Tesco launches wedding gift registry as couples ditch fine china for toilet roll and bin bags

Tesco has launched a wedding gift registry, as newlyweds say they want more practical presents. 

The service, available on the registry site Prezola, offers couples a range of packages covering everything from everyday essentials to Tesco Finest products.

The bundles have been curated by Married At First Sight expert Mel Shilling and include items like toilet roll, bin bags and toothpaste.

Cost increases mean the average couple now takes a year to pay off their wedding, which could be behind their desire to receive household essentials rather than luxuries.

Research by the supermarket shows that 2 in 5 couples are ditching items typically associated with wish lists, like fine china and furniture, in favour of more practical items.

Nearly half of the engaged or recently married couples Tesco surveyed said this was mainly due to rising living costs.

Just 10 per cent of couples surveyed said they would ask for crockery, and another 10 per cent for towels. Only 8 per cent would add fine china to their list.

A quarter said they’d prefer to be given dinner dates, and 18 per cent said they’d like to have their weekly shop taken care of for a year.

Shilling says: ‘The key to setting up newlyweds for success is creating a foundation for everyday wellbeing and resilience so the romance can flourish. 

‘When the basics are taken care of, couples can prioritise their relationship and focus on creating moments that bring them closer.

‘That’s why the Tesco wedding gift registry is genius. Setting aside expectations around “traditional” wedding gifts, Tesco has listened to what couples today actually want and created something that will help build the foundations of a strong marriage. 

‘Whether that’s a champagne toast to celebrate a win, a cup of tea together in the morning or a home-cooked meal to share – it’s the little things that make a big difference.’

Tesco is offering newlyweds six bundles to choose from until 18 November. 

There’s ‘the really useful stuff’ bundle which covers everyday essentials for six months, including toilet roll, toothpaste, bin bags and bathroom products and will set you back £63.

Shilling adds: ‘Acts of service can go a long way in relationships, little things like making sure that you’re replacing the bin bag when it’s full, or not leaving an empty loo roll for your partner to discover. 

‘Having the basics taken care of can help build the foundations of a relationship, allowing couples more time to focus on each other and get their married life off to a great start.’

Tesco is also offering couples a ‘dine-in date’ bundle, which costs £72, and for the tea-lovers an ‘I love brew’ bundle for £39.

On the pricier end, the ‘toast to love’ bundle, which costs £156, includes six of Tesco’s finest premier champagnes.