Q. What is a wedding registry?
A. A wedding registry is a complimentary service offered by retailers (from department stores to specialty shops) to engaged couples. Essentially, it’s a worry-free way of helping your guests take the uncertainty out of gift selection. Today all couples have the option of opening a registry, now viewed as a “wish list.”
Many stores with wedding gift registries have a consultant who can help you fine-tune your registry list. They can assist in selecting items and suggest ways to make selections, which appeal to guests of varying budgets. The registry records your wishes, listing specifics such as colours and patterns, then keeps track of purchases to avoid gift duplications. The registry also provides you with a record of your gifts, simplifying the task of writing your thank-you notes.
Q. How do I find the registry that’s right for me?
A. You can browse through the many helpful pages of Weddingbellsand note the retailers offering a wedding registry service. Or, check out the local vendors section on our website for a list of stores that carry wedding registries in your area. Make sure to select places that carry a selection of merchandise with a range of prices. You may register at more than one store, depending on your needs. If you register for the same item at two or more stores, remember to alert the other(s) when a guest purchases a gift at one; that item should be removed from the other lists to avoid duplication.
Q. When should I register?
A. You should open your registry six months to one year before your wedding date; it may be helpful to people purchasing gifts not only for your wedding, but also for birthdays, special holidays and showers. To register, avoid arriving unannounced on a Saturday, usually a store’s busiest day. Most stores prefer you book an appointment in advance with their consultant, in order for them to provide personalized service and maximize your time once you’re in the store.
Q. How do I spread the word that I’m registered?
A. First, take advantage of any cards or other handouts provided by your registry service, listing the name and phone number of the store and the consultant. Keep some handy in your purse or wallet and near the telephone.
Your families and close friends (members of the bridal party, especially) will be asked if you’ve registered, so supply them with all the pertinent information. Ensure your mother and your fiancé’s mother have all the details for your registry; they are likely to receive the most requests for this information.
Q. What should I register for?
A. In a word—anything. Traditionally, couples register for dinnerware, crystal and silverware; it’s also common to register for linen, cookware and small appliances.
Prioritize your lists before meeting with the registry consultant. It’s preferable to have one group of selections completed (for example, all your dinnerware place settings) than to have an assortment of incomplete sets. Make sure there are items at a variety of prices, and tell the consultant you’d be delighted to receive components of selected items; for example, instead of a five-piece place setting, guests could choose a three-piece setting at a lower cost. Take into consideration the size of your wedding; for the average wedding of about 160 guests, consider registering for two sets of tableware, stemware, flatware and bar ware (one set for everyday use and one for formal occasions).
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