Register Early
Registering early gives friends and family the chance to buy gifts in advance. If someone is throwing you an engagement party, guests will really appreciate choosing items from registry to bring to the party. Start with a few items and build to the registry throughout the engagement.
Update and Manage Registry
Make sure as the wedding approaches, there are always enough items available for purchase. Be sure there are plenty of gifts in various price ranges. One of the biggest complaints about registries is that they are empty or have too few items available.
Create Multiple Registries
Having more options for your guests makes buying a gift much more convenient. Choose at least one retailer which is accessible to many guests. Register for traditional and trendier options with varying price ranges. But be sure not to register for the same items at different stores.
Inventory
It’s important to take an “inventory” of the things you already have and are keeping, things you have but need an upgrade, things you both need, and things that you want. This will make it much easier when actually going to the store to register.
Consider Short and Long Term Needs
Know yourselves; if you hate to cook and entertain, a crystal serving dish may not be top on your list. However, think about the future and being invited to parties. How lovely would it be to bring an appetizer in that crystal dish to a party in the future? China is on many registries. If you aren't an entertainer and are leaning towards skipping china, think about some colorful stoneware. It’s a great casual alternative to china at a more affordable price. Either way, it’s a good idea to register for 13 place settings because you know someone is going to break a piece throughout the years. Luggage is another popular registry item. Be sure to choose lightweight and durable pieces and collections with a good warranty. High thread count linens are nice to add to the list as well.
Wedding Website
Because it is never appropriate for a bride and groom to ask for gifts, a wedding website is a nice way to discreetly list stores where you've registered. It also gives your guests a place to refer to throughout the engagement. This means no last minute or day of phone calls and/or emails from guests inquiring about wedding details!
Not only are two people being married, but it’s a marriage of your belongings. It’s important to decide on items together so you both can use the gifts in your new life together. Decide on an overall style, theme, and formality of your lifestyle. And don’t bring mom along! In this case, she might not know best.
Modern Approach
Honeymoon Registries are a trendy way to get what you really want…an awesome honeymoon! Websites like HoneyLuna.com and HoneyFund.com are examples of online tools which list details of the honeymoon. These items can include anything from couples spa treatments, to airfare vouchers, to dog care while you’re out of town! Lifestyle registries are also a newer trend. This is a way to receive gifts the two of you really love and are passionate about. For example, if you two love to camp, wouldn't it be nice to register for a high quality tent or new lanterns? Say you’re buying a new house with a deck. Lifestyle registries allow the couple to choose items such as a grill or a handsome chaise lounge for that new deck. Charity is another option for some couples who would rather have guests donate to their favorite charity than receive gifts. Any of these registries are great options for couples who really know what they want and want a modern approach to receiving it. Keep in mind, this is why it is important to have multiple registries because some guests (i.e. Great Aunt Sally) may not feel comfortable buying the non-conventional gifts.
Perks
Look for retailers who offer discounts and perks. One example is something called a completion program. This allows the couple to purchase items still on their registry after the wedding at a discounted rate (10-15% off) for up to a year after the wedding.
Thank Yous
When gifts are received before the wedding, it is suitable to send thank yous within two weeks of the present’s arrival. For gifts which are received on or after the wedding, thank you notes should be mailed within one month of your return from the honeymoon. Although it’s never appropriate to ask for money, if cash is what you really want, tell your parents or a close family member. Word of mouth will come in handy when it comes to money. If a guest wants to give the couple what they really want and need, they will most likely ask the people most close to the couple. When writing thank you notes to guests who have given a cash gift, make sure to mention how you’re planning to use the money. People love to know where their money went!
XO Mindy
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