Invitation Wording

• "Always remember: No dictating to guests what they 'must' select for you. It's a guests prerogative to choose," says Peggy Post, author of "Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette." The wish list should be suggestions of what you might like, rather than what they are expected to buy. Keep your invitation wording light and fun by making your wish list a theme. Depending on the occasion, a garden shower, tool party, or personal shower are easy gift idea themes. In addition, to keep your guests from feeling bombarded with a list, create a simple website for the celebration and reference guests to the party website on your invitation. On the website guests will be able to R.S.V.P. and see your wish list or registry.
  
  

Wish List

• Make shopping for your gifts easy and categorize your wish list by stores. Be sure to choose large stores that are available in many cities if you have out-of-town guests attending your celebration. Gift cards are a great item to add on your wish list, but avoid asking for cash. This can appear greedy and classless. Because weddings are a common occasion to receive cash, have friends and relatives pass on the word that a check would be a great way to help you and your significant other save up for a certain item.
  
  

Price

• Vary the prices of gifts on your wish list. "Just as guests have varying budgets, so your list should contain items in different price ranges. It's the courteous thing to do," says Post. It can be off-putting to ask for items way over the price your guest wants to pay. In the same token, don't short yourself an expensive gift someone might want to splurge on.
  
  

Needs and Wants

• Choose items you would not buy yourself. With that in mind, try to pick gift ideas for your wish list that you truly need. Post suggests thinking of your day-to-day lifestyle. For a wedding, decide if you lead a more casual or formal lifestyle. This will help you decide on a variety of options at hand. For another celebration, choose gifts tailored to your life. After you have thought of items you need, add a few wants. For someone who loves all-things cupcakes, include cupcake items on your list. For a new mom designing her baby room in giraffes, add that giant stuffed giraffe to your list.