I admit, I thought creating a wedding registry would be fun. You get a scanning gun, walk around your favorite stores and ‘pre-buy’ items you like. Well, I had a skewed view! The gift registry has become one of the banes of my existence! But I did learn a few tips in the process, which I’ll share with you now:
Wedding Registry Tip #1: Register for What You Like
It is important to like the items you pick! So pick stores that have products that match your style, or a style you want for your new married life. For example, if you dislike BoHo chic, Pier One might not be the place to register. Of course, there may be a few items on your wish list that feel frivolous, but that’s ok. For me, I feel I will not be able to live without the Kitchenaid Mixer. I have never used one before, but know I will love it!
Wedding Registry Tip #2: Register for What You Need
You feel pressured to register for items you have no interest in. Honestly, stay strong. You’re Aunt Betty may try to convince you that you’ll regret not registering for the $300 a place setting china, but if you’re fairly certain you won’t be hosting formal dinner parties, why bother. And, if you’re guests don’t have the budget to spend $300 on you, you’ll likely end up with 2-3 place settings, which isn’t going to do much for you.
Wedding Registry Tip #3: Be Selective
The books say it is best to register a few places. Figure out what you like at each store and register for items accordingly. Be careful not to register for two bed spreads at separate locations, because you could get both!
Maybe it is because I am getting married at 31, we have lived on our own for years, or that we haven’t finished the first floor of our house, but at this point we have a lot of the basics. I feel a bit guilty registering for nicer items than I own, but what’s a girl to do?
The books also say to register for items at a both a low price point and a high price point. The hardest part is the amount of items to choose. They recommend registering for three times the amount of guests you invite. Honestly, I am trying not to register for items that I won’t use. I can picture all my guests being so generous that I cannot shut my cabinets, which did I mention, are already pretty full!?
Wedding Registry Tip #4: Don’t Register Just to Register
There are plenty of wedding guide recommendations on how many items you should register for, but know your limits. And your house’s storage limits! Like many of my friends, you may be at a point in your life where you don’t need more “stuff”. Keep in mind that it is customary for guests to give a wedding gift. Today, thankfully, there are other options to the traditional gift registry.
Wedding Registry Tip #5: Think Beyond Traditional
You cannot ask for cash, says etiquette, and if you don’t ask for items you could get items you don’t want (and can’t return because there is no gift receipt). Think outside the box. Find a non-traditional place to register like a camping or sporting good store or find a website where guests can contribute to your honeymoon.
Wedding Registry Tip #6: Register Together
Registering isn’t just for brides. Go together to the registry store. Honestly, being together makes everything more fun. I know everyone looks at this item on their ‘to-do’ list differently, but it was so much more fun together! Also, you’re groom has every right to add items to the registry. Perhaps you’re planning some renovations on your new home and your hubby needs a new table saw–a perfectly acceptable wedding registry item.
I would love to say I’ve completed this item on my to-do list, but I feel as though it will never end!! Thankfully, most national stores allow you to edit your registry online in case you think of last minute items, or reconsider items you may have felt pressured to add or thought they were a good idea at the time. I hope my list of tips helps you with your own wedding registry process.
