Creating A Wedding Registry: Timing And Website Tips

Creating a wedding registry is an important part of the wedding planning process. It can be fun to put together a list of gifts you'd like to receive, but it's also a task that requires some thought and consideration. While it's generally considered good etiquette not to include registry information on your wedding invitations, it's still important to create your registry early on in the planning process. This gives your guests plenty of time to purchase gifts and ensures that your registry is accessible before any pre-wedding events, like a bridal shower or engagement party.

So, when is the best time to create your wedding registry?

When to start a wedding registry

You're engaged—now what?

Once the excitement of the engagement has settled, it's time to start planning the wedding. One of the first tasks on the to-do list should be creating a wedding registry.

It is recommended to start your wedding registry as soon as possible after getting engaged. This allows loved ones to send gifts if they wish to and makes it easier for them to shop for pre-wedding events like an engagement party or couple's shower. Starting early also means you can guide guests towards gifts you will actually use and enjoy, and avoid receiving gifts you already have or do not want.

While it is generally agreed that starting a wedding registry as soon as possible is best, some sources suggest that setting up a registry before getting engaged is too early and may be considered presumptuous or greedy. It is best to wait until the engagement is official before starting your registry.

The absolute latest you should start a wedding registry is before sending out your wedding invitations. However, it is recommended to start much earlier, with some sources suggesting that the registry should be up and running before any pre-wedding events, such as an engagement party or bridal shower. This gives guests plenty of time to shop for gifts and ensures that you receive gifts you actually want.

Starting your wedding registry early means you can add and update it as the big day gets closer. It also means that you can include a link to your registry on your wedding website, which can be included on your save-the-date cards and invitations. This gives guests plenty of notice and makes it easier for them to purchase gifts.

Your wedding registry should include gifts at a variety of price points to cater to different budgets. It is also important to regularly check your registry and add more items as options start to run low. This ensures that there are always plenty of choices for guests.

How to share your registry

The best place to share your wedding registry is on your wedding website. This way, once guests have the link to your site, they'll gain access to all the details of your special day, including day-of details, local accommodations, dress code information, your love story, and your registry.

You can also include your registry information on an insert in your invitation suite with your wedding website information. It is also acceptable to put registry information on bridal shower invitations.

Another way to share your registry is by word of mouth. Before guests can access your wedding website, they might ask you, your parents, wedding party members, or other guests where you are registered so they know where to shop.

You can also use save-the-dates to highlight your registry. It is inappropriate to put your registry information on save-the-dates, but you can include a link to your wedding website.

Do not include your registry on your wedding invitations or post it on social media.

How to choose a registry retailer

When it comes to choosing a registry retailer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to consider what type of registry you want. Do you want a traditional registry where you select specific gifts, or would you prefer a honeymoon fund or cash registry? Once you've decided on the type of registry, you can start researching different retailers.

• Selection: Look for a retailer that offers a wide variety of gifts, including items that fit your style and needs as a couple. Some retailers may also offer unique or personalised gifts.
• Convenience: Consider a retailer with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for you to manage your registry and for your guests to access and purchase gifts.
• Perks: Many retailers offer perks such as completion discounts, free shipping, extended returns, and price matching. These can be a great way to save money and make the most of your registry.
• Location: If you're interested in registering for physical items, consider choosing a retailer with a brick-and-mortar store where you can browse and select items in person. This can also be convenient for guests who prefer to shop in-store.
• Values: If supporting small businesses or independent designers is important to you, consider a retailer that partners with boutiques or artisans. Similarly, if sustainability is a priority, look for a retailer with eco-friendly practices.
• Integration: Some registry platforms allow you to aggregate multiple registries in one place, making it easier for your guests to access. You can also look for a platform that integrates with your wedding website.
• Zola: A one-stop online shop for wedding gifts, offering perks such as completion discounts, wedding planning services, and a free wedding website builder.
• MyRegistry: A universal registry that allows you to add gifts from any store or boutique. It also integrates with peer-to-peer payment platforms like Venmo and CashApp.
• Pottery Barn: Offers free design advice and monogramming services, as well as a 10% completion discount and free shipping on eligible items.
• Amazon: Features a wide variety of gifts, a 20% completion discount, and free two-day shipping on eligible items and returns for up to 180 days.
• Target: Offers a generous return policy of up to one year, a 15% completion discount, and automatic registry updates.
• Williams Sonoma: Provides in-store appointments with registry specialists, curated collections, gift tracking, and a 10% completion discount.
• Crate & Barrel: Offers expert in-store assistance, curated collections, a shared registry program with CB2 and Crate & Kids, and a 15% completion discount for up to six months after the wedding.
• Bloomingdale's: Provides wedding registry consultants, a 20% completion discount for the first six months, and bonus gifts from partner brands.

What to include on your registry

When it comes to your wedding registry, the world is your oyster. You can include anything from the traditional to the practical, and it's a good idea to have a range of price points to suit all budgets. Here's a detailed list of suggestions for what to include:

Kitchen

• Cookware (non-stick skillet, sauté pan, pasta pot, saucepans, etc.)
• Bakeware (roasting pan, casserole dish, baking sheets, loaf pans, muffin tins, etc.)
• Knives (serrated knife, paring knife, chef's knife, etc.)
• Salt and pepper mills
• Specialty appliances such as Instant Pots and air fryers
• Coffee and espresso machines
• A high-powered blender
• Carbonated water maker (SodaStream, Aarke Carbonator)
• Barware (muddler, cocktail shaker, jigger, bar spoon, Hawthorne strainer, specialty ice trays, ice makers, etc.)
• Motion-sensor garbage bin (Simplehuman, ZitA)
• Air fryer or another specialty homebody essential

Dining and Entertaining

• Everyday dishware (eight to 12 settings—dinner plates, dessert and/or salad plates, bowls)
• Everyday drinking glasses (eight to 12)
• Flatware (eight to 12 settings)
• Steak knives (eight to 12)
• Wine glasses (red and white)
• Salad bowl and serving utensils
• Serving bowls, platters, and trays
• Additional serveware
• Coffee creamer and sugar holders
• Pitchers (for coffee or water)
• Cheese and charcuterie boards
• Specialty glassware (margarita glasses, martini glasses, rocks glasses)
• Coloured stemware (like Estelle Coloured Glass)
• High-quality game sets (chess, mahjong) and playing cards

Linen

• Two everyday sheet sets
• Flannel/cold-weather sheets
• Four bath towel sets (body towel, hand towel, washcloth)
• Additional hand towels and washcloths
• Placemats (eight to 12)
• Linen napkins (eight to 12)
• Silk pillowcases and sleeping masks
• Makeup removal towels (Weezie)
• Reusable alternatives to cotton rounds
• Fast-drying hair towels

Home and Decor

• Candles and candlesticks
• Storage and organizing essentials (baskets, bins, makeup holders, etc.)
• Gift cards to home improvement stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot
• Fire pits and patio heat lamps
• Indoor plants and pots
• Cash funds towards original artwork
• Gift cards for custom framing services (Framebridge, Artifact Uprising)
• Home office essentials (desk accessories, task lamps, computer monitor)

Other Ideas

• Personalised stationery
• Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, camp chairs, etc.)
• Sporting equipment (paddleboards, kayaks, skis, etc.)
• Gift cards for online home decorating services (Havenly, Homepolish)
• At-home workout equipment (Peloton, The Mirror, etc.)
• Meal service subscriptions (Hello Fresh, Daily Harvest, etc.)
• News and magazine subscriptions
• Grocery store and farmers market totes
• Eco-friendly cleaning subscription (Blueland)
• Portable coffee mugs and insulated tumblers

How to create a wedding website

Wedding registries are usually created as soon as possible after getting engaged. This way, loved ones can send gifts and shop for pre-wedding events. It's also a good idea to set up a wedding website to provide guests with a central hub of information about your big day. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a wedding website:

• Select Your Platform: Choose a website builder that suits your needs and style. Popular options include The Knot, WeddingWire, Zola, Minted, Wix, and Squarespace. These platforms offer various templates, customization options, and features like RSVP management and registry integration.
• Create Relevant Pages: Customize your website by adding relevant pages such as "Home," "Our Story," "Schedule," "Travel and Accommodations," "Registry," "Things to Do," "Wedding Party," and "RSVP."
• Add All the Details: Include important information such as event itinerary, accommodations, travel info, registry links, dress code, dietary restrictions, and your love story.
• Publish and Share: Once your website is complete and tested, push it live and share the link with your guests via save-the-dates, invitations, or email.
• Maintain and Update: Keep your website up-to-date with any changes or additions, such as new events, accommodations, or travel tips. This will ensure your guests have the most accurate information.

Creating a wedding website can be a fun and efficient way to share all the essential details about your wedding with your guests, while also showcasing your personality and style as a couple.

Frequently asked questions