Dos and Don'ts of Your Registry

Don’t forget the groom

If your groom isn’t really the shopping type, be sure to ask him what he would like to be added on the registry. This can be anything from tools and outdoor needs to bar pieces and hobby trinkets. After all, he is part of this day, too!

Set up your register early

The moment you announce your engagement there will be two questions. Well, there will be more than two questions, but for what it’s worth – the number one is when is the wedding going to be. Next family will want to send gifts. It’s never too early to get your registry started.

Don’t go by yourself

If your fiancé is for it, take them – hands down! But, if you are going to be on your own, take a friend or family member along. Going through all the stores, remembering what was scanned where and what is left on your list is a big task for one person. Remember that it is your registry, though. If you really don’t like that rooster cookie jar – don’t let your aunt scan it.

Register your lifestyle

The purpose of a wedding registry is to help you and your future spouse build a life together without the extra expenses. So be sure to account for more than just the home décor and the kitchen gadgets. Are you and outdoors couple? How about tents, a hammock, or camping gear? If you are a foodie, maybe asking for more specific items like an avocado scooper or a pineapple slicer will be on your list.

Sometimes couples have been together for years and have already started their life together. So what do you ask for then? A popular trend is a honeymoon registry. This will be a way for your friends and family to give a gift you are going to use. Set up an account where guests can pitch in for that scuba diving lesson or that couple’s massage.

Don’t register at too many stores

This is a great tip to keep the stress down during your registry. You don’t have to go to every store under the sun. Select two or three places, keeping in mind your out-of-town guests. Make the gift buying as convenient as possible by registering with at least one major department store that has a website. This makes it easy for everyone to access what you want.

Register items at many price ranges

Not everyone can afford that Kitchen Aide mixer you’ve been dreaming about, or that sofa that would be perfect for your new home together. Many wedding planners suggests “a third of your items should be under $50, a third from $50-$150, and the rest $150 and up.” If you’re debating whether or not some items are too expensive to put on the list – think of your guests. Chances are, if you think it’s too pricey, so will they.

Don’t keep gifts you don’t want

This may seem silly to mention, but a lot of couples feel obligated to keep things they don’t want because family and friends gifted the items to them. IT’S OKAY! Seriously. If you aren’t going to use it, there is no use having it sit in a box in your basement.

Say thank you and be specific

Emails and calls don’t count! There is something special about hand-written cards today that make the thank you so much more. Send out your thank yous fast and be specific. Tell your second cousin Margaret that you adored that gravy bowl and can’t wait to use it at Thanksgiving. Or mention to your uncle Ben that you’re going to be saving that cash for a honeymoon excursion. Be personable. Be prompt. It will matter a lot to those who receive the note.