Registering for your wedding is not only useful to you and your groom (who needs 10 waffle irons?), but also for your guests, who can often be stumped trying to choose the perfect gift. However, registry etiquette can be a bit tricky. The last thing you want is to come across as rude and offend any guests with your wish list. Here are some helpful tips to get you started.
1. Do not include registry information on your wedding invitation.This may seem like the right thing to do but can offend guests and make them feel there is more emphasis on the gift than on joining you on your special day. It’s best to leave this to word of mouth. Your guests will ask you personally where you have registered or check with someone close to you.
2. Leave the choice of gifts to your guests. Some guests may choose not to purchase something off a registry, which is their choice and can often lead to a great surprise.
3. Register for gifts in a variety of price ranges. Every guest will have a different budget, and some may decide to pool together for a more expensive gift, so be sure your guests have lots to choose from.
4. Monitor your registry. Most guests purchase gifts in the week or two before the wedding. Check to make sure there are still gifts in various price ranges, since the lower-priced gifts usually go first; then add if necessary.
5. Register at more than one place to make it convenient for all guests. Some guests may be from out of town and can’t make it to a certain store you have chosen, or some may be elderly and not comfortable with shopping online. Be sure to provide a variety of options.
6. If you would like to receive monetary gifts, leave it up to your family or close friends tell others. Or if asked, you could say you are saving to purchase item X and you would be thrilled to receive something to put towards it.
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Posted by Marin on June 24, 2010 at 2:09 p.m.
I love number 5. We went this route but I think that you should also mention that registering at a bunch of stores is inefficient and tacky (when it comes to listing them down for guests who ask, family, etc). We knew that we wanted items from different stores (Bloomies, Williams Sonoma, Jonathan Adler and 7 Hopes United) along with a honeymoon fund which is why we went with myregistry.com. People should definitely look into consolidating their gift registries into one convenient location for their guests. Luckily, Williams Sonoma is easily uploaded on our main registry so older relatives like my Grammy can visit their in-store location! :)
Posted by Lana on June 24, 2010 at 3:13 p.m.
We're using Wishpot to consolidate our registry. My mom thinks this is an amazing idea since people can buy the item from anywhere and still buy off the registry.
Posted by patricia on September 22, 2010 at 9:35 p.m.
what is the etiquette on having a bridal shower if you are a common-law couple?
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