Every time you attend a wedding, you are faced with a common dilemma: what should you give the bride and groom as a gift? Weddings are a very special occasion in any couple's life, therefore, there is a huge amount of pressure for the guests in giving a gift that is nearly as special as the occasion itself. One can either get it just right or very wrong. Here are some of our top rules to give a wedding present that is guaranteed to be a hit.

Most brides would like a wedding gift that comes from the wedding registry they have created, and more and more couples are registered with at least one store or website.

Check online or ask them where they have registered. Many couples even have a website just for their wedding, complete with a link to where they are registered. Often you will find that stores try to make it as convenient as possible by allowing you to view registries online as well as visiting in person. A couple establishes a wedding registry for a reason, and by sticking to it, you ensure that the gift you choose is one they actually want.

Unlike the past, modern couples are looking for new twists on traditional gifts, and some of the gifts that are most sought after are from the dining, bedding, bath and kitchen departments.

For a luxurious bath and bedroom, look for gifts that will turn their home into a hotel and spa every day when they get up in the morning. Consider gifts in a trio along a similar theme. One example is a set of pillows, high quality hotel-style towels and a luxurious down comforter.

When it comes to entertaining, couples take a great deal of pride in their first parties, so a great choice is a set of dishes and flatware that can be used for multiple occasions, whether an intimate dinner party or big family barbecue.

Lots of people fancy themselves a gourmand now and a wedding is the perfect opportunity for a couple to give their kitchen an upgrade with new appliances. Look for gear that is state-of-the-art as well as cookware that not only is functional but looks great on the counter or on a shelf as well. Silver and Pewter Gifts have a huge selection of great entertainment gifts which is bound to be a hit.

Some people believe you should use the cost per plate as a guideline on how much you should spend for a wedding gift, however, that isn't always wise. Would you give your best friend a gift that was less expensive than a coworker just because her wedding was a casual, backyard affair? You should spend an amount that is appropriate for the kind of relationship you have with the couple, as well as the city that they live in. While a distant friend or coworker might be expecting a gift that ranges from $50-75, the amount may be twice that if they live in a metro or urban area.

Married couples were surveyed on possible gifts and an overwhelming favourite was big-ticket gifts that have been bought by a group of friends. This makes perfect sense, often these luxurious gifts are out of the budget to give alone. If a couple has a gift selected on their registry that is too expensive for a single person, consider asking a few other guests to chip in and buy it together. It is also a touching idea if the bridal party get together to buy a dream gift for the couple.

With how easy it has become to buy and ship gifts online, there is no excuse to delay. Your gift should be delivered to the couple within 2 months of their wedding. And even if you are excited to see their reaction, don't bring the gift to the wedding itself. The couple will end up having to carry it around, and it may even become damaged. It is easier for everyone involved to ship the gift directly to them.