Wedding Registry: Clothing Gifts, A Good Idea?

is it weird to put clothes on a wedding registry

Wedding registries are a great way for newly engaged couples to receive gifts that they actually want and need. However, it can be tricky to decide what to include on the registry. While some people prefer to stick to traditional registry items such as kitchen appliances, tableware, and home decor, others may want to include more unusual items such as a book on hiking trails, freeze-dried camping meals, or even a hammock. While there is flexibility in what you can add to your wedding registry, it is generally advised to avoid personal items such as clothes, jewellery, beauty products, or intimate items. These items are intended for individual use and may not be enjoyed by both spouses. Additionally, it is essential to consider the comfort level of your guests and avoid items that may be seen as inappropriate or uncomfortable, such as lingerie or bedroom intimates. Ultimately, the key is to create a registry that reflects the couple's interests and needs while also providing a range of options at different price points to accommodate the budgets of all guests.

Characteristics Values
Items to avoid on a wedding registry Clothes, jewelry, beauty products, personal electronics, home maintenance goods, intimate items, and gifts for only one person
Items to consider for a wedding registry Kitchen appliances, tableware, bed and bath linens, home decor, hiking gear, and cookware
Wedding registry etiquette Set up the registry early, include a mix of big-ticket and less expensive items, ensure items are enjoyable for both spouses, and avoid flooding the registry with expensive items

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Clothes for both spouses are acceptable

While some sources advise against including personal items such as clothes on your wedding registry, there are also arguments for including items that reflect your personality as a couple.

Ultimately, it is up to you and your spouse to decide what goes on your wedding registry. If you both agree on adding clothes to the list, then that is acceptable. However, it is worth noting that some guests may find this request unusual or uncomfortable.

To avoid any potential discomfort, you could consider registering for items that can be enjoyed by both spouses, such as camping gear, sports equipment, or even a honeymoon fund. This way, you can ensure that your guests feel comfortable contributing to your celebration while still asking for gifts that reflect your interests as a couple.

Additionally, it is essential to provide a range of price options on your registry to accommodate guests with different budgets. This can include a mix of big-ticket items and less expensive, practical gifts. Remember, your wedding registry is an opportunity to upgrade your belongings and receive gifts that will last a lifetime.

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Clothing gifts are considered too intimate

While some people believe that a wedding and its adjacent events should reflect the couple, there are still some boundaries that should be respected. Wedding gifts are usually items that a couple can use together as they start their lives together. Therefore, personal items like clothing, jewellery, beauty products, or personal electronics are generally considered inappropriate for a wedding registry.

Clothing is often considered too intimate for a wedding registry, as it is a personal item that may not be enjoyed by both spouses. It is also believed that clothing gifts could be seen as imposing a particular style or taste on the recipient, which may not align with their own preferences. This could lead to an uncomfortable interaction with guests if the gifted clothing is not to the couple's taste.

Additionally, clothing is a very individualised item, and sizing can be tricky. It may be challenging for guests to choose the correct size for the couple, especially if they are not familiar with their measurements. This could result in the gift being unusable or requiring alterations, creating additional work for the couple or an uncomfortable exchange process.

Furthermore, clothing may be seen as a less thoughtful gift compared to items that hold more sentimental value or have a longer-lasting impact. Gifts that can be used and cherished for a long time, such as kitchen appliances, tableware, bed and bath linens, or home decor, are often considered more meaningful contributions to a couple's new life together.

However, it is worth noting that some couples may have unique circumstances or interests that make clothing gifts appropriate and welcomed. For example, if the couple shares a passion for a particular hobby or activity, clothing related to that interest could be considered a joint gift. Ultimately, the decision to include clothing on a wedding registry depends on the couple's preferences and what they believe their guests would be comfortable gifting.

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Guests may feel clothes are too expensive

While there is no definitive rule on what can and cannot be included on a wedding registry, there are some items that are generally considered inappropriate. One of these is clothing.

Guests may feel that clothes are too expensive, especially if the couple requests high-end or designer items. It is important to consider the financial situation of your guests and not make them feel pressured to spend beyond their means. Additionally, clothing is a very personal item, and it can be challenging to choose the right size, style, and colour for someone else. This may cause guests to feel anxious about making the "wrong" choice.

To avoid any discomfort, it is advisable to steer clear of personal items, including clothing, jewellery, and other items intended for only one person in the couple. Instead, opt for gifts that both spouses can enjoy and use together, such as kitchen appliances, tableware, bed and bath linens, or home decor. These items are tried-and-true gift ideas that will be useful in married life and are less likely to cause financial strain on your guests.

However, it is worth noting that some guests may be willing and able to contribute to more expensive items. In this case, you can suggest gift cards or a cash fund so that guests can contribute to a larger purchase without feeling obligated to spend more than they are comfortable with. Ultimately, the decision rests with the couple, and it is essential to strike a balance between the couple's wishes and the guests' comfort and financial capabilities.

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Clothes are not traditional registry items

While there is flexibility in what you can add to your wedding registry, there are some items that are traditionally not included. Clothes are one such item. Wedding registries are intended to help couples acquire gifts they need to start their lives together, so individual gifts are usually avoided.

Myka Meier, an etiquette expert and author of two bestselling etiquette books, advises couples never to put personal items on their registry that are intended for only one person, such as an outfit, shoes, or jewelry. Meier suggests that including these items will only make guests uncomfortable.

It is also important to consider the longevity of the items you are registering for. While it may be tempting to add expensive personal electronics, these items can quickly become outdated and end up in a landfill within a few years. Instead, it is generally recommended to stick to traditional registry items such as kitchen appliances, tableware, bed and bath linens, and home decor. These items are considered tried-and-true gifts that will be useful to the couple as they begin their married life together.

However, it is worth noting that some modern couples are choosing to include a mix of traditional and non-traditional items on their wedding registries. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference, and there is a growing belief that a wedding should reflect the couple's unique style and interests.

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Clothes are personal, for one person only

When it comes to wedding registries, there are no hard and fast rules. However, it is generally advised that personal items such as clothes are avoided. Wedding registries are intended to help couples acquire gifts they need to start their lives together. Therefore, gifts that can be enjoyed by both spouses are more appropriate.

Clothing is inherently personal, and it can be challenging to find garments that fit both partners' styles and sizes. Additionally, fashion is subjective, and what one person likes may not appeal to another. Including clothing on a wedding registry may place an unnecessary burden on guests who want to choose gifts that align with the recipient's tastes.

Furthermore, clothing is often associated with individual expression and unique personal style. It is typically chosen by the wearer based on their comfort, preferences, and sense of fashion. As such, it may not be a suitable choice for a wedding registry, where the focus is usually on shared experiences and items that cater to both individuals in the couple.

While some couples may be comfortable including clothing on their registry, it is generally recommended to avoid it. Couples can instead focus on items that cater to shared experiences, such as kitchen appliances, tableware, bed and bath linens, and home decor. These items are considered tried-and-true gifts that can be enjoyed and utilized by both spouses.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the couple, and there is room for flexibility. If a couple genuinely needs certain clothing items to start their married life, they may choose to include them on their registry. However, it is generally advisable to prioritize shared experiences and avoid items intended for only one person to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions

While it is generally advised to avoid putting clothes on your wedding registry, some people believe that it is acceptable to include them as long as they are not too expensive or intended for only one person. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide what to include on their registry.

Appropriate items to put on a wedding registry include kitchen appliances, tableware, bed and bath linens, and home decor. It is also common to include hobby-focused items that both people in the couple can enjoy together, such as a tent for camping or a kayak.

Items that are generally considered inappropriate for a wedding registry include personal items such as lingerie, jewellery, beauty products, and certain home maintenance goods like cleaning supplies and batteries. It is also advised to avoid adding gifts with the intention of returning them, as this can create an uncomfortable situation with guests.

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