The institution that is marriage has changed considerably from what it was when our grandparents got married, even from when our parents got married. Attitudes towards family, careers, equality and gay relationships has led to a change in the structure of society: people are getting married later in life, getting divorced more often, marrying more than once, and living longer. Whereas only a few decades ago, couples would get married and set up home together, now usually people live together first, or it is a second or third marriage where two homes are being consolidated into one.

This makes the buying of wedding gifts all the more difficult. Even when a wedding gift list is created by the couple, it is difficult for them to find enough gift ideas across a spectrum of prices to satisfy all guests, and at the same time their own wishes. This was a gap in the market that has led to the emergence of the alternative wedding gift list companies. One of the longest established is The Bottom Drawer (www.thebottomdrawer.co.uk) ? Ian Bush, managing director, explained: ?In the beginning, The Bottom Drawer was established purely on the back of offering a garden makeover.

?When people get married these days, they don't want a toaster or tea towels as most have already established their homes, they want something different, something they may not perhaps be able to afford otherwise.

?The approach was simple, a garden makeover was designed and then all the elements were listed separately and wedding guests could choose to buy parts of the makeover. The entire family and friends? contributions then hopefully amount to the entire makeover or the couple can add to the pot of funds available. The Bottom Drawer even has a national network of approved landscapers at its disposal to carry out the work if the couple don't have someone in mind.?

The concept was so popular that The Bottom Drawer has expanded the range of alternative gifts offered to include honeymoons, home makeovers, works of art, charitable donations and even qualifications for a new career.

In the UK, over 90 per cent of brides visit the Confetti website www.confetti.co.uk to help plan their wedding. Val Young of Confetti said: ?With the average values of a wedding list reaching to several thousand pounds, it is great to see some alternative products being offered by companies such as The Bottom Drawer.?

Modern Commitments www.moderncommitments.co.uk is the leading gay wedding specialists and accepts the need for alternative gift list ideas - buying a toaster or set of towels has become somewhat boring! Anthony Miller head of style and development for the company says "People are more conscious of style and unique tastes, rarely do you find a couple asking for the traditional gifts, the desire is there for alternative and innovative gifts; The Bottom Drawer in my opinion has got to be one of the best services around at the moment who can offer quality and desirable gift solutions, long may they last"

With us all likely to have longer and more active lives, it means that we can enjoy second and third careers, and possibly even second and third marriages. The prospect of receiving undesired wedding gifts would fill most couples with horror ? the idea of having to look delighted at receiving another dinner set or toaster!! The trend towards alternative gifts is bound to continue, and the number and type of service providers likely to increase as the concept grows.

For further information visit thebottomdrawer.co.uk.