Wedding Registry: Everything You Need To Know!
We know that a wedding registry comes with questions, and we’ve got answers. Plus, check out our awesome editable registry guide!
June 16, 2022
So you’ve recently gotten engaged and it’s time to take a break from wedding planning to go SHOPPING!! Well, online shopping for your wedding registry! We know that a registry comes with a lot of questions, and as always, we’re here to help you unpack those! Whether you’ve only got a few etiquette questions or have no idea where to begin, we’ve got you. Plus, we’ve created an awesome don’t-miss-an-item editable registry guide to help you keep track of everything on your registry. Let’s get started!
When to start and complete your registry?
Truth be told, you can start registering for gifts as soon as you get engaged! Most sites will allow you to keep your registry private until you are ready to share it with your guests. Ideally, you should have your registry complete about 4-6 months prior to your wedding. This gives guests ample time to purchase while ensuring that items are not constantly sold-out or on backorder.
What if I don’t want/need a traditional registry?
Depending on your stage of life, you might not need a traditional household registry. If you’ve been living with your significant other for a while, or just have an established household, this could be you! If you don’t need a traditional household registry, you might want to look into money funds.
It is still a little taboo to ask guests for money point-blank but using a fund in your registry is a good compromise! A honeymoon fund is also a great option! Guests can buy you and your fiancé travel tickets, experiences, meals, and more based on what type of trip you plan and your destination!
How many places should you register at?
1-3 places are typically good. It is always a good idea to register at a variety of stores to get a variety of gifts. For example, Bed Bath and Beyond is a good store that will have all the basics, while Pottery Barn will have more decorative and upscale items for entertaining. When deciding on stores, think beyond your current lifestyle and into the future as well. You should choose your stores based on first your needs, followed by your personal style and taste. It is also always a good idea to merge your registries in one place. Check out The Springs Ultimate Registry Guide for a great template to help you keep track!
How much should we register for?
You should register for about twice as many gifts as invited guests. It may feel tacky to you to have such a big wish list, but really, you are graciously giving your friends and family more options to help them avoid being frustrated while shopping. Most stores offer discounts on your remaining items that are not purchased.
When creating this wish list, be sure to involve your partner. This makes the registry yours as a couple and you will get gifts that you’ll both be excited to receive. You can register for anything you want or need, not just fine linens and china. Have your eyes on that awesome KitchenAid Mixer? Add it! Do you and your love enjoy putting together LEGO sets? Ask for some! The sky is the limit when it comes to gifts.
How expensive should the gifts be?
You can go as big or as small as you would like. Typically, it is best practice to have a wide variety of price points. This will help your guests while they are shopping so they are comfortable with their budget. Believe it or not, it is also totally okay to register for some big-ticket items. Some guests might choose to spoil you or split these items as a group gift!
How do I direct guests to my registry?
Include your wedding registry on your website but don’t include it explicitly on your save the dates or invitations. You can also share your registry with close family and friends and have them spread the word for you. If someone asks you where you have registered, that would be an appropriate time to share your registry with them directly.
How do I ensure that I get the items that I truly want and need?
Many sites will let you list your top registry choices – take advantage of this feature! Odds are, there will be some guests who need some direction when it comes to choosing a gift. Having your top picks presented to them makes it that much easier!
Additionally, let’s face it, online shopping doesn’t always live up to the expectations so, know that is okay to return things and no, you don’t need to inform the giver of your exchange. It’s very common actually to end up replacing a handful of gifts that you will be given.
Make thank-you notes a breeze!
As you receive gifts, keep track of who sent you what. It makes writing thank you notes so much easier and more personal when you can mention what was given to you and how you love using it. Writing Thank-You notes right after you receive a gift will help disperse the task, but most guests know that the time period surrounding your wedding is busy. To stay with-in etiquette, all of your thank you cards should be sent out no later than three months after your event.
Liked these tips? We’ve got plenty more where that came from! Let’s get in touch and start planning your wedding together! Click below to get started.
We know that a wedding registry comes with questions, and we’ve got answers. Plus, check out our awesome editable registry guide!
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