It seems that this summer is the weddings for my friends and families. I no longer feel the need to worry about what I should wear, more to the point what should I buy as a present. This is the problem most people are faced with, as the people they buy a present for are likely to be close friends or relatives. Therefore, I decided to look at the top five most popular wedding gifts and come up with my own top five list. This will enable others and me alike to make a decision with some ease.

Number five on the list of wedding gifts are fancy dinner sets and chinaware. This is what I have classed as a convenience present, the idea that a nice set as these are going to be of use for the couple in the future, especially if they are intricately designed or an expensive designer set. This is a good choice for those who are struggling to think up something to buy, or simply have no time to shop around for the perfect present. However, it leaves one problem, and that is choosing the right one.

Number four, instead of choosing dinner sets, some go for furniture and bathroom accessories. This is a bit more expensive than buying crockery. Nothing is greater than having just been married and moving into your new house - and the bonus is you do not have to spend out on furniture. It is tradition in some South Asian cultures for the bride's family to buy furniture for the newlyweds. This is also symbolic of settling down and starting a new life and the couple are likely to be extremely thankful.

Number three in my opinion would be cash/vouchers. I have often seen couples being happier with receiving cash/vouchers than actually opening the present itself. This way the couple are free to choose their own gift, e.g. Dinners sets furniture, cookware, chinaware etc. Most of the time the vouchers are for buying crockery, home ware or accessories, rarely is there a voucher for anything bigger.

Number two would have to be a gift that stands the test of time such as a bottle fine wine that should be opened on the tenth anniversary, fine art collectible, vase etc. These are symbolic, romantic, thoughtful and always good quality. Those who are very close or are willing to part with a large sum of money generally give presents like these. I would recommend having a present like, this ordered in advance as they do come expensive but also hard to come by.

Finally, top in my list of wedding gifts would have to be a honeymoon gift voucher - no not the actual honeymoon paid (although that is not uncommon) but being given a voucher to a posh restaurant whilst on a honeymoon, or having the plane ticket upgraded to first class which is always nice. Even tucking away extra items for their honeymoon, such as a new camera, extra spending money or a guide to the destination, is a nice incentive. A present like this gives a nice ending to an already memorable day so why not be original and go that extra mile to make that happen!