Creating A Wedding Registry: Anonymity And Gift-Giving

A wedding registry is a curated list of gifts created by engaged couples to guide their guests on what presents to buy for their wedding. Wedding registries can be set up online or in-store, and they can include anything from physical gifts to cash funds for experiences and big-ticket items. Couples usually set up their registries within two weeks of their engagement, and it is recommended to have at least one registry tied to a physical store to accommodate guests who prefer shopping in-person. While it is considered poor etiquette to include registry information on wedding invitations, it is common to integrate the registry into a wedding website or share it via social media, eCards, or printable announcements.

A wedding registry is a wish list of gifts curated by the couple

When creating a wedding registry, it is important to consider a range of areas, such as kitchen, dining, entertainment, linen, home decor, and more. For example, in the kitchen category, couples may wish to register for cookware, bakeware, knives, appliances, and barware. For dining and entertainment, everyday dishware, glasses, flatware, and servingware are essential. Linen registry ideas include sheet sets, towels, placemats, and napkins. Home and decor registry ideas can include candles, storage solutions, gift cards for home improvement, and indoor plants.

Couples can also consider adding non-traditional items to their wedding registry. These may include charitable giving, honeymoon funds, contributions to a new house payment, or experiences such as trips, tours, or concerts. It is also acceptable to ask for cash or create a cash fund for specific experiences or items, such as a honeymoon or a special dinner.

When setting up a wedding registry, it is recommended to select two to three places to register, including a big-box store and a local shop. This ensures a wide price range and covers all the items the couple may need. It is also important to review the return policy, completion program, and any other perks offered by the store.

Creating a wedding registry should be a fun and enjoyable experience for the couple, allowing them to curate a wish list that reflects their personalities and helps them start their married life on the right foot.

It is shared with friends and family to help them decide what to buy

A wedding registry is a curated list of presents created by the couple getting married. It is shared with friends and family to help them decide what to buy. The list can be tied to both in-store and virtual retailers and should include a mix of gifts at different price points. This allows the couple's loved ones to shop in a way that suits them.

There are several ways to share your wedding registry information with loved ones. It is considered good etiquette to integrate the registry into your wedding website and to share the link to this website on all formal communication about the wedding, such as save-the-dates and wedding invitations. It is not considered good etiquette to include registry information or directly ask for gifts or money on your wedding invitations. You can also share the link on social media, although some people feel this is inappropriate if not all followers will be invited to the wedding events.

When it comes to what to include on your wedding registry, anything goes. You can add anything from household items to hobby gear and travel experiences. You can also ask for cash instead of physical gifts, for example, to put towards a honeymoon or new house.

It is recommended that you include two to three gifts per guest on your registry, and that you include a range of prices to give your guests options. It is also a good idea to keep adding to your registry as gifts are purchased, so there are always plenty of options available.

Couples can register for anything, from furniture to experiences

Wedding registries are a great way for couples to ask for what they want and need as they start their married life together. And the good news is, couples can register for anything, from furniture to experiences.

Furniture

Some couples may be hesitant to register for furniture, wondering if it's considered a faux pas to ask for larger items. However, many guests are happy to contribute to higher-priced items, either by purchasing them outright or by giving cash or gift cards that can be put towards them. It's a good idea to also include some lower-priced items on the registry to accommodate guests with smaller budgets.

Experiences

For couples who are not looking for physical gifts, registering for experiences is a wonderful option. This could include activities, events, or other experiences such as spa days, cooking classes, or food tours. Couples can also register for contributions towards a down payment on a new home or charitable donations to their favourite nonprofit.

Combining Options

Combining the two options is also possible. Couples can keep a traditional wedding registry for items they need and also set up a cash fund page so guests can contribute as they wish. This gives guests more choices and allows the couple to receive both physical gifts and funds for experiences.

Registry Process

Creating a wedding registry typically involves registering with a store or platform, contributing funds, and then redeeming the gifts or experiences. Some platforms offer additional perks such as discounts, gift cards, or contributions towards the wedding account. It's important to set up the registry four to six months in advance of the wedding to give guests enough time to purchase gifts.

So, whether it's furniture, experiences, or a combination of both, couples have a lot of flexibility when it comes to their wedding registry.

It is considered poor etiquette to include registry details on wedding invites

It is also important to remember that wedding invites are typically sent out before guests have RSVP'd. Therefore, if you include registry details, you are asking for gifts from people who may not even be attending your wedding. This can come across as presumptuous and aggressive. It may also give the impression that receiving gifts is more important to you than sharing your big day with loved ones.

So, how should you inform guests about your gift registry? The best approach is to include a link to your wedding website on an information card in your wedding invitation suite. This way, guests can easily access all the information they need about your wedding, including your registry details. It is also acceptable to spread the word through close family members and friends—this is how couples shared registry information before wedding websites became common.

Additionally, it is worth noting that wedding invitations should not mention gifts at all, even if you are requesting no gifts. The focus should be solely on the celebration and the honour of being invited.

Couples should finish their registry three to six months before the wedding

Wedding registries are a fun part of planning a wedding. Couples should finish their registry three to six months before the wedding to give guests enough time to purchase gifts. Here are some reasons why:

Firstly, it is important to be mindful of wedding etiquette. Sending out your registry too close to the wedding date may be considered impolite, and it is generally recommended to give guests at least three to six months to purchase gifts at their convenience. This also ensures that the registry is ready before any pre-wedding celebrations, such as bridal showers, where gifts are usually given.

Secondly, having a finished registry early on allows you to make any changes or additions if needed. You may realise there are items you forgot to include or want to replace. It also gives you time to take advantage of any discounts offered by the stores you registered with. Some stores offer completion programs with discounts of 10-20% on wedding registry purchases after the wedding.

Additionally, a finished registry allows you to focus on other wedding planning tasks. Wedding planning can be a busy and stressful time, and by taking care of the registry early, you free up time to focus on other details, such as dress fittings, cake tastings, and sending out invitations.

Finishing the registry early also ensures that you have a wide range of gifts to choose from. A good rule of thumb is to register for 2-3 gifts per guest, offering a variety of options at different price points. This allows guests to choose something they feel excited about giving and ensures that last-minute gifters have enough choices.

Finally, a finished registry gives you peace of mind. Wedding planning can be overwhelming, and by taking care of the registry early, you can enjoy the excitement of being engaged and focus on celebrating with your loved ones.

Frequently asked questions