Compiling a wedding list is a quite recent idea.
The idea was thought in 1901 by a porcelain shop clerk in Rochester.
It’s common in Italy to make a wedding list because it’s practical. Newlyweds don’t receive doubles or gifts they don’t like and because it aids the guest to choose the right gift.
The wedding list is not meant to oblige the guest to go for a particular gift, at the contrary, it should aid the decision of those that don’t know well the preferences and the needs of the newly-weds, so that they can make the most pleasant and appropriate gift.
You can break down your wedding list in small parts so that everyone can pick up one or more items depending on their budgets.
It’s common tradition showing the gifts received at the brides’ house on a table with a flanders tablecloth.