Home improvement chain allows couples to create their own page, inviting guests to pledge money towards DIY projects, rather than buy gifts.
The launch follows a report from market research expert Mintel, which reveals that couples are increasingly shunning expensive department stores and gift lists featuring traditional dinner and cutlery sets.

With B&Q's new service, couples are able to create their own customised page online, with pictures and details of home improvement projects that their guests will be contributing to, from individual household items to renovating a kitchen or bathroom. Guests can then pledge money towards the project, with the total loaded onto 'his & hers' gift cards.

This new style of list is likely to become quite popular in coming years, says B&Q, as Mintel also revealed that the long-standing taboo of giving money as a gift is now starting to erode.

B&Q business service manager Arun Glendenning said: "With more couples already living together before marriage, many newlyweds are saving for something big, such as a home renovation project. B&Q's wedding list service takes the concept of giving wedding gifts back to its traditional roots of providing newlyweds with a helping hand to create a home together."

The most popular gifts currently found on wedding lists include formal dinnerware, pots and pans, toaster, kettle, bedding and picture frames. However, B&Q predicts that power tools, a garden shed, garden furniture and lighting could soon be the gifts topping a modern wedding list.