Almost half of newlyweds will reject at least one wedding present, research has revealed, with the average couple returning six gifts from the big day.
Some 15 per cent of pairs polled said they had returned up to 20 unwanted gifts following the ceremony.
Toasters and household appliances were the second-least popular wedding gift - second only to charity donations - with most couples preferring cash or money towards their honeymoon, according to a survey of people married for at least five years.
The most common reason for returning a gift was that the couple already had the item, the research by Holiday Extras states.
However, 13 per cent did it as the gift was not to their taste and nine per cent stated that the present was ‘off list’. One in five also said that they’d rather have the money towards an experience they could share together.
Of the couples who asked for money as a wedding gift, 21 per cent wanted to put it towards their honeymoon, but the second most popular reason was to put the money towards a holiday.
Luckily, the majority of guests are happy to provide cash for the happy couple with 37 per cent saying it’s easier than picking out a present and 23 per cent saying it’s less hassle for them to arrange.
However, 14 per cent felt it was rude to ask for donations and a similar number said it was too impersonal, preferring to pick out a gift themselves.
Seamus McCauley, editor-in-chief at Holiday Extras, said: “As with every gift, it’s the thought that counts. But, as our survey shows, times are changing - with couples now favouring experiences over more traditional appliances.
"Making the right choice can be a tricky task. And, given the average wedding gift now costs £75.04, the pressure is on to get it right. No-one wants to waste time or money."
