Gift Registry

Many couples tend to select bridal gift registries, this helps solve the problem of double-ups. It is also a useful way to let your guests know what you would like to receive.

Most of the larger shopping centers and large department stores have a gift registry, and you can even find them on the internet.

The registered gifts are often things you don’t have or want to update, or perhaps things you may not be able to buy for yourselves or for your new home.

Many couples already live together before marrying, and may own a lot of the basics which are traditionally given as wedding gifts.

When you register don’t forget to ask the registry for their printed cards to include with your invitations.

Plan The Gift Registry List

Both of you should be involved in drawing up the list. It is important that you agree to what goes on the list. Start planning your list well in advance of the wedding, as it takes a lot of time and thought to get it right.

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Start by taking note of what you both already have in your home. If you don’t live together, it will be combining the two household items into one. Go room by room and make a note of all things that you own, it is time consuming, but worth the effort.

When you have done this sit down together and discuss what you want, based on what you don’t have. Could it be that you need new towels because the ones that you have are old and worn, or that you are using mismatched dishes? If you do, you may want to add matching towels, and new dishes to your list.

Finally write a list of items that you want, and a list of what you really don’t want- because it doesn’t fit into your lifestyle or it is an item you will never use. By doing this you will be in control when shopping at the registry and not be tempted just to add any old item to the list.

The items at most gift registries are listed individually and should be in a broad price range to cater for a variety of pockets.

Gifts For All Budgets

Do include the bigger items, because a group of friends or family members may wish to pool their money and purchase a more expensive gift. But do remember this is a wish list.

It is also important to include items in a lower price range, so that gifts can be purchased by individuals. List more items than guest so that guests aren’t restricted in choice if they buy a gift later than every-one else.

Wishing Wells

A wishing well allows your family and friends to give either a gift or money, to help start your new life together.

How To Let Your Guests Know About the Bridal Gift Registry

When you have selected a bridal gift registry, your guests should be sent a note which could be included in the invitation, but if you feel uncomfortable doing this, a nicer way is to have your bridesmaid send a note to all your guests soon after the invitations have been sent.

The note should have the details of where the bridal gift registry is with a contact phone number, or an internet address so that they can purchase items. The guests are not obliged to purchase here, but it is a good guide and helps them with the choice of selecting a gift for you.

Questions You May Have

Q. What is a bridal gift registry?

A. A bridal gift registry is a useful way to let your guest know what you would like to receive.

Q. Is it rude to ask for a wishing well rather than gifts?

A. Situations can vary from couple to couple, and it may not be practical to receive large gifts, especially if you move around a lot. But do remember some people can be put off by giving money, so I think that it would be best to give the option of both.

Q. How do we let our guest know that we have a gift registry?

A. When you register at the store ask for their printed cards to include with your invitations. If you feel that including them with your invitation is not the polite way, have your bridesmaid send them out for you on your behalf soon after the invitations have been posted.

Q. When do I begin to organize my gift registry?

A. It is important to organize this at least six months before the wedding. Try not to do it earlier as some stock may become discontinued or sold out before your guest have a chance to look at it.

Q. What can I include on the gift registry?

A. You can ask for just about any thing that you need. Just make sure that your list has a variety of items in different price ranges, and always have more registered gifts than guests. You could register for home wares, camping gear, gardening supplies or electronics and much more.

Q. As a guest how much am I expected to pay for a gift?

A. This should be up to you, only spend what you can afford, remember it is the thought that counts.

Q. A good friend of mine is soon to be married for the fourth time. Should the gifts be the same as a first marriage?

A. Getting married for a third, fourth or more times is just as special as a first marriage. A gift need not be expensive or extravagant, it can be meaningful. After all the gift is about giving, not how many, how big or how much.

Q. What do you buy a couple who has everything?

A. Give them something that they have an interest in, try a gift voucher, travel tickets, crystal or something unique - you may have to do some research on the internet, but there are some very unique gift ideas out there for instance, Name a star.

Q. My partner and I have lived together for years and are soon to get married and we have everything. What gifts can we ask for?

A. Why not arrange a honeymoon registry? Companies enable guests to make contributions for your trip.