h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

1. Ignoring the wedding list lock, stock and barrel ensures that you won't end up with duplicate gifts and as an added bonus you can buy the couple a wonderfuly original gift rather than any boring old tripe like a taoster or microwave oven.

2. A good tip for women who were overlooked for a choice position as bridesmaid or maiden of honour can reap revenge by deliberatly buying the same present as one of the cows who was included in the bridal party and then tearfully confiding in the bride that the object of her hatred had sworn to her that she was going to buy something else and planned it all to humiliate her in front of the bride.

3. Well made fakes or forgeries of expensive consumer goods can be obtained with great ease in the age of the internet and are more convincing in their accuracy than ever, a definite money-saving idea if you're a little strapped for cash.

4. Never underestimate the effectiveness of swapping the tags round on gifts if there is no formal list and the presents are simply heaped together on a table in the corner, just remember that whoever complains has to face the ignominity of kicking off at a friend or relative's wedding reception and being blacklisted as a result.