Now that you’re engaged, it’s time for the planning to begin! Choosing your gown, reception venue, cake, invitations and flowers are obvious tasks, but there’s another important thing you have to do: register for gifts! Several department stores, travel agencies and even hardware stores offer a registry service free of charge, and registering is a great way to offer guests worry-free shopping and guarantee you’ll get exactly what you need for you and your mister’s new life together.
How it Works
A traditional registry lists your tableware, crystal and flatware choices, detailing pattern names, brand names and colour preferences. Nowadays registries aren’t just for tableware, but also for furniture, home electronics, art and even vacations! Registries can be especially helpful in avoiding repeat gifts: the store keeps a record of purchases as they are made. Your registry also keeps a record of which gift each guest bought, simplifying the job of writing your thank-you notes.
Registry Dos and Don’ts
Do register! Even if you’re having a small wedding, your guests may still have a difficult time choosing your gifts. And when you and your groom already live together guests are even more at a loss. Registering will not only help out your guests but will ensure you don’t get any repeat gifts.
Do register at more than one store. This will give guests more gift choices and price options. Choose stores that show a genuine interest in helping you, and become familiar with their policies and services regarding wedding gift purchases. For out-of-town guests, select a registry with locations in those areas, or one that offers online shopping or a toll-free telephone line.
Don’t feel uncomfortable about opening a registry. They’re an established tradition and a convenience guests can use or not. Registries show consideration for guests’ time and budget, and help them avoid the stress of choosing an appropriate gift.
Do give yourself plenty of time to register. Don't think you can register during your lunch hour! Make an appointment in advance, bring your mister and spend as long as it takes at the store. Most registries have a registry consultant who is trained to assist you in making your selections, and he or she will suggest items you might not have considered or help fill in the gaps with things you found inessential during your single life.
Do get a registry consultant. Registry consultants help you select gifts for your registry and are especially helpful when you plan to register for tableware. You should discuss the number of place settings you need, as it’s better to have one of your sets completed so it can be used (for example, eight dinnerware place settings), rather than a hodgepodge of incomplete sets. Consultants will also help make sure there are items at a variety of prices.
Don’t keep your registry a secret! You’ve made gift choosing easier for your guests; now let them take advantage of it. Your consultant, family members and bridal party can help spread the word. Some stores will send letters to your respective parents, supplying them with the pertinent information. Make sure your families and bridal party members understand how the registry works, and give them the store’s name and telephone number, plus your consultant’s name. While it isn’t considered correct to include registry information on your wedding invitations, it is perfectly acceptable for shower invitations.
Do open your registry early in your planning. Start at least six months to a year before your wedding date. Many registry services offer a post-wedding service to help complete your registry if you don’t receive all the items on your list. This service carries over items from your wedding registry and lets you add anything else you want to your special list. These registries can then be used for baby showers, birthdays or other celebrations.
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