Wedding Etiquette about Registering for Gifts

Articles on Weddings | Topics: weddings, wedding

by Gerald Wilkins

It may seem strange to many people, yet one of the most daunting tasks in all of wedding planning is the gift registry and what you really want. Considering that there are now two of you, finding just the right things to receive that will appease both of you can raise hairs and draw much discussion. This is why there are registries in the first place, it makes it easy on you to decide and even easier for your guests to find what it is you will like.

So all the invitations are sent and people are now telling you they will be attending your wedding. They are probably asking you what you want and need and you have to tell them. If you don't want to receive four plate sets, nine toasters, and twelve of the same knife and sheet sets you might want to consider registering for your wedding presents. This will allow the guests or anyone else to walk into the store or stores you have chosen or look on line to see what you need and want and what is already been purchased. This way you don't have to repeat your self four hundred times and won't get the same gift six times.

To let everyone know that you are registered and where, you might want to drop copies of your registration card or cards with the store name, phone number, and web address in the mail. Do this separate from your invitations and once you have received all you RSVP from everyone. Make sure the deadline people had to respond has passed and then send out quick thank you for replying with the registry cards inside. This may seem forward to some, but it is much easier on the guests if they know what to buy you and that you will use it and love it. It can also make gift buying easy for the people who are extremely busy. It is hard to go shopping when you have a spouse, kids, and a job. So many people will now be able to go online and buy from the comfort of their home or pick from your list and make one quick stop at the store. This makes everyone's life easier and everyone will be thankful.

Historical Quote

The wedding was a quiet affair, and when called upon to enjoy my promotion from lodger to lover did I experience only bitterness and distaste? No.

—Vladimir Nabokov (1899–1977)

What you will want to do is sit down with your fiancé and figure out what you both want and need. The gifts you choose should be for both of you or for your home not individual things one of you may want. Once you both have decided what you need and want it is time to figure out where. There are two major options to choose from, go into the actual store or register online. Even if you take the option of registering at stores personally as a couple, you will still be able to check what is going on online. Your guests, friends and families will also be able to shop either in the store or online as well. If you have many out of town guests coming to your wedding make sure you register at stores that are large and in most areas. Large department stores like J.C. Penney and Sears are in every state and have all the home needs one can think of. If everyone is local you can consider several stores that are in your area to give a wider variety to choose from.

One tip for registering is to only put down a few very expensive items. Make things price friendly for your guests. The gift they bring to you is supposed to be a gesture of their friendship but not break them financially. Most people need house ware, kitchenware, bed and bathroom sets. It depends on what you already have and what you want to replace.

Many people will go ahead and put some non-traditional gift ideas down as well, if they already have most everything they need. Gift certificates to their favorite restaurant or local store are great ideas. A gift certificate to a day spa or a weekend stay at a local bed and breakfast is always original and good ideas too. Don't be afraid to tell people what you need. Many people would rather give you money than get you something you will never use.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Wedding Etiquette about Registering for Gifts" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by FamilyBabyKids.com.

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