Creating A Wedding Gift Registry: A Couple's Guide

A wedding registry is a curated list of gifts created by engaged couples to make wedding-day gifting easier for their guests. The list can include anything from physical gifts to cash funds and experiences. Couples can register at multiple stores or use a universal registry service to sync their lists from different retailers. The best time to set up a wedding registry is within two weeks of the engagement, and it's recommended to have at least one registry tied to a physical store. When creating a wedding registry, it's important to include a mix of gifts at different price points and to provide a wide range of options for guests to choose from.

Timing: Start early, but finish 3-6 months before the wedding

Timing is everything when it comes to your wedding registry. While there's no one-size-fits-all approach, and every couple's needs are different, there are some general guidelines to follow. The key is to start early but finish around 3-6 months before the wedding.

It's recommended to set up your wedding registry as soon as possible after getting engaged. This allows you time to bask in the excitement of your engagement while also giving you a head start on this fun aspect of wedding planning. By starting early, you can ensure your registry is ready for any pre-wedding events, such as an engagement party or bridal shower. It's a common misconception that creating a registry early on may seem gift-hungry, but it's actually beneficial for both you and your guests. A registry helps guide your loved ones in selecting gifts you'll truly appreciate and use, avoiding duplicates or items you already have.

Finishing your registry 3-6 months before the wedding is ideal for several reasons. Firstly, it coincides with the typical timeline for sending out wedding invitations or sharing your wedding website. Including your registry information with these gives guests enough time to purchase gifts without being too early or too late. Secondly, it allows you to account for any pre-wedding festivities, such as bridal showers, where most guests will opt to shop from your registry. Finally, it gives you, as a couple, time to thoughtfully consider and select gifts that fit your style and needs for your new home together.

While the general recommendation is to finalise your registry 3-6 months in advance, it's not set in stone. The exact timing depends on your specific circumstances and wedding plans. If you're having an engagement party or sending out save-the-dates, you may want to have at least a basic registry set up 2-3 weeks beforehand. Additionally, remember that registries can always be updated, so you can start with a smaller list and add more gifts as your wedding day approaches.

Gift variety: Include a range of prices and 2-3 gifts per guest

When creating your wedding gift registry, it's important to offer your guests a variety of gifts at different price points. This allows guests to select a gift that suits their budget and that they feel excited about giving you.

A good rule of thumb is to include 2-3 gifts per guest, with a mix of items under $50, between $50 and $100, and over $100. This gives guests options and allows those who want to spend more to bundle items together. Don't be afraid to include a few expensive items, as loved ones often like to join in on gifts together.

If you're unsure about what to include, consider the following:

• Kitchen items such as cookware, bakeware, knives, salt and pepper mills, specialty appliances, coffee machines, blenders, barware, and a motion-sensor garbage bin.
• Dining and entertaining items such as everyday dishware, drinking glasses, flatware, steak knives, wine glasses, serving utensils, platters, trays, pitchers, and cheese boards.
• Linen items such as sheet sets, towels, placemats, napkins, pillowcases, and hair towels.
• Home and decor items such as candles, storage essentials, gift cards to home improvement stores, fire pits, indoor plants, artwork, and home office essentials.
• Other items such as camping equipment, sporting equipment, at-home workout equipment, meal service subscriptions, magazine subscriptions, eco-friendly cleaning products, and portable coffee mugs.

Remember to also consider your own needs and wants, and don't be afraid to include non-traditional items or experiences such as charitable giving, honeymoon funds, or contributions to a new home.

Retailers: Choose 2-3 stores with a wide price selection

When it comes to choosing retailers for your wedding gift registry, it's a good idea to select stores with a wide range of price options to cater to different budgets. Here are some great options:

• Target: Target is a fantastic option for your wedding registry, offering a generous return policy of up to a year and a 15% discount on any leftover registry gifts. It provides a user-friendly experience, allowing you to create and manage your registry online, in-store, or through their app. Target also has a vast selection of home goods, electronics, and more, making it a convenient one-stop shop for your guests.
• Amazon: Amazon is another versatile option with a vast selection of products. They offer a 20% completion discount for qualified registrants, along with free and fast shipping for Prime members on orders over $25. Amazon also allows group gifting for higher-priced items and provides gift card funds.
• Crate & Barrel: This retailer is a popular choice for wedding registries, offering stylish furniture, decor, kitchen appliances, tableware, and outdoor items. They provide expert in-store assistance and a 15% completion discount for up to six months after your wedding. Crate & Barrel also has a shared registry program with CB2 and Crate & Kids, allowing you to add products from these stores to your registry.
• Williams Sonoma: If you're a couple that loves to cook, Williams Sonoma is an excellent option. They offer an impressive selection of cookware and kitchen appliances, along with curated collections and gift tracking. Additionally, they provide product help after your wedding, and a 10% completion discount. Williams Sonoma is owned by the same company as West Elm and Pottery Barn, so gift cards from one store can be used at the others.

These stores offer a diverse range of products and price points, ensuring that you and your guests have plenty of options to choose from when creating your wedding gift registry.

Return policy: Opt for stores with good return policies

Opting for stores with good return policies is a great way to ensure peace of mind for both you and your guests. A store with a flexible and accommodating return policy can make all the difference if you end up receiving duplicate gifts or items that need to be exchanged. Here are some tips to consider:

Firstly, look for stores that offer a generous return window. This is important as it gives you ample time to identify and return any unwanted or duplicate gifts. Some stores, like Amazon, offer a return window of up to 180 days for items purchased from your registry. Target also offers a similar return policy, allowing you to return or exchange registry items for up to a year.

Secondly, consider the convenience of the return process. Some stores may have a straightforward and hassle-free return process, allowing returns to be made both in-store and online. This can be especially useful for guests who may need to return gifts they purchased online.

Additionally, it's worth checking if the store offers refunds in the form of store credit or gift cards. While this may not be a deal-breaker, it's good to know upfront if you'll be able to get your money back directly or if you'll be restricted to using store credit for future purchases.

Lastly, don't be afraid to ask about the return policy specifics. When creating your registry, ask the store about their policy and any conditions that may apply. For example, some stores may require a gift receipt for returns, while others may have specific exclusions or limitations on certain items. Knowing these details upfront can help you and your guests navigate the return process more effectively.

Remember, a good return policy can make a significant difference in your wedding gift registry experience, so it's worth considering this factor when selecting the stores for your registry.

Discounts: Look for stores with completion programs and discounts

When creating a wedding gift registry, it's worth looking for stores that offer completion programs and discounts. These allow you to get a discount on any items that remain on your registry after your wedding. This means you can get everything on your list at more affordable prices.

Many stores offer completion discounts, including Amazon, Anthropologie, Bed Bath & Beyond, Belk, Bloomingdale's, Crate & Barrel, Dillard's, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Pottery Barn, REI, Sur La Table, Target, West Elm, and Williams Sonoma. The percentage discount and time to claim usually vary by retailer, but you can typically expect between 10% and 20% off and three to six months to claim.

Some stores also offer other perks and rewards on top of completion discounts. For example, Macy's offers 10% off on every eligible purchase made throughout the registry timeline and 5% back in rewards in the form of a gift card. Crate & Barrel offers free standard shipping on eligible items of $49 and above, as well as private in-store registry events. Target features a "group gifting" feature that enables multiple gift-givers to chip in for a larger gift.

Frequently asked questions