Wedding Invites: Gift Registry Etiquette And Wording Ideas

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's considered poor etiquette to include gift registry details. This is because the purpose of the invitation is to extend an invitation to a celebration, not to ask for gifts. It can also come across as presumptuous or aggressive, suggesting that receiving gifts is just as important as sharing your special day with loved ones. Instead, there are other ways to inform guests about your gift preferences.

Include an insert with your invitation

It is considered bad etiquette to include registry wording on your wedding invitation. Instead, include an informational insert in the envelope with a link to your wedding website. It is commonplace and proper etiquette to include the URL for your wedding website on your wedding invitation.

Your wedding website is a one-stop shop for guests to access all your wedding information, so they'll expect to find your wedding registry there. This is a much more subtle approach when it comes to asking for gifts from guests. It's already common to include RSVP cards, reception cards, and wedding programs in the same envelope as your wedding invitation, so the additional stationery won't be questioned.

If you are printing reception cards, you can include your wedding website on the bottom of those too. You can also make a small card to include with the invite. If you have a Maid of Honour, you can pass the registry cards to her, and she can spread the word.

Your wedding website is the communication hub for all of your wedding details, so it makes sense to use this as the primary place for listing registry information. Most wedding website templates offer a registry tab. This is the perfect place for engaged couples to list their registry information. The wedding details section of your website is also a good spot. Simply create a "Wedding Registry" section.

Add your wedding website to your invitation

Adding your wedding website to your invitation is a great way to subtly direct guests to your wedding registry. This approach is much more tactful than including registry information directly on your invitation, which may come across as presumptuous or aggressive.

Include an informational insert:

Add an extra card or insert to your invitation suite that includes the URL for your wedding website. This can be a simple and elegant solution, and it won't be questioned as it's common to include other inserts like RSVP and reception cards. You can also include a small magnetic business card with your names, wedding date, and website URL.

Word of mouth:

Spread the word about your wedding website through your close family members and friends. They can inform guests about the website and let them know they can find registry information there. This was a common practice before the advent of wedding websites.

Wedding website templates:

Most wedding website templates offer a dedicated registry tab, which is the perfect place to list your registry information. Guests who navigate to this section are actively looking to purchase a gift, so it's an effective way to communicate your wishes. You can also include registry information in the \"Wedding Details\" section of your website.

Wording and tone:

When including your wedding website on the invitation or associated inserts, use wording that aligns with the tone of your website. The website is typically less formal than the invitation, so feel free to use language that reflects your personality as a couple. For example: "You can find our wish list at [insert website URL]."

Save the date:

If you're sending out "Save the Date" announcements, you can include your wedding website on them. This way, all invited guests will have access to the website and can explore the details, including your registry information, at their leisure.

Remember, the key is to strike a gracious and authentic tone when it comes to communicating about your wedding registry. While it's exciting to receive gifts, it's important to prioritize the celebration of your special day with loved ones.

Spread the word through family and friends

While it is considered bad etiquette to include your gift registry on your wedding invitations, you can still spread the word through family and friends. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you navigate this process:

Choose the Right People

Select a few close family members and friends who you think would be comfortable with sharing the gift registry information with others. Ideally, these individuals should be people who are already familiar with your wedding plans and are excited to help you spread the word.

Provide Clear and Concise Information

Make sure that the people you choose have all the necessary information about your gift registry. Provide them with a short and sweet message that they can share with others. For example, you could say, "The couple has registered at [store name], and you can find their gift registry online at [store URL] or in-store with the registry ID: [registry number]."

Be Mindful of Timing

It is generally a good idea to share gift registry information after you have sent out your wedding invitations. This way, your guests have already received the primary invitation to your special day, and the focus is not solely on the gifts.

Encourage Word-of-Mouth Sharing

Ask your chosen family members and friends to spread the word when others inquire about gift ideas. This approach maintains the excitement around your wedding while also ensuring that guests who want to give gifts have the necessary information.

Consider a Wedding Website

If you have a wedding website, you can include the link on your wedding invitation suite or share it with your chosen family and friends. They can then pass on the website link, which will direct guests to your gift registry information.

Remember, the key is to be subtle and gracious when sharing gift registry information through your network. Your loved ones will appreciate clear guidance, and this approach will help ensure that your wedding remains a joyful celebration for all.

Include registry information on your bridal shower invitations

Including gift registry information on wedding invitations is generally considered bad etiquette and may come across as presumptuous or aggressive. It is best to avoid mentioning gifts on your wedding invitations at all, even if you are requesting no presents.

Instead, it is recommended to include an informational insert in the envelope with a link to your wedding website, where guests can find your registry. You can also rely on word of mouth, with close family members and friends spreading the word to anyone who asks.

However, if you are having a bridal shower, it is perfectly acceptable and encouraged to include registry information on the invitations. Here are some suggestions for including registry information on your bridal shower invitations:

Include a Link or Note on the Invitation

Provide a short and sweet message on the bridal shower invitation, such as:

> "The happy couple [or their names] have registered at [insert store details]. You can find their gift list online at [insert store URL] or in-store with the registry ID number: [insert registry number]."

Some retailers provide gift registry cards with this information, which can be inserted into the invitation. Alternatively, you can order custom enclosure cards with the registry link and a sentence of text or a QR code.

Pass the Information to the Host

If you are not throwing your own bridal shower, you can provide the registry details to the host, who can then include them on the invitations. This is a more subtle approach, as the information is coming from a third party rather than directly from the bride or groom.

Include Registry Cards

If you have a physical store registry, they may provide you with registry cards that have the registry ID number and URL printed on them. These cards can be inserted into the bridal shower invitation by the host.

Remember, while it is appropriate to include registry information on bridal shower invitations, it is important to maintain a gracious and humble tone. The key is to strike the right balance between providing useful information and avoiding any perception of greed or entitlement.

Create a wedding website

Creating a wedding website is a great way to share your registry information without appearing rude or presumptuous. It is considered bad etiquette to include registry details on your wedding invitation, as the invite is about building excitement for your celebration.

Your wedding website is the communication hub for all your wedding details, so it makes sense to use this as the primary place for listing registry information. It is commonplace and proper etiquette to include the URL for your website on your wedding invitation, with a simple instruction to direct guests to the web page to RSVP and to find more details, including your wedding registry.

Most wedding website templates offer a registry tab, which is the perfect place to list your registry information. The wedding details section of your website is also a good spot. Simply create a "Wedding Registry" section.

• Your wedding website is less formal than an invitation, so feel free to make the registry wording sound like you.
• Make it as personal and as specific as possible.
• Be authentic, gracious, and helpful.
• You don't have to choose just one type of registry. Many couples have a traditional gift registry and a honeymoon fund, so feel free to pick and choose the wording that suits your needs.
• "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've moved 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]."

Frequently asked questions