Image courtesy of Wedding Presents Direct
Hunting down the ultimate wedding-list service can be as hard to master as the big day itself. Get it right, and you've smugly accounted for all the items you'll ever need to ensure a life of wedded bliss – champagne flutes, blender, handy casserole dish – in one successful swoop. Get it wrong and you could be regretting it for years. Here are the services we recommend...
Wedding Presents Direct
According to James Dundas, partner at WPD, with their service "a task which could too easily prove tedious and stressful becomes positive and fun". This couldn't be truer of the experienced company, which marks itself out from competitors through sheer friendliness. It also stands out with a non-London-centric approach – operating a showroom in Norfolk as well as Battersea – and the site allows for incredibly easy browsing. Plus, there's the option of putting your order on hold, so you can swap the £300 espresso machine you really didn't need for the cutlery no one wanted to buy you. Visit weddingpresentsdirect.co.uk
John Lewis
The most reliable of department stores has also become a go-to in the gift-list market. As well as providing all the standard features – free service, request inserts for invitations, online list management and gift delivery services – you and your betrothed can be let loose in-store with a scanner. What's more, John Lewis allows you to choose from all 250,000 of its products. Always sensible, they even provide a handy checklist for overwhelmed couples who have no idea where to start. To add, or not to add a gravy boat? Visit johnlewisgiftlist.com
Prezola
A traditional tea set not quite your cup of tea? If your tastes are more modern than classic, this independent gift service is ideal. Catering to "style-savvy couples" (according to their website), Prezola allows you to compile a list from over 300 high-street and boutique brands, including Jo Malone, Le Creuset, Heal's and the White Company. Better still, if you want your list to be unique, there's the option to add up to 10 bespoke gifts from small and local retailers with the company's Premium Plus account (from £39). Visit prezola.co.uk
Selfridges
While they don't provide their own gift service, the department store has partnered with the Wedding Shop since 2006. Fortunately, they provide access to the same range of high-quality, well-known brands – Ralph Lauren Home, Hermès and Wedgwood all feature - not to mention, their showrooms are comfortingly far west of the hustle and bustle of the flagship on Oxford Street. This is for the newlyweds who want their list to really stand out. Visit weddingshop.com
Harrods
Offering the same upmarket aesthetic as the core brand, Harrods' Gift Bureau lets you choose from the same selection of luxury products found over the department store's seven floors (including fashion and jewellery, as well as homeware and furniture). You are also actively encouraged to transfer the task of managing your list to a personal consultant who will take control of the admin and regularly update you on your list's progress. Visit giftbureau.harrods.com
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