From the practical to the funny

Anything can be added, from the practical to the funny, old or new, valuable or cheap. Obviously, your personal situation will affect the choices you make, but a sound principle to follow was laid down by William Morris, who wrote: "Have nothing in your home which you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." Magazines and window shopping are good sources of inspiration. Get your fianc involved too so that you can begin to build a picture of the colours and designs that you both like or, more importantly, hate! Think about your future lifestyle together; will there be a lot of formal or informal entertaining? Do you both enjoy outdoor life? Divide your list into practical and decorative items, then go through each room in the house, making a list of the things you both already have and will need.

BUYING POWER Aim for a list that gives the widest possible choice and price range; while there will be friends and colleagues who will club together to buy you a present, others will want to buy something on their own.

If a major item such as a dinner service is on the list, make it clear that you're are happy to receive only one cup and saucer from the range. Finally, try not to make your list too long, this will ensure that the items you really want are chosen first and if necessary it can be added to at a later date.

GOING IT ALONE If you are organising the list yourself, first draw up a master list of items stating their make, colour, price and where they can be bought. Don't be embarrassed to be specific, especially if you want to co-ordinate different items. Make copies and circulate them among your friends and family, asking them to check with you before they make their choice to avoid duplication. Alternatively, you can enlist the help of your mother or best man to coordinate events. Keep a note of who has promised to give what, as this will be a useful source of reference when it comes to writing 'thank you' letters.

SHOP FLOOR If you decide to place your wedding list with a shop, it will save time if you think about the kinds of things you want before hitting the shop floor. It's also a good idea to arrange a list at one or two shops, one with a sensibly-priced households store and another with a specialist, more decorative gift-type shop.

The service is free, and you will find that most stores prefer you to place your list with them eight to 10 weeks before the wedding. You and your fianc simply wander around your chosen stores or shops making a note of the items you want. The list is typed; a master copy is held by the store and another is sent on to you. Friends and relatives can either visit or telephone (if paying by credit card) the store where your list is held to make their choice.

As items are chosen, they are crossed off the list to avoid duplication, and a note will be made of the donor's name.

Most shops will deliver gifts free of charge within a certain radius. Some offer a gift-wrapping service for a small fee paid by the donor. Where one-off items have been selected some stores will reserve them for you, but you may have to buy them yourself if they aren't chosen.

There will always be friends and family who object to being directed by a wedding gift list, preferring to make their own choice. In such cases it is best to leave them to their own devices. However, do make sure that they see a copy of the list first. This will avoid duplication, and if you are using a store to organise your list do remember to inform them, so they can add it to their list has having been bought.

All gifts should be sent to the bride's home or the address she is living at before the wedding. Any present sent after the wedding should be sent to the new home and addressed to the couple. Many guests will want to deliver their present personally at the reception, so remember to have your bridesmaids or best man on stand-by to ensure that they are taken care of.