One of the most fun parts of getting married is registering!!!! Well, of course there is marrying your soulmate, but getting presents is the next best thing! :) Today registeries get really fun and can go beyond just your practical blenders, place settings, and silverware. Some handy wedding registry tips for brides include:
- Time it right: It is completely acceptable to register as soon as you get engaged. This is great for guests who would like to purchase a gift for any prewedding celebration -- engagement parties, showers, brunches -- or for people who’d just like to send something as a token of their congratulations.
- Be true to thyself: If you're not a big cook, register for gifts that you're going to enjoy. If you're a camper, register for camping gear. A bookworm, register for books for your home library. Don't feel as if you have to register for the typical items. Be creative because you're going to be receiving them!
- Take stock: See what you have already and see what you're in need of. If you've lived together and have all your needed items, see what needs to be replaced or register for fun gifts you wouldn't buy for yourself like that fun Ice Cream Maker or Espresso Machine.
- Choose more than one spot: Don't keep your registry confined. Choose 3-4 sites for your guests to choose from. One spot may be one of their favorite place to shop or somewhere they've never been. For each store choice, choose it based on what they have that you're wanting to register for. Macy's for your china, Pottery Barn for everyday dishwear, Crate and Barrell for fun home accessories, just to name a few.
- Do it together: Don't go by yourself, because he's gonna be looking at it forever too and he needs his input. Determining what you're going to eat on is one of your many compromises that you'll be making in your married life.
- Over register: You may think you've got way too much, but you never know what kind of buying mood your guests may be in and you want to make sure there's enough items on your registery. You don't want your guests resorting to choosing their own items that you definitely don't need.
- Think outside the box: If you have a lot of items already, sign up for a honeymoon registry where your guests can pay for fun things for your honeymoon. For instance, a romantic massage for two, a fun excursion, or a candlelit dinner.
- Let your guests know: Etiquette is known that telling your guests where you're registered on your wedding invite is a big NO NO! But it is okay on your bridal shower invites, wedding websites, and passing by mouth for guests to know.
- Be gracious: Your guests may not have gotten it right on their gift, but it's the thought that counts. And if you already have it, or it didn't quite fit, you can always return for cash or exchange it for something you need.
I hope these tips will help you and your fiance' in your trip to the stores! Get your registry guns ready and scan, scan, scan!
Mary Alice Sublett
Amber Housley
Leigh Hosek
Stephanie Mahoney
Kerren Barker
Jessica Vantrease
