Before you pull the trigger on that scan-gun, you need to get organized. A checklist for what you need to register, divided up by which room in your house or purpose, is best. You can make your own, or find one on line. TheKnot has an editable checklist online which is helpful to use, or you can view it as a template and create your own. TheKnot also has real couples’ registries that you can view and get ideas.
There are many different styles of registries, based on different decorative tastes and priorities in mind. Styles range from modern, traditional, elegant and eclectic; where functions can be focused on cooking, entertaining guests, or renovations. You and your groom may even have different ideas in mind as to which of these categories you two will fall into. The trick is to remember the home will be home to both of you, and divvy the registry and decor accordingly.
Don’t forget that going into the store and going crazy with a scanner is not your only option. Doing your registry online is becoming more and more common, and has it’s advantages. As much as you may want to go to the store in person and pick your patterns, etc., cyber-registry gives you the opportunity to pick items that match your patterns and schemes that may not be in stock at the store, not to mention being easier to keep track of as you choose your items. Either way you register, you’re able to view and edit your registry online, so don’t hesitate.
Important Things To Take Into Consideration In Registering:
1. Register At Places That Will Be Accessible To Your Guests. As much as you love the unique nature of your favorite home decor boutique in your town, it’s important that you register in stores that are accessible to even your out-of-town guests, and not exclusively by internet. This is why Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target, and Macy’s have been such popular choices. No one said that you could only choose one (as a matter of fact you should choose a few), so you can register at a few of those nation-wide places and then the boutique for your in-town guests who know it’s what you love most. Register for appliances and all basic home needs with Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel (or your other accessible stores), and then select your favorite decorative pieces from the boutique, then it’s win-win.
2. Register For More Than You Think You Need. You may feel it’s presumptuous, but most guests won’t be taking a tally of how many items you have on your registry or feel the pressure to make sure it’s all purchased; most guests are more likely to get frustrated if they can’t find something on the list that is something they would like to give you as a gift, and in their price range. Sounds silly that they want to find something that is their taste to give as a gift, but everyone likes to give a gift they are proud of. Make sure you give plenty of options so they can find something they are proud to present to you, which brings me to the next important thing to consider...
3. Keep In Mind The Varying Budgets of Gift-Givers. You will most likely have guests with all different kinds of budgets in mind for your wedding gifts, so it’s important to register accordingly. If you only register for a few gifts under $50 then they will feel pressured and guilty. If one of those gifts is a $45 stainless steel set of measuring spoons, they will most likely feel silly giving that to you as your wedding gift, even though it costed the amount they had to spend for a gift. Put plenty of low-cost items in your registry, just as many in the mid-range cost (usually $50-$150), and then be a little more sparing with the items that are over $150 or $200. Yes, you can register for that flatscreen TV and hope someone will get it for you, but let those big-ticket-items be the exception, not the rule.
4. Include Items That Represent You As A Couple. Whether it’s all the necessities for a game night, or a tent for your outdoor excursions, DO IT. Some websites allow you to register for your guests to pay for activities on your honeymoon. This is becoming increasingly more common, and many people jump on the opportunity to contribute to great memories on your honeymoon, by purchasing your scuba-diving venture, candlelit dinner on the beach, etc. Just make sure that this isn’t your exclusive registry, because many people still want to buy you a tangible gift for your home.
5. Weigh Your Options. This is your opportunity to get things that you maybe won’t be buying for yourself for a while. Make sure you add the popular kitchen favorite, a food processor, which cuts significant amounts of prep time for the enthusiastic chef, and makes for less time in the kitchen for the less-enthused chef. Other things to consider: serving platters, the coffee connoisseurs’ grind and brew coffee machine, and even holiday decorations (they add up when you’re buying them for your household for the first time).
Okay, so you’ve made your list, checked it twice (or many, many more times than that), and you’ve registered. A few important notes to maintain proper etiquette when sharing your registries with guests:
-Don’t Over-Emphasize Your Registry-
Yes, ideally, after you picked out all of the things you wanted in your house for your new life together, people would all purchase from that pool of gifts. Some will honor your registry, and most will try to study/know your taste and stick to that. A few will most likely get you things that they like, that are opposite your taste. Some will get you a blender, not the one on your registry, but their favorite brand, and some will give you personal or religious gifts. Be prepared for that. What you shouldn’t do is request gifts from your registry only, or try to request monetary gifts only.
-Do Not Mention Your Registry On Wedding Stationery-
Neither on your invitation nor your save-the-date is it appropriate to mention your registries. You should, however, list the URL for the wedding website on the save-the-date and even in the invitation package (if desired), and post the registry information on the wedding website. It’s also perfectly acceptable to print it on the wedding/bridal shower invitation, and have friends and family pass the word along.
Thanks for sharing the do's and do not's on selecting the wedding gift registries. This was helpful for me to pick the appropriate wedding gift for the couples.
ReplyDeleteThanks wedding planning apps