Wedding Invitation Wording: Including Your Gift Registry Preferences

When it comes to wedding planning, one of the most common questions is whether it's appropriate to include registry information on the invitations. The short answer is no – doing so could suggest that receiving gifts is more important to the couple than celebrating with loved ones. So, how else can couples share their registry details with guests?

Include a link to your wedding website on an enclosure card

An enclosure card is a small card included with your wedding invitations that features any additional information that is not printed on the invitation card itself. This can include information about the reception, such as the venue, time, food and drinks, and attire. It is also common to include your wedding website on an enclosure card, as this allows guests to easily access all the information they need in one place.

• Use a separate enclosure card for your wedding website: This keeps the reception card from being too crowded. You can include the URL of your wedding website, along with a short message such as "For more information, please visit [URL]".
• Add your wedding website URL to your save-the-dates: If you are sending out save-the-dates, you can include your wedding website URL on the back or at the bottom of the front side. This will allow guests to access your website as soon as possible.
• Use a QR code: Instead of listing your website URL, you can use a QR code that guests can scan to access your website. This can be placed on the back of your save-the-date or invitation.
• Include registry information on your wedding website: Your wedding website is a great place to share registry information with your guests. Include links to online stores and a message such as "If you wish to give a gift to the bride and groom..." to let guests know that gift-giving is optional.
• Share your wedding website with your wedding party: Your wedding party and close family members can help spread the word about your wedding website and registry information to other guests.

Put your registry on your bridal shower invitations

While it is generally considered a major faux pas to include your wedding registry on your wedding invitations, the same does not apply to bridal shower invitations. In fact, it is perfectly acceptable to include your registry information on the bridal shower invites.

Bridal showers are all about gift-giving, so guests will want and need to know what you would like to receive. If you are registered at multiple stores, you can include this information on the bridal shower invitation, or on a separate card. Alternatively, you can direct guests to your wedding website, where they can find registry information.

If you are uncomfortable with including registry information on the bridal shower invitations, you can rely on word of mouth. Share the details with your immediate family, bridesmaids, and groomsmen, and they can spread the word on your behalf.

Spread the word through friends and family

Spreading the word about your wedding registry through friends and family is a great way to ensure your guests have all the information they need. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:

Be Clear and Direct

It's important to be clear and direct when communicating your registry wishes. Let your friends and family know exactly what you're asking for. If you prefer cash gifts, be explicit about it. Many couples opt for cash to have more flexibility, but some guests may prefer giving physical gifts, so be sure to mention it if that's important to you. Use specific language and be clear about your needs. For example, instead of saying "money," ask for "cash."

Provide a Range or Specific Items

If you're requesting cash gifts, consider providing a range to give your guests an idea of what is appropriate. You can also mention specific items you need to help guests make more meaningful purchases. This ensures you receive gifts that align with your interests and needs as a couple.

Keep It Short and Sweet

When sharing your registry details with friends and family, keep the conversation concise. No one needs a lengthy explanation or a novel to read. Get straight to the point, and make it easy for your loved ones to understand your preferences.

Use Proper Grammar and Punctuation

This may seem obvious, but it's easy to overlook. Ensure your registry wording is error-free to avoid any confusion. Proper grammar and punctuation contribute to a clear and polished message.

Express Gratitude

Don't forget to thank your friends and family in advance for their contributions. A simple expression of gratitude will go a long way and make your request more heartfelt.

Choose the Right Tone

Consider the style and tone of your wedding when crafting your message. If you're having a formal wedding, use formal language in your registry wording. On the other hand, if your celebration is more relaxed and informal, you can opt for a more casual tone.

Share Your Wedding Website

Your wedding website is an excellent tool for sharing registry information. Include a dedicated page for registry details, providing links to your registries or specific items you've registered for. This approach ensures that anyone who needs the information can easily access it.

Utilize Word of Mouth

Before the advent of wedding websites, couples relied primarily on word of mouth to spread the news about their registry. This tradition still holds value today. Share the details with your immediate family, bridesmaids, and groomsmen, and let them know they can pass the information on to anyone who asks.

Include an informational insert in the envelope with a link to your wedding website

Including an informational insert in the envelope with a link to your wedding website is a great way to inform guests about your registry. This approach is much more subtle than putting your registry information directly on the invitation, which may be interpreted as a request for gifts. Here are some tips for including an informational insert effectively:

Use an Enclosure Card

An invitation enclosure card is a small card included with your wedding invitations that provide additional information. This can include details such as the time and location of the reception, food and drink options, attire suggestions, and entertainment. You can also use the enclosure card to include a link to your wedding website, where guests can find your registry information. This way, you provide all the necessary details without making your invitation feel cluttered or gift-focused.

Provide Registry Information on Your Wedding Website

Your wedding website is an excellent place to share registry information without seeming greedy. Include links to online stores and a sweet message that expresses your gratitude for your guests' presence and support. Here's an example: "Our Registry: While your generosity is so appreciated, please know that your support and love are the best gift we could wish for! [Couple's Names] are registered at [Store Names and Links]."

Spread the Word Through Your Bridal Party and Family

Another effective way to inform guests about your registry is through word of mouth. Share the registry details with your bridal party, immediate family, bridesmaids, and groomsmen, and let them know they can spread the word on your behalf. This traditional method ensures that guests who want to give a gift will find their way to your registry without any direct requests from the couple.

Include Your Wedding Website on Save the Dates

If you're sending out save-the-date cards, you can include your wedding website URL on them. This is a great way to share your website and registry information with your guests as early as possible. Just be mindful of the placement of the URL, usually on the back or at the bottom of the front side of the card.

Use a Wedding Website Card

If you prefer to keep your invitation and enclosure cards more formal, you can include a separate wedding website card in your invitation suite. This card serves the sole purpose of sharing your website URL, allowing guests to easily access all the additional information, including your registry.

Add your wedding website URL to your save-the-date cards

Save-the-date cards are a great way to announce your wedding and give your guests a heads-up about your big day. They are typically sent out 4 to 6 months before the wedding, or even earlier for destination weddings. While they are less formal than wedding invitations, they are a good opportunity to share your wedding website URL. This allows guests to learn more about your wedding and access all the information they need in one place. Here are some tips for adding your wedding website URL to your save-the-date cards:

Create a Wedding Website:

Before including your wedding website URL on your save-the-date cards, ensure that your website is complete and up-to-date. It should include information such as your wedding date, location, travel booking tips, and your registry details.

Match Your Wedding Website to Your Save-the-Date Cards:

Consider designing your save-the-date cards and wedding website with a similar theme or aesthetic. This creates a cohesive look and feel for your wedding stationery and can make a great first impression on your guests. You can include your engagement photos or a video on your website to make it more personalised.

Include Registry Information:

Your wedding website is an ideal place to share your registry details without directly asking for gifts. Include links to the online stores where guests can easily access your registry and choose their gifts. It is also a good idea to introduce the registry page with a phrase like, "If you wish to give a gift to the bride and groom..." to ensure guests know that gift-giving is optional.

Timing is Important:

Send your save-the-date cards early enough to give your guests ample time to make travel arrangements and request time off work. This is especially important for destination weddings or weddings during holiday periods.

Provide Basic Information:

While your save-the-date cards should include your wedding website URL, they should also have other key details such as your names, the date of the event, and the city or area of the wedding. You may also want to include a note that formal invitations will follow.

Remember, your save-the-date cards are just the beginning of your wedding communication with your guests. By including your wedding website URL, you give them a central place to find all the information they need to celebrate your special day with you.

Frequently asked questions