfect for the newlyweds that need a large decorative statement piece for their new abode. Set of three vases, $550, from Satara Australia, satara.com.au

Crystal is back in vogue. The plain champagne flutes and wine glasses have been bumped, with grooved crystal making a comeback. Set of four Brookside flutes, $49.95, from Zanui, zanui.com.au

Glassware and cutlery appear on almost every wedding register, but there’s also a move towards furniture and art.

Guests can also make a contribution to an expensive gift, instead of having to pay for it outright.

Manufactured in Portugal, Santamarta cutlery is made from stainless steel with 24 karat gold plating. A wedding gift that will surely become an heirloom piece down the track. Santamarta 24 piece set, $499 from W Home, weddinglistco.com.au

A memorable gift that will last the test of time doesn’t have to be the most expensive. This marble cheese board/serving tray was designed by Madam Stoltz of Denmark. Cheeseboard, $89, from Room and Bloom, roomandbloom.com.au

Cushions and vases are also popular wedding register items as are Kitchen Aids, cookware and Royal Albert tea sets.

For the couple that has everything else, bikes are becoming a popular addition to the wedding register. Sommer women’s bicycle in red, $699.95 from Papillionaire Bicycles, weddinglistco.com.au.

Incredibly, his-and-her bikes and camping gear has also become increasingly popular with couples.

“When this was first brought up a wedding registry option, I thought, ‘this is not going to work’. I have been proved wrong, I can’t believe how many people love it.”

Artwork hanging on the wall is a daily reminder of wonderful wedding and thoughtful friends who made it happen. Framed I Love You Like artwork, $1950, by Jessica Watts, jessicawatts.com.au

The whiz bang Kitchen Aid should be obvious addition to any wedding register. Not only does whip and knead, but if you choose it in a fabulous colour like boysenberry, it will be a statement piece in your kitchen. Artisan Stand Mixer, KSM150, $779 from Kitchen Aid, kitchenaid.com.au

Much like the vase, bath towels are the perfect generic gift if not sure what to buy. Corduroy towel, $29.95 each, from Canningvale, canningvale.com.au

It’s almost mandatory to put dinnerware on your wedding register, and plain white plates just won’t cut it. The grander, the better. Marigold dinner set, $35 each, from Equestrian, idecorateweddings.com

After settling into domestic bliss with partner, it’s always nice to indulge in some luxe with a designer bath towel. It will make having to share the bathroom almost bearable. Giacomo bath sheet, $198, from Missoni House, weddinglistco.com.au