London - They used to feature nothing more ambitious than a kettle and a toaster for young couples setting up home together.
But these and other essentials such as fancy linen, cutlery and a dinner service no longer dominate the typical wedding list.
The modern bride and groom, who may well have lived together for years before tying the knot, now want stylish – and often very expensive – "statement" gifts. So today’s wedding list is likely to include items such as outdoor pizza ovens, top-of-the-range TVs and even drones.
Some guests attending a string of summer weddings may feel, however, that they are being strong-armed into spending more than they would like for fear of causing offence.
A spokesperson for John Lewis, one of the most popular choices of store for couples who create a formal wedding list, said: "Couples are choosing to indulge in items that suit their lifestyle with Instax cameras, outdoor pizza ovens and drones at the top of the modern pair’s list."
Toasters, hand mixers, digital picture frames and Nintendo’s Wii Fit games console have been replaced by items such as wine cooling cabinets, Bose speakers and GoPro cameras.
"Curved TVs are now the most extravagant items on wedding gift lists. The most expensive model requested has been £3 000," the spokesperson said. "Lists are also increasing in value, with some couples including gift selections worth £22 000."
John Lewis gift list development manager Tasneem Shafiq said: "We are increasingly seeing couples requesting more statement pieces that reflect their personalities 2017 guest lists are likely to feature anything from drones to rubber ducks, as couples who are likely to already be living together opt for the playful over the practical."