Wish lists

Nowadays, it is generally recognised that the best way to avoid the six toasters, five clocks and seven trifle bowls scenario is to organise a wedding list.

It's not greedy or grasping - to be honest it gives wedding guests somewhere to start.

Let's face it, everyone attending your wedding (and some of those who aren't) will want to give you a pressie. It's sort of tradition - a good luck token, if you wish and, unless you want to be perpetually answering the question 'what would you like for your wedding', go and make a list.

Now, this might not be quite as easy as it sounds because firstly you will have to pin down the groom.

Sounds sexist, but I have never, in my life, known a groom draw up a wedding list. It's just one of those chores that falls to the poor old bride (sigh).

So, grab your groom, sit him down, and watch his eyes glaze over as you discuss requirements. Prod every now and then to check for breathing but otherwise write down everything you would like.

You can, like some brides, do a nice, home-made affair. Draw up a list and give it to your Mum. Guests can then ring her and she will mark what they are buying on your list and make sure there are no duplicates. A fine idea, but quite a lot of work for Mum, particularly at a time of stress.

You could also make a little book which can be passed around the guests for them to tick off what they are buying and pass on. Trouble with this is that the book often gets lost (or eaten by the dog) and you have to start all over again.

By far the easiest solution is to secure a wedding list with a particular shop. You can go in (again with comatose groom) choose what you would like from the shop and an assistant will draw up your list and administer it. With the aid of modern communications and computers, this list can be accessed by guests living, if not the other side of the world, then the other side of the country. You can even create a cyber list which really can be accessed by people from the other side of the world. A lot less hassle for Mum too.

Closer to home, there are a number of shops in York which operate a wedding list service.

Shared Earth, at Minster Gates, York, has recently launched a wedding service. They have many original and unusual gifts from around the world such as handmade paper photo albums from the Philippines, carved wooden photo frames from Bali and handcrafted earthenware from Lombok.

Shared Earth is based on strong ethical principals and aims to achieve a balance between social and commercial realities. They are members of the International Federation for Alternative Trade and work closely with all their suppliers.

If you would like further information about the wedding service or to make an appointment, you can contact them on (01904) 632896.

Browns of York and Helmsley have a Bridal Registry Service. They have a wide range of gifts to choose from including Antler luggage, Christy towels, Dorma bed linen, Denby pottery, cutlery from Arthur Price of England, Villeroy & Boch and Edinburgh Crystal.

If you register your list, Browns will give you complimentary crystal champagne flutes, and if your list generates over £300, a free bottle of champagne. There is also free gift wrapping and delivery within a 50 mile radius of York of all gifts to your home.

To find out more visit the Bridal Registry on the first floor of the York store in Davygate, or telephone (01904) 561235.

Alternatively, you can have your wedding list at Mulberry Hall, Stonegate, York, or The Dining Warehouse, Little Stonegate, York.

At Mulberry Hall, you can see an unsurpassed range of porcelain and crystal including leading names like Royal Copenhagen, Herend, Spode, Meissen, Wedgwood, Royal Crown Derby, Royal Worcester, Minton, Stuart, Waterford, Baccarat and Royal Doulton.

Their international bridal order service operates by telephone, fax, e-mail and post. There is a free gift wrapping service and free delivery to the bride to any address in the UK plus a special gift from Mulberry Hall.

The Dining Warehouse has a range of tableware, cookware, glass and linen including leading names like Alessi, Bodum, Global Knives, Magimix, Kitchen Aid and Designers Guild. For more information telephone (01904) 620736.