A gift list is still in order. Actually it is even more important in cases like these because you have to really let people know what you can and cannot bring with you. However, since the list might be shorter than usual you might simply want to include a short note and list in the invitation instead of going out of your way to enlist the services of an online bridal registry.

You have several options if you are moving somewhere far away.

1. Cash and Gift Certificates – This are the easiest to bring. When requesting gift certificates though make sure they’re online certificates or GCs that have stores in the location you are going to. If you are moving somewhere like Papua New Guinea chances are that you won’t be able to use your gift certificates there so you’ll be left with the cash only option. It would be a good idea to take a picture of the “gift” you buy with your “wedding money” when you get settled down and send it along with your thank you notes.

2. Charity – Charity is always good. Instead of asking for gifts for yourselves you can request people to give cash or pledges to your favorites charities. This way you don’t get burdened with gifts you can’t bring along, you don’t feel shy about accepting the money, and you get to make the world a better place.

3. Fun stuff – You can ask people to give you pictures of you and your other half that they have, a silly or erotic love poem, a couple’s book or video, or some other small things you can bring and enjoy.

4. Use Online stores – If you really want to get gifts you can also use an online store that delivers you wherever you are headed. This way you will have all your gifts waiting for you at your new home.

Having a gift registry is really great since guests don’t have to rack their brains thinking of gift ideas but only need to look at the list on your registry and then pick one that they like and are within their budget range. It is also of course very easy for you to make your gift list since you know exactly what you want and need. However, there are some things you should remember to consider when making your list.

1. Your other half – You might get away listing stuff in your gift registry-to-be that you might forget to consult your spouse-to-be. Make sure you also include some of his/her requests and show your own list. That way you both can veto something from the list if you’re not comfortable with something the other has included.

2. Organization – Try to make the list organized so it will be easy for the guests to go through it. List items under specific categories instead of simply listing everything down in random order.

3. Budget variety – Don’t be shy about adding several or many expensive items on the list as long as you have affordable ones there too. Even if you expect most of your guests to be really rich you never know is someone is hard up at the moment. On the other hand even if you expect most of your guests to be closer to broke than rich you also never know if someone just came up with an inheritance or some extra cash and want to shower it on you two.

4. Update the list – This is where any people bungle. They come up with a list, distribute it, but offer no means for the guests to know the latest on whether an item is already taken by someone or not. You have several choices in updating your list. First is to use an online bridal registry, next is to post a number they can call to confirm which gifts they plan on sending (get help from your wedding coordinator or a friend so you won’t need to take the calls), and last is to use a specific store’s registry.

Unless the bride and groom signs up for a registry, the guests are in the dark. You can ask the couple what they need but that does mean that you may end up having to give a gift that cost more than you planned.

So what are the best possible gifts?

The number one answer: money. Money is the most versatile kind of gift anyone can give the bride and groom. Some people feel that it is an impersonal gift but really, it can be one of the most thoughtful gifts. We all know that the bride and groom are spending a lot of money on their wedding. A gift of cash (or even a cheque) can help them recover their expenses. They can use it on their honeymoon or they can use it to buy any appliances or furniture that they don’t have in their new home yet. The bottom line is that they can use it to buy what they need.

Keep in mind that it is considered a no-no for the bride and groom to ask money so be discreet in how you give it. The Chinese have a nice way of handling it. They have beautiful red envelopes that you can put your gift in that look so elegant.

Sometimes it doesn’t feel right to give the gift in cash even when you know that the bride and groom need it. Rather than give them the cash, why not have a chat with your bride and groom and figure out where they want to go. You can then pay for their hotel room, for example. That will be one less expense for them and it is still a place of their choosing.

There are a hundred places where you can get gift certificates for them to use. Some of the best places to eat or stay in use this system because they know that their guests love their restaurant or resort so much that they will want to give their family and friends the chance to experience these places for themselves. So if you know a place perfect for the happy couple, don’t be shy and get them gift certificates so that they can enjoy the place.

If the place that you’d like to send the bride and groom to doesn’t have gift certificates, you can always create your own. Most establishments will allow you to prepay or charge the reservation to your card. You can just specify the details on the certificate you create for the happy couple. It will then feel more personal than just handing over cash.

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Often this is done by a couple who already have almost everything they need. Others are simply souls who have found a calling that they feel is worth the time and effort, even at their own special event - or maybe because of it.

Usually the answer would be that it is crass to ask for money, especially as a wedding gift. NEVER, ever say, “We would prefer gifts of cash”. That would really turn people off and instead of gaining support for this cause that you’ve chosen to sponsor, you may end up with not only a shorter guest list but fewer friends.

There are ways to make the request for sponsorship more acceptable and more interesting to your family, friends and other guests so that they might consider following your lead. To do this, you will need to get creative.

How about using the web to your advantage? Putting up a website about your wedding is very, very easy. Many online services want you to put up your wedding pages with them. Often a portion of the site will be allocated as a bridal registry or wish list. Simply indicate your wish for more sponsors or donations for your pet project at the top of the list. Put a link to where people can find out more about this charity and then let them decide. They need never tell you how much or what they choose to give. Often arrangements can be made so that they simply have to donate under your name. You will still know who they are and can thank them personally for the support.

Second, if you want to use snail mail, please do not include the request with the invitation. Send a separate letter telling them about your pet project. Let them know that instead of a bridal registry that you are choosing to raise funds or collect specific items for your chosen charity and ask if they would like to participate in it as their wedding gift to you. Make sure that they feel under no obligation to do so. Charity is always best when it comes from the heart.

Third, talk about it with your family and friends when you see them before the wedding. Ask them if they think it is a good idea. Just mention it once. Those who are responsive are the ones most likely to indeed give donations. Allow everyone else to do the traditional gift giving. You may be surprised by how many will actually feel that it is a great idea.

Don’t forget: try not to ask for a specific amount per donation. Allow your family and friends to give what they decide they can afford. Allow the amount to stay anonymous. In the end it is enough that you are able to help your chosen recipients without offending your guests.

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You’re probably thinking you’re too shy. What in the world would you say? There’s a lot that you can share! This is your online wedding billboard. Announce your engagement and talk about how you met; let your family and friends share in your love story. Take the time to introduce your fiance/e (feel free to include a picture) so that your loved ones know what he looks like.

Why not save on the cost of having invitations printed and make soft copies instead. Scan the actual invite and post it on your site. You might want to check, your web host may actually have thrown in the virtual invitation design tool in to help you create one from scratch easily online.

A website is also great for posting directions and announcements such as where you’ve been able to secure rooms for those coming in from out of town, and how to get to your wedding if they don’t live in your area. How about creating an online bridal registry? This will make it easier for your guests to give you what you prefer and they’ll be able to save some time by shopping online.

You may be thinking it must be too difficult to create one; you never learned how to really use the computer. Some wedding planners have easy to create sites just for you. They can walk you through the process easily and most of the time, it’s as easy as pointing and clicking on what you like then simply personalizing it with your own words.

Don’t forget to include your website address to your invitations so that everyone knows where to look for updates.

If you are going to start with absolutely nothing, your loved ones will have a lot of options on what to get you. The problem is you might end up with 10 oven toasters, 4 grills and a whole bunch of towels and beddings and not much more. What would you do with sets meant for a king size bed if you sleep on a double?

Have mercy on your family and friends, as well as on yourselves. Please have a bridal registry. This is a great way to let them know what you really need and want to receive. Most stores now extend this service and actually have a staff member to help the happy couple prepare their list of preferred items. They will usually ask you to choose from a catalog or from actual items in the store which items you like and how many of each you’d like to receive.

Don’t be shy about putting an expensive item on the list. It is the choice of the giver to give you the item. Knowing though that some of your guests may be working on a budget but still want to get you something you’ll love, choose an assortment of items across a wide price range.

The best part of having a registry, if you end up having too many of the same item, some bridal registries will allow you to exchange the items for other items you prefer of an equal amount. Of course, only as long as the items were bought from their store. Have fun shopping!