Lots of couples start their married lives together with a full set of cutlery already in the drawer and matching towels in the airing cupboard. With the home well and truly kitted out there are other ways in which friends and family can be invited to show their love and good wishes.

After the dream wedding, what could be nicer than taking off on a dream honeymoon? Yes, it’s expensive but you can always ask your guests to help pay for it in lieu of a set of tumblers or the dishwasher you already have. You can even break down the costs into realistic-sized segments such as covering 100 air miles of the journey, a special meal out on the last night of the honeymoon or a spa treatment for two.

If you are the outdoor types and like nothing more than a spot of gardening at the weekends then a Ground Force style make-over collection fund could be right up your garden path.

And if you want for nothing but would like to give something back, then a goat is always appreciated. Not for you – unless you have an acre or two to spare -but for a family that needs it in Africa.

Charitable giving can make up some or even all of your wedding gift list just as these days, if you are looking for a different kind of honeymoon experience, you could divide your time between soaking up the sun on a faraway beach and helping a village community in a remote rural location get back on its feet.

Your gift list needn’t be just a wish list. With the help of your loved ones, it can become a reality.