Registering for your bridal shower and wedding gifts is a fun, yet unique, situation. For most couples, this is probably the first time that all your friends and family want to buy you a gift – and you get to tell them what you’d like. Before you grab the scanners and get started, here are a few tips for you.
What do you really need and want? While it may be tempting to scan with reckless abandon, are you really the type of couple that needs a crystal punch bowl, ice cream machine or chef grade knife set. Think about items that you will really use and scan those.
What do you already have? If you already have more towels than the average hotel, you can probably skip those on the registry. This is your chance to upgrade items you started with and fill in the items you don’t.
Scan together. The wedding registry is not just about the bride! This is a great task to do together and add items you both want. A barbeque set, beer steins, lawn gear and other more manly items are perfect for the groom’s registry too.
Choose multiple price points. Having a range of prices gives your guests options. Make sure you have items under $50 and $100. It’s okay to have larger ticket items too, sometimes work friends like to pool money and purchase one large gift.
Automate your registry. It can be quite helpful to receive updates on what has been purchased. If the registry begins to run low, you can add more items as needed.
Choose online retailers. Guests that are out of town, may still want to send you a gift so having an online option can work to your benefit.
Prefer cash? While you should never directly ask guest to give a cash gift, family and friends can discreetly share that the gift of money can help the couple in setting up their new household.
Where to register? Most couples register at the big chain stores, such as Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Macy’s or Crate & Barrel. If you have a hobby you both enjoy sports equipment stores, wine shops, home improvement chains or other specialty stores may also be appropriate.
When to register? Most attendees of the bridal shower will refer to the wedding registry when selecting a gift. It is a good idea to finish your registry prior to mailing the shower invitations.
Sharing the registry. Wedding etiquette dictates that the couple should not directly inform guests of the registry. Your shower host or maid of honor can let people know where you are registered. It is common to include registry cards with your shower invitation, but not with your wedding invitation.
Keep paperwork. Keep all of your registry paperwork and any gift receipts organized in case an item is damaged or an exchange is necessary.
Be thankful. As with gifts from your wedding, gifts received at your wedding shower need to be acknowledged. Hand written thank you cards should be sent soon after receiving the gift.
No comments:
Post a Comment