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Presents for the bridesmaids, paige boy, best man, mother in laws. Presents for each other? What is all this unnecessary present buying that has become de rigeur? The wedding forums are full of brides asking each other what they have bought for everyone and pleading for inspiration for a particularly judgemental mother in law to be.

There is already too much pointless expense. Why does a groom, on his wedding day need a present from his bride? Is it not enough that she is marrying him, exchanging lifetime vows with him, emerging from the day as his wife?What present can match that?

This is the tireless work of the fat cat wedding industry sending out relentless messages that wedding party present buying is good etiquette. What a load of old bollards!

Of course, everyone likes to be recognised for the roles they play at a wedding. People like to be appreciated and to feel important but genuine gratitude can be beautifully conveyed in a speech or a personal, hand written card which can be kept forever.

Weddings are not award ceremonies and present buying isn't obligatory.It doesn't mean that you are stingy if you don't show your appreciation with a gift. It has all got way, way out of hand. Keep it simple, keep it real and, perhaps with the exception of the little ones, feel proud about communicating your thanks in words from your heart and it will be received in the spirit in which it was given.