How To Create A Wedding Registry With Help

Creating a wedding registry is a fun part of the wedding planning process, but it can be tricky to know where to start. Wedding registries are curated lists of presents that engaged couples create to guide their guests when it comes to gifting for the big day. It's considered good etiquette to include a mix of gifts at different price points, so there's something for everyone. It's also a good idea to start your registry early, so your loved ones can start showering you with gifts as soon as they hear about your engagement. While it's still considered taboo to ask for money, many couples now register for stocks or set up a honeymoon fund. You can also get creative and ask for donations to a charity, experiences, or contributions to a down payment on a house.

What to include in a wedding registry

Wedding registries have traditionally included items like bed sheets, dinnerware, and home decor. However, modern couples are increasingly opting for non-physical gifts, such as cash funds for their honeymoon or home down payment, or donations to a charity.

Dining and Entertainment

• Coffee creamer and sugar dishware
• Serving bowls and trays
• Cheese board and knives
• Barware
• Bakeware
• Cookware
• Food storage containers
• Stand mixer attachments
• 5-piece flatware sets (6 to 12)
• Butter dish and knife
• Cereal or soup bowls (6 to 12)
• Coffee or tea mugs (6 to 8)
• Creamer and sugar bowl set
• Dinner plates (6 to 12)
• Red and white wine glasses (12-14)
• Salad or dessert plates (6 to 12)
• Salt and pepper shakers
• Serving bowls and platters

Home and Decor

• Curtains
• Frames
• Rugs
• Throw pillows
• Storage and organizing essentials
• Bathroom towels and accessories
• Bedroom linens
• Furniture

Outdoor Living

• Lounge chairs or chaises
• Patio table and chairs
• Grill and barbeque tools

Lifestyle

• Travel totes, backpacks, or duffel bags
• Camping gear
• Gift cards for date nights
• Honeymoon funds
• Charity donations

What not to include in a wedding registry

While there are relatively few rules regarding what you can include in your wedding registry, there are some things that you should avoid adding to your list.

Firstly, your wedding registry should only include gifts that both you and your future spouse can use. Avoid items that are geared towards one spouse or the other, such as clothing, jewellery, or personal electronics. These items are too specific to one person and are better suited to a birthday or holiday wish list.

You should also avoid registering for too many expensive items. It's okay to include a few pricey gifts, like furniture or luggage, as guests can purchase these together as a group. However, if your entire registry consists of items that are out of an individual or couple's budget, you may end up frustrating your guests. Instead, offer a range of options at different price points so that everyone can find a suitable gift within their budget.

Try to steer clear of registering for items that you plan to use at the wedding itself, such as decor or favours. This can give the impression that your guests are "paying for your wedding," which is not appropriate etiquette. It also ruins the element of surprise and there's no guarantee that you'll receive these items in time for the big day.

Avoid adding things that you will never really use or don't actually need. If you already have items that you're happy with, like bedding or kitchen appliances, there's no need to register for new ones just for the sake of it. Keep an open mind, but be mindful of what you truly want and need.

It's also not a good idea to register for items that you intend to return. While it may be tempting to include gifts that you don't necessarily want just to increase the number of options for your guests, it's important to remember that your guests want to purchase something that you'll genuinely enjoy and use. If you're primarily interested in cash or honeymoon contributions, consider setting up a separate honeymoon or cash registry instead of adding random items to your gift registry.

Lastly, don't register for items with the intention of "re-gifting" or giving them to someone else. Your registry is visible to everyone, and any form of wedding gift re-gifting will be obvious and considered impolite. Your guests want to buy gifts that you and your future spouse will cherish, not presents that are meant for someone else.

When to start a wedding registry

Wedding registries are a fun part of the wedding planning process, but they can be time-consuming. It's best to start your wedding registry as soon as possible after getting engaged. This gives your loved ones the opportunity to send you gifts to congratulate you, and it also helps them shop for pre-wedding events like an engagement party or couple's shower.

If you're having an engagement party, it's a good idea to set up a traditional registry or a WeddingWire Registry within a few weeks of getting engaged or at least two to three weeks before the event. However, you don't need to have a completed or large registry at this stage. Start with enough items for the number of guests invited to your celebration, and remember that you can always update and add to your registry as your wedding day approaches.

If you're having a bridal or couples shower, your registry should be created and included on your wedding website when the shower invitations go out. Most shower guests will opt to shop from your registry, so make sure you have gifts at a variety of price points, especially on the lower end.

Save-the-date cards should be sent out at least six months before the wedding, and it's a good idea to have your registry completed by this time. Many couples like to have their registry fully ready before sending out save-the-dates. Guests who can't attend the wedding may still purchase gifts from the registry and send them to you before the big day.

The absolute latest deadline for creating your registry is before you mail your invitations. However, to avoid feeling rushed, it's best to start early. That way, you can take your time to choose gifts that fit your couple style and your newlywed home.

How to share your wedding registry

Sharing your wedding registry with your guests can be a tricky task, as you don't want to come across as rude or greedy. Here are some tips on how to share your wedding registry in a tactful and polite manner:

• Create a Wedding Website: A wedding website is an excellent way to share your registry details without directly asking for gifts. You can include links to your online registries and provide other wedding details, such as the date, location, and accommodation options. Include the wedding website on your save-the-date cards, invitations, or e-postcards.
• Inform Your Wedding Party and Close Family Members: Word-of-mouth is a traditional and effective way to spread the word about your registry. Inform your wedding party, close family members, and bridal shower host, and they can share the information with other guests when asked.
• Include Information on Bridal Shower Invitations: It is considered acceptable for the host of your bridal shower to include registry information in the invitations. This can be done by adding a separate sheet with the details in the envelope, rather than on the invitation itself.
• Use Social Media Discreetly: While you shouldn't post direct links to your registry on social media, you can subtly share your experience of creating a registry via Facebook or Twitter. This way, your friends and family will get an idea of where you're registered without a direct ask.
• Share Via Text or Email: If guests reach out and express interest, you can text or email them the registry information. Be sure to include a polite message, such as, "Your presence at the wedding is more than enough, but if you wish to give a gift, here is the link to our registry."
• Avoid Including Registry Information on Wedding Invitations: It is considered impolite to include registry details on your wedding invitations, even if you are requesting no presents. Adding your wedding website to the invitation is acceptable, but the focus should be on inviting guests to celebrate with you rather than on gifts.

Remember, the key is to provide the information when asked and to be grateful and appreciative of your guests' interest in celebrating your special day.

How many wedding registries to create

The number of wedding registries you should create depends on several factors, including the number of guests, the formality of the wedding, and the types of items you're registering for. Here are some guidelines to help you determine how many wedding registries to create:

Number of Guests:

If you're having a large wedding with 150 or more guests, consider creating three to four different registries. For smaller weddings with less than 100 guests, you can pare down to two or three registries. This ensures that you provide enough options for your guests' varying budgets.

Formality of the Wedding:

In the past, it was common to manually add gifts to a registry using a scanner at retail stores, and couples would typically register at two or three places, with five being the maximum. Today, you can create registries online, but it's still important to offer a variety of gifting options.

Types of Items:

Consider the types of items you're registering for. If you're primarily registering for household items, three to five different registries might be appropriate. However, if you're also interested in experiential gifts or honeymoon funds, you may need fewer registries.

Managing Multiple Registries:

While it's recommended to have more than one registry, you should avoid having too many, as it can become overwhelming for you and your guests to manage. Aim for no more than four or five registries to avoid creating a long list on your wedding website.

Universal Registries:

Consider using a universal registry service, such as The Knot Registry or MyRegistry.com, which allows you to combine all your separate registries into one easy-to-access list. This simplifies the process for both you and your guests, as they won't have to toggle between different websites.

In summary, the number of wedding registries you create will depend on your specific circumstances and preferences. Aim for three to five registries for larger weddings and two to four for smaller weddings. Offer a variety of items at different price points, and consider including experiential gifts or honeymoon funds if physical gifts aren't your priority. Using a universal registry service can help streamline the process and enhance the experience for both you and your guests.

Frequently asked questions