Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Gift Registry Inclusion

Wedding invitations are a source of confusion for many couples, especially when it comes to including gift registry information. It is considered poor etiquette to include registry details on the invitation itself, as the primary purpose of the invitation is to invite guests to share your special day, not to ask them for gifts. However, it is still important to inform guests about your registry, and this can be done in a subtle way by including an informational insert with a link to your wedding website, where guests can find all the necessary details.

Why you shouldn't put your gift registry on a wedding invitation

There are several reasons why you shouldn't put your gift registry on a wedding invitation. Firstly, it can come across as presumptuous or aggressive. Your wedding invitations are meant to build excitement for your upcoming celebration and make your guests feel honoured and delighted to be included in your special day. By including gift registry information, you shift the focus from their presence and company to the expectation of receiving gifts.

Secondly, it is considered bad etiquette. Wedding invitations are meant to extend an invitation to share your big day with loved ones, not to invite them to buy you a gift. There is already a lot of event information communicated on an invite, and you don't want to clutter it with gift expectations.

Thirdly, it can be interpreted as if getting gifts is more important to you than celebrating with your guests. While this may not be your intention, including a gift registry can give off the impression that you are more focused on the material aspects of the wedding than the presence of your loved ones.

Lastly, there are alternative ways to inform your guests about your gift preferences. You can include an informational insert in the envelope with a link to your wedding website, where they can find your registry details. This approach is more subtle and allows guests to access your registry only if they choose to do so. Word-of-mouth is another acceptable method, where your close family members and friends can spread the word about your registry to those who inquire.

How to tactfully communicate your gift registry to guests

Including your gift registry on your wedding invitation is generally considered a no-go. It could be interpreted as you being more interested in receiving gifts than sharing your special day with loved ones. So, how do you let your guests know about your wedding registry? Here are some tips to do it tactfully:

Include an informational insert

Add an informational insert in the envelope with your wedding invitation, providing a link to your wedding website. This is a subtle approach, as it is common to include other stationery, such as RSVP and reception cards, in the same envelope.

Word of mouth

Word of mouth is another acceptable way to spread the word about your gift registry. Inform your close family members and friends, and they can pass on the information to anyone who enquires.

Wedding website

Your wedding website is the perfect place to share your gift registry details. Most wedding website templates offer a registry tab, which guests can navigate to if they are actively seeking your registry. You can also include the registry information in the wedding details section. When adding your registry information to your website, keep the wording warm and appreciative. Make it clear that a gift is not necessary or expected but provide options for those who want to give something. Here are some examples:

• "We're looking forward to celebrating with you on our big day. Having you attend our wedding is the greatest gift of all. However, if you're looking for wedding gift ideas, we've registered here for things that we need to outfit our home: [insert details]."
• "We're thrilled that you're coming to celebrate with us—and that's the best gift of all! But, if you'd like to help us spruce up our place, you can find our registry at [insert details]."
• "We are lucky enough to already have nearly everything we need for this new chapter together! However, for friends and family who have expressed an interest, we have created a gift registry for your convenience here: (link)."

Wedding website registry wording

It is considered bad etiquette to include registry wording on your wedding invitation. Instead, you can include an informational insert in the envelope with a link to your wedding website, which is the best place to list your registry information.

"We're looking forward to celebrating with you on our big day. Having you attend our wedding is the greatest gift of all, however, if you're looking for wedding gift ideas, we've registered here for things that we need to outfit our home: [insert details]."

"We're moving in together for the first time after the big day, so we've put together a gift registry of things we need to complete our home and for our new life together. You can find our wish list at [insert details]."

"Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for! If you would like to honour us with a gift, we have registered a list with [insert details]. Gift cards to [insert details] are also appreciated, as we are moving into a new home after the wedding."

"We're thrilled that you're coming to celebrate with us—and that's the best gift of all! But, if you'd like to help us spruce up our place, you can find our registry at [insert details]."

"We are lucky enough to already have nearly everything we need for this new chapter together! However, for friends and family who have expressed an interest, we have created a gift registry for your convenience here: (link)."

"Celebrating with you on our special day is the only gift we require. However, for your convenience, we have registered at (store name) for the items we’d find the most useful as we prepare for married life! You can view our registry here: (link)."

Bridal shower registry wording

While it is considered bad etiquette to include registry wording on a wedding invitation, it is perfectly acceptable to include registry information on a bridal shower invitation. Here are some ideas for bridal shower registry wording:

Traditional Bridal Shower Invitation Wording

A traditional bridal shower invitation can include wording such as:

• "Please join us for a bridal shower honouring [name of bride]."
• "Help us shower [name of bride] with love."
• "Come celebrate [name of bride] before she ties the knot."
• "Join us for a bridal shower in celebration of [name of bride] and her upcoming marriage."

Modern Bridal Shower Invitation Wording

For a more modern take, try something playful like:

• "A toast to the soon-to-be Mrs."
• "Let's help this Miss become a Mrs."
• "Pop! Fizz! Clink! Twirl! Help us celebrate our favourite girl!"
• "[Name of bride] is getting married! Let's throw her a shower she'll never forget."

Funny Bridal Shower Invitation Wording

For a lighthearted and amusing twist, consider:

• "Guess what? Our girl finally got a ring (it took her long enough!). Come help us celebrate."
• "Free booze and food! Come celebrate [name of bride] with us."
• "Apparently [name of bride] is finally a fiancée? Come see for yourself at her bridal shower."

Themed Bridal Shower Invitation Wording

If you're hosting a themed bridal shower, here are some ideas to get your guests in the mood:

• "You're cordially invited to [name of bride]'s bridal shower tea party. Wear your finest attire to toast the bride."
• "Boots, brunch, and bubbly. Let's have a shower [name of bride] is sure to remember."
• "Find your kind of venue. From barns to ballrooms, discover reception venues that feel like you."
• "Bride-fest, with special guest, [guest of honour]."

Registry Wording Examples

• " [Guest of honour] is registered at [store name(s)]."
• "For registry information, please visit [insert website here]."
• "Registry at [store name(s)]."

Wishing well wording

While it is considered bad etiquette to include gift registry wording on your wedding invitation, you can include a separate card in the envelope with a 'note on gifts'. This is where you can politely and creatively express your gift preferences. Here are some examples of "wishing well wording" to help you communicate your wishes in a clear and friendly tone:

Simple Wishing Well Wording

• Your presence at our wedding is a gift in itself. However, if you would like to contribute to our future together as a couple, a wishing well will be available at our reception.
• Your gift of love and support is all we need on our special day. However, if you would like to give a gift, we will have a wishing well at our reception.
• We are blessed to not only have each other, but the guests who will make our wedding day so special. We’d rather not receive gifts, but if you’d like to contribute to our wedding and our future together, we will have a wishing well at our reception to which you can contribute.

Playful Poems Wishing Well Wording

• Your love and laughter at our wedding is all we truly need. But a wishing well contribution will be warmly received.
• Your presence at our wedding is present enough, so don't worry about gifts, we have plenty of stuff. However, if you were thinking of helping us on our way, some money towards our honeymoon would truly make our day.
• We're simply so grateful for your presence here, to celebrate our love and cheer. As we begin our journey anew, we’ll cherish your friendship into our future, too. If you’d like to contribute to our wishing well, however, you’ll help us create memories tonight and forever.

Purposeful Wishing Well Wording

• Your presence on our wedding day is the most special gift we could possibly ask for. However, if you do wish to bless us and contribute to our future together, we are saving for our new home. A wishing well will be present at our reception.
• We’re thrilled that you’re able to make it to our wedding - that’s more than enough for us. However, if you would like to bring us something, spending money for our honeymoon would be most appreciated.
• We are thrilled to celebrate our special day with all of our loved ones. And of all gifts you could bring, your presence is the most cherished. However, if you would like to contribute to our wedding costs, we will have a wishing well set up at our reception.

Formal Wishing Well Wording

• While your presence on our wedding day is a cherished gift, we understand some guests like to offer more. In lieu of a traditional gift, we would be grateful for a monetary contribution towards our life together. If you would like to participate, you can leave your donation and well wishes in our wishing well, which will be available at our reception.
• As we embark on this new chapter of our lives, we are grateful for the love and support of our family and friends. If you feel inclined to contribute to our wedding costs and the beginning of this next step in our lives together, we have set up a wishing well where you can leave your well wishes and support. No matter how big or small, your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Casual Wishing Well Wording

• No gifts are necessary - we just want to see you! If you do wish to give us a little something, a little cash to spend on our honeymoon (or our new home) would be very much appreciated.
• We can't imagine our wedding day without having all our loved ones here to celebrate with us. We know some of you have come from far and wide, and we're so grateful for the effort you've taken. If you'd like to give a little something extra to help start our journey on the right foot, we've got a wishing well set up where you can drop your cash and loving messages. Thank you all for being a part of our day.
• We don't need big presents, just the presence of our loved ones. However, if you would like to contribute to our honeymoon (or future home), we have a wishing well set up at our reception.

Wishing Well Poem Examples

• We're tying the knot and we just can't wait, We knew it would happen on our very first date. As we've got our home dressed up with accessories, We don't really think that a gift registry is necessary. But if you did want to give something to help us on our way, Some money in a card would truly make our day!
• A wishing well we thought would be great, but only if you wish to participate. A gift of money is placed in the well, then make a special wish, but shhh don't tell. Once we've replaced the old with the new, We can look back and say it was thanks to you. And in return for your kindness, we're sure, That one day soon you will get what you wished for.

Frequently asked questions