Would You Opt For Wedding Gifts Or A Charity Donation?

With the Royal wedding almost upon us and the traditional wedding season underway, interestingly many couples now ask for money or vouchers as their wedding gifts, with only few opting for charity donations to celebrate their marriage.

Whilst Will and Kate have generously asked for donations to charity for their wedding, rather than opting for the traditional gift list, just 3% of the wider population would ask for donations to charity to celebrate their nuptials. For many it’s simply the case they cannot afford to be so generous.

Even before the wedding ceremony, significant costs can be incurred – with for example the average cost of an engagement ring now standing at some £3,000.

According to research from online bank first direct, most of those about to get married ask for money or vouchers as wedding gifts.

Next in popularity is to ask for presents from a gift list or registry service, followed by asking for a gift of their guests’ own choosing.

Interestingly, almost 20% said they would ask for nothing for their wedding.

It might be the most popular choice for the bride and groom, but guests are less keen on giving cash, feeling money to be an impersonal gift

Being told what to give as a gift is not particularly liked either, with many feeling it is rude. However, reflecting the difficulties young couples face in getting on the housing ladder, 18% think that giving money towards a mortgage is a good idea as a wedding gift.

Richard Brown, Senior Savings Product Manager said, “It is a wonderful gesture that Prince William and Kate Middleton have asked for donations to good causes to celebrate their wedding.

However, with couples needing huge deposits to get on the housing ladder and the cost of everything from honeymoons to petrol going up, the economic reality for most couples is that money is the most useful gift they can ask for.

While guests can feel this is impersonal, it can help the couple to save for important purchases that will hopefully help set them on the road to a lifetime of happiness.”

MoneyHighStreet.com comment: As well as considering whether or not to ask for Wedding gifts, do make sure you are protected by insurance for your big day – imagine the disaster and worry for you should your wedding venue not be available for some unexpected reason, your rings get lost or perhaps your photographs fail for some reason. With wedding insurance you can take steps to protect yourself against such issues.