Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Registry Inclusion—Appropriate Or Not?

There are differing opinions on whether it is appropriate to include registry information on wedding invitations. Some people consider it rude and greedy, while others don't see any problem with it. The general consensus, however, is that it is not considered good etiquette to include registry details on wedding invitations. It is thought that doing so could suggest that getting gifts is more important to the couple than sharing their special day with loved ones.

Is it rude to include registry information on wedding invitations?

Wedding registry etiquette can be a tricky area to navigate. It's natural to want to share your registry details with your guests, but is including this information on your wedding invitations acceptable?

In short, most sources agree that it is not appropriate to include registry information on your wedding invitations. The reason for this is that the purpose of your wedding invitations is to invite guests to share in the joy of your special day, rather than to ask them for gifts. Including registry details may give guests the impression that receiving gifts is more important to you than their presence at the wedding, which is certainly not the case!

So, if you shouldn't include registry information on your wedding invitations, where should you put it? One option is to include an informational insert in the envelope along with your wedding invitation, directing guests to your wedding website. Here, they can easily access all the details of your wedding, including your registry. This approach is much more subtle and ensures that guests can find the information they need without feeling pressured. Another option is to include registry information on your bridal shower invitations, as the primary purpose of these events is to shower the bride with gifts. Word-of-mouth is another time-honoured method of spreading the word about your registry—simply inform your close family members and bridal party, and let them know they can share the details with anyone who asks.

While it may be tempting to include your registry details on your wedding invitations to make things easy for your guests, it's important to remember that doing so may come across as presumptuous or aggressive. By following traditional etiquette and finding alternative ways to share your registry information, you can ensure that your guests feel honoured and excited to be a part of your celebration.

Where else can you put registry information?

While it is not advisable to include registry information on your wedding invitations, there are several other ways to inform your guests about your wedding registry. Here are some alternative options:

Bridal Shower or Wedding Shower Invitations

It is considered acceptable and even encouraged to include registry information on bridal or wedding shower invitations. Since the primary purpose of these events is to shower the bride or couple with gifts, guests will expect and appreciate having this information included.

Wedding Website

Creating a wedding website is an excellent way to centralize all your wedding-related information, including registry details. Include links to your online registries or create a dedicated page for gift suggestions. You can then include the URL for your wedding website on your save-the-date cards or wedding invitations. This approach allows guests to easily access all the information they need without overwhelming them on the invitation itself.

Word-of-Mouth

Before the advent of wedding websites, sharing registry information relied primarily on word-of-mouth. You can inform your immediate family, bridal party, and groomsmen about your registry preferences, and they can spread the word on your behalf. Guests can then inquire about the registry through these individuals if they wish to purchase a gift.

Enclosure or Information Cards

If you prefer a more subtle approach, consider including enclosure or information cards within the invitation envelope. These cards can direct guests to your wedding website or provide other relevant information, such as RSVP details, reception locations, or accommodation options. This way, you can provide registry information without directly mentioning it on the invitation itself.

Social Media and Email

While it is not advisable to post your registry details on social media platforms like Facebook, you can post a link to your wedding website, which should include easy-to-find registry links. Additionally, you can email or text the registry information to interested parties upon request. It is essential to strike a gracious tone in your communication, expressing that their presence at the wedding is more than enough.

What are the best ways to spread the word about your registry?

While it is considered rude to include your wedding registry on your wedding invitations, there are several other ways to spread the word to your guests. Here are some of the best ways to do so:

Bridal Shower Invitations

It is considered acceptable, and even expected, to include registry information on bridal shower invitations. Since the primary purpose of a bridal shower is to "shower" the bride (and groom) with gifts, guests will want and need to know what gifts to bring. If you are not throwing your own shower, you can ask the host to include this information on the invitations.

Wedding Website

Including a link to your wedding website on your save-the-date cards or invitations is a subtle way to direct guests to your registry. Your wedding website can include links to your online registries, allowing guests to easily access them and choose their gifts. When introducing your guests to your registry page, use language such as, "If you wish to give a gift to the bride and groom..." to ensure they know that gift-giving is optional.

Word-of-Mouth

Before the advent of wedding websites, guests typically learned about wedding registries by asking the couple's family, close friends, or wedding party members. This tradition can still be effective today. Share the registry details with your immediate family, bridesmaids, and groomsmen, and let them know they can spread the word on your behalf. Trust that if guests want to give you a gift, they will not hesitate to ask you directly about your registry.

Informational Insert

While it is not advisable to include registry information directly on your wedding invitations, you can include an informational insert in the envelope. This insert can contain a link to your wedding website, where guests can easily access your registry information. Including additional stationery, such as RSVP and reception cards, in the same envelope as your invitation is common practice and will not be questioned.

Social Media

While posting a Facebook status with direct links to your registry is not recommended, as it may come across as greedy and exclude non-invited Facebook friends, posting a link to your wedding website is acceptable. You can also privately text or email the registry information to interested parties, adding a polite note such as, "But please know that your presence at the wedding is more than enough!"

What are the rules and etiquette around sharing your registry?

It is considered rude to include your registry information on your wedding invitations. Friends and family may interpret this as meaning that receiving gifts is more important to you than sharing your special day with your loved ones. Wedding invitations are about building excitement for your upcoming celebration and you don't want your guests to worry about gifts.

However, it is still important that your guests can easily find this information. Here are some ways to share your registry details without including them on your invitations:

• Bridal shower invitations — It is totally fine to include registry information on bridal shower invitations as the whole point of a bridal shower is to "shower" the bride (and groom) with gifts.
• Wedding website — Include links to your online registries on your wedding website. You can then include your wedding website on your save-the-date cards or on your invitations.
• Word of mouth — Let your wedding party, immediate family, bridesmaids, and groomsmen know the details and they can spread the word on your behalf.

Remember, gifts are never required. Even if you are requesting no presents, it is best not to mention anything about gifts on your wedding invitations.

What are the biggest wedding registry mistakes to avoid?

While creating a wedding registry, it is important to keep in mind the following:

• Not creating a registry at all: While it may seem greedy, creating a registry is actually helping your guests. A registry takes the guesswork out of gift-giving and your friends and family will want to start shopping now.
• Not researching retailers: Take the time to look at different retailers’ registry programs. What are the pros and cons of each? What are their return policies? Are there registry completion discounts? How easy to use is their website? Are there other features or benefits that appeal to you?
• Registering in only one place: It’s not the most convenient for your guests. Registering at two or three different retailers provides guests with options and caters to those who want to purchase gifts in person.
• Not considering alternative registries: Many couples forget about other registry options, including honeymoon, cash, and experience registries. These types of registries are great for couples who own a lot of home items already.
• Only having an alternative registry: If you do decide to create an alternative registry, remember that some of your guests will want to purchase a tangible gift for you, no matter how much you nudge them toward your alternative registry.
• Not working together: Visit retailers together and select gifts as a team. You may have to compromise, but the end result is a home filled with items that both you and your partner truly love.
• Registering for too few items: Registering for a lot of gifts will give your guests lots of options, which they’ll appreciate. We recommend doubling your guest count and registering for that many gifts, or more.
• Not offering a range of price points: Your guests will likely all have different budgets, so be sure to register for gifts at different price points, from inexpensive items to larger, pricier gifts.
• Putting registry information on printed invitations: Do not print your registry information on any invitation that comes from you or your family members. This makes it look like you are directly asking for gifts as the price of admission to your wedding—which is seen as rude. A good way to get around this is to put your registry information on your wedding website and then direct your guests to your site.
• Not checking your registry often: Visit your registry every few weeks or so to make sure that there are still enough gifts for your guests to choose from, and to make any necessary adjustments. If you’re not diligent about updating your registry, you’ll find yourself returning more gifts when all is said and done.
• Procrastinating your thank-you notes: It can seem like a daunting task, but you should plan on sending a thank-you for any gift you receive, and plan on sending them as the gifts come in.

Additionally, it is considered impolite to include registry information on a wedding invitation. Registry details can be included on a wedding website, which can be promoted on a details card.

Frequently asked questions