While the concept of gift registry is catching up fast even in India, it can still be difficult to decide on a good wedding gift for the lucky couple. If a registry does exist, it's always safe to stick to the list to ensure you get the couple something they actually need, rather than something you thought would be good for them. However, if you still do feel you know the best, we've compiled a short list of things to stay away from while deciding their wedding gift.Fresh flowers / fruit baskets

While it's extremely common to gift bouquets at engagement or wedding ceremonies, do take a moment to step back and think about it. The couple themselves are too busy during the days of celebrations to sit back and appreciate the gift you got them, and by the time they actually do get some time to breathe, all they'll be left with are rotting flowers from you. Or worse, fruits or food items that have gone bad. It's a lot of money and prettiness that goes to waste without being appreciated, and more often than not ends up being left behind at the venue or given away quickly.

Yes, I know it's tempting. You ended up with a pretty ugly vase or dinner set, or a china-doll that feels a little too creepy to display, or maybe you just don't have any space in your cramped house in Mumbai. But before you re-wrap that gift and decide to pass it on, just think about how you felt opening it to begin with. Gifts are a blessing from you to the happy couple, an indication of your wishes to them, do you really want that to be a hand-me-down? Nobody likes to receive unwanted gifts, or gifts showing traces of re-packing or use. Be original, and put in a bit of thought into your wedding gift!

Religion is a very personal belief, and just because religious idols or Pooja thalis seem pretty and acceptable to give, they might not be the best gifts unless you are very sure of the couple's beliefs. Moreover, religious gifts become difficult to refuse or pack away keeping in mind people's sentimentalities. Best to steer clear of this area to ensure no awkwardness when the gifts are opened.

Art again is a personal choice, one that can vary significantly from person-to-person. What is beautiful to you, may not be as meaningful to another, and may end up as an item to store away somewhere. Unless you know about the couple's choice in art, or know of their favourite artist and manage to get your hands on an original / replica, it might be safe to stay away from gifting any paintings on their wedding.

This is something we can't stress enough. Be aware of the couple's expected lifestyle post marriage. Are they moving to another city? Will they be staying in a big house, or a small apartment? Is it already furnished? A big gift at the end of the day requires space and is difficult to transport, so make sure the couple has the requirement and the ability to use that gift. If the house is already fully furnished, appliances may end up duplicated. Huge show pieces for a small apartment will end up as a huge headache for the couple. And nobody manages to take big gifts with them while moving out of the country.

So the next time you're invited to a wedding, be a little considerate and put yourself in the couple-to-be's shoes before you decide what to gift them. After all, your gift is supposed to be something they cherish, not something they have nightmares about!