The Facts About Wedding Registries

During my time as a bridal consultant, I was often asked questions regarding setting up registries. “It’s supposed to be so simple,” the brides would complain. But anyone who has ever tried to set up a registry knows that it’s not as easy as one may think. While the steps in registering are ultimately the same – decide on the stores, create the registry, select the items and pass the info on to your guests, the reality of it all can be a little overwhelming.

You probably already know where most people on your guest list tend to shop for wedding gifts. But if you don’t, or you want to stray from the norm, consider choosing something that’s likely to be present wherever your guests may be. It’s common for a couple to register at two stores – sometimes more – to offer not only themselves, but their guests, options when it comes to buying from the registry. Make sure that you know the store policies on your registry, as not all stores are created equal, and should you go to return or exchange an item, you could find yourself with a headache instead!

A lot of brides worry about the number of gifts on their registry, or the prices. However, you should try to include anywhere from two to four gifts per guest – giving your guests options and keeping them from feeling forced to purchase something that they may not want to buy. This also helps to cut down on the number of people who may stray from the registry to guess what else you might like to get. As for prices, try not to go too outrageous, but don’t worry if you have higher-priced items on your registry. It’s not uncommon for guests to come together to purchase bigger items on the list, or for one guest to purchase several of the more inexpensive items.

Since many couples choose to live together before their wedding, they often have all of the items they need to build their home. Instead of a standard registry in these cases, honeymoon registries are available (usually through a consultant or travel agent), giving guests the opportunity to contribute toward honeymoon costs. Another option that many couples are turning to is charity. Instead of registering for gifts or for their honeymoon, couples let their guests know that donations should be made to the couple’s favorite charity. Couples who choose this option often still receive gifts from guests, and are sure to receive a thank you from the charity as well!

Unsure when to register? No matter what family members may tell you, never start registering earlier than four months before your wedding. This cuts down on the possibility of discontinuation of products you’ve selected, but still gives your guests plenty of time to shop before the big day. But please! Keep the registry information out of your wedding invitations. Shower invitations and wedding websites can include this, but guests tend to be a bit off-put by the inclusion of registry information on wedding invites.

Many retailers offer bonuses for wedding registries, such as discounts for the happy couple on items on their registry. If you didn’t get that one ‘must-have’ item, your store of choice might give it to you at a discounted price. Retailers also offer online viewing of registries. This is great for guests who may live farther away or friends unable to attend.

And there’s even more good news for couples! Many registries stay active for up to a year – allowing friends and family to use wedding registry items for birthdays and other holidays!