Expat Wedding Gift List
 

So I'm sure this is a scenario many people have come across before.

Currently in the US and will be marrying my fiancee in the UK this coming February. The intention is that we will return to the US shortly after. Therefore we are reluctant to have a UK based wedding list as transit of all the items will be difficult. Not really fair to expect our guests to pay on a US wedding list due to the exchange rate differences etc. I know the other option is asking for donations etc but we want to embrace the traditional list as well.

I came across a site call justthething.co.uk whereby you list items and invite people to donate without actually purchasing the item.

Any one have any experience on the above?

Thanks

Re: Expat Wedding Gift List
 

Set up an Amazon registry US based. Then if they feel inclined they can purchse Stateside / or not.

The exchange rate really should not come into it.

Re: Expat Wedding Gift List
 

John Lewis specifically refer to arranging shipment of gift lists for newlyweds moving overseas.

I have absolutely no experience of it, but it may be worth exploring.

https://us.johnlewis.com/international-delivery-enquiry

Re: Expat Wedding Gift List
 

Agree. Buying online really is no different in the UK or US, I would have thought most retailers would be ok. I would double check though that they accept payments when the cardholder is in one country and delivery of the item is in another, as this can be a flag for card fraud. PayPal is a good alternative.

For the technophobes amongst your UK based guests, they can always go to the Post Office and buy some dollars for you.

Re: Expat Wedding Gift List
 

I would assume that most, if not all, of the items on your gift registry are small items, i.e. linens, duvets and covers, dinnerware, silverware, etc. Since you are going to be taking them to the US, they won't be blenders, toasters, televisions, stereos, etc.

Would you be unable to afford the shipping via UPS or such service of those items to the US or perhaps even take them as additional baggage on your flight back to the US?

Personally, if you don't want the guests to give money in a wedding card at the reception, then it is just as bad to ask them to give money to a central source that you can withdraw from or buy from. Really, where is the difference?

Re: Expat Wedding Gift List
 

We set up a US Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond registry. Both delivered to our US address and accepted UK payment information.

Re: Expat Wedding Gift List
 

Wedding gifts and registries are tacky as hell. Baby showers. "Gender reveal parties"... Just excuses for "Give me stuff". No thanks. Congratulations on the marriage though.

Re: Expat Wedding Gift List
 

Geez. Aren't you the life of the party? :unsure:

Re: Expat Wedding Gift List
 

It wouldn't take much before you start bumping up against the duty free limit. .... Surely you weren't advocating duty fraud? :unsure:

Re: Expat Wedding Gift List
 

I think people want to buy a present.

So, why not say that you would like to buy something - a set of expensive dinnerware or glassware for example and ask for donations towards it. You could say for example that a red wine goblet costs $30 or a teapot costs $50 rather like those gofundme campaigns. Then you can write great auntie ethel a thank you letter for the lovely teapot she bought.

Re: Expat Wedding Gift List
 

Actually completely forgot about the duty issue. I recall it traveling by plane but since I no longer ship to foreign countries, I forgot about the duty.

Re: Expat Wedding Gift List
 

Concur

Re: Expat Wedding Gift List
 

I feel the complete opposite. I believe gifts were given to help supplement the dowry that a bride was to bring into the marriage.

It is customary for guests to give gifts at weddings. In some areas, such as in NYC area, at the reception one gives a monetary gift in a card and a present at the bridal shower and if there is an engagement party, there are gifts given at that as well.

A gift registry has always been in a part of the marriage scene. At one time, it was the bride's maids who gave the bridal shower and they had a list of items that the bride and groom would like to acquire. It was not mandatory to buy something from the list but it was helpful for the giver as then there would not be 2 of one thing given. If the item on the list was expensive two or more people might agree to chip in and buy it together.

Personally, I'm against engagement gifts plus a bridal shower gift. One gift is sufficient.

Baby showers are so helpful to the new parents and having a registry makes perfect sense. The first child is an expensive acquisition. The second child gets the hand me downs ;)

As with all things, this is my opinion and I'm more than happy to buy from the registry for a bride or a baby and give a monetary gift at a wedding. Thankfully, those days of buying are over for me as all my children are grown and married as are their friends and my niece and nephew and they all have had all the children they want. :thumbsup:

Re: Expat Wedding Gift List
 

I'm the guy that turns up to weddings with a card and nothing more :D

Re: Expat Wedding Gift List
 

Cheapo.