Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding registries are a chance for couples to register for gifts they'll use and love, and it's not uncommon for couples to include some bigger-ticket items on their lists. While some people may find it tacky or greedy, others argue that it's acceptable as long as there is a variety of items at different price points to accommodate different budgets. Ultimately, it's up to the couple to decide what they want to include, considering their needs, personalities, and audience (guests). Some couples may prefer to ask for cash funds or contributions towards large items or experiences, like a honeymoon, instead of physical gifts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| People will buy expensive items | Yes, but it depends on the guest and their budget. Older relatives are more likely to buy expensive items. |
| People's willingness to buy expensive items | People want to give gifts that will have an impact. They may be more inclined to buy bigger gifts if they know the couple well. |
| Reasons to include expensive items | People may go in on a group gift for expensive items. Couples may also be able to buy leftover items at a discount after the wedding. |
| Reasons not to include expensive items | Couples may appear greedy or gift-grabby. Older generations may consider large items on a wishlist taboo. |
| Recommendations | Include a mix of affordable and pricier items. Make sure the items are useful and meaningful. |
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What You'll Learn
Guests' budgets and expectations
When it comes to guests' budgets and expectations, it's important to consider their personal financial situations and relationships with you as a couple. Guests' spending on wedding gifts typically ranges from $50 to $150, with co-workers and acquaintances spending on the lower end and family members sometimes spending more. It's a good idea to include a mix of affordable and pricier items on your registry, ensuring that guests have options within their budgets.
While some guests may be inclined to splurge on a bigger-ticket item, it's essential to be mindful of the overall balance of your registry. You don't want expensive items to dominate your list, as it may give the impression of greed or gift-grabbing. Instead, aim for variety, including items that cater to different budgets and reflect your needs and personalities as a couple. Remember, guests want to give gifts that they believe will bring you joy and make an impact.
In some cases, guests may choose to go in together to purchase more expensive items. This is a common practice, especially among groups of friends or family members. If you have your eye on a particularly pricey item, you can include it on your registry with the understanding that it may be a group effort to fund it. Additionally, consider including experiences or honeymoon funds as alternatives to physical gifts. These options can evoke emotion and allow guests to contribute to memorable moments, such as a backpacking trip or cooking classes.
It's worth noting that some guests may prefer to give gift cards or cash instead of purchasing specific items. While asking for gift cards as the only option may be frowned upon, setting up a cash fund for a specific purpose, such as a large item or your honeymoon, can be a thoughtful approach. Ultimately, it's about finding a balance between your wishes and the expectations of your guests.
Lastly, don't be afraid to include some wish items on your registry. You never know who might surprise you with a generous gift. However, it's important to strike a balance and not let expensive items overwhelm your list. If you're unsure about a particular item, consider how you would feel if you saw it on a friend's registry. This perspective can help guide your decisions and ensure your registry aligns with your guests' budgets and expectations.
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Group gifts
When creating your wedding registry, it is important to consider your guests and their budgets. While some guests may prefer to give money, others may want to give physical gifts. Websites like Zola, Amazon, and Target allow couples to designate certain items as group gifts, making it easier for guests to contribute to larger purchases.
It is recommended to have a mix of affordable and bigger-ticket items on your registry, ensuring that guests with varying budgets can choose a gift that fits their financial situation. Websites like Zola and Target offer completion discounts, which can be helpful if you want to purchase any remaining items on your own after the wedding.
Some couples have also mentioned including unconventional items on their registry, such as a tent or a dartboard, rather than typical home improvement items. Ultimately, it is up to you and your partner to decide what items to include, reflecting your life together as a couple and considering your needs and personalities.
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Discounts on unbought items
Many retailers offer discounts on unbought wedding registry items after the wedding. These include:
- The Knot: 20% off leftover items for up to six months after the wedding.
- Target: 15% completion discount, plus the option to add items to your registry after the wedding.
- Amazon: 20% registry completion discount for orders up to $1,500 (max discount of $300) for up to 90 days post-wedding.
- Anthropologie: 15% completion discount for any remaining items for up to 90 days.
- Macy's: 20% completion discount for any gifts remaining on your registry, as well as any new items you add (10% off on furniture, mattresses, and rugs/floor coverings) for up to 180 days after your event.
- Crate & Barrel: 15% off completion discount for up to six months after your wedding day.
- Dillard's: 20% completion discount in home, beauty, lingerie, and furniture departments, and 10% for small electrics (in-store only).
- West Elm: 10% registry completion discount on all orders for up to six months after the wedding.
- Williams Sonoma: 10% off wedding completion discounts for up to six months.
- Pottery Barn: 10% off remaining registry items.
Some couples choose to add expensive items to their wedding registries to take advantage of these completion discounts, knowing that they will likely not receive these items as gifts. However, this strategy may be perceived as "tacky" or "gift-grabby" by some guests. It is recommended that couples include a range of affordable and bigger-ticket items on their registries to cater to different budgets and allow guests to choose a gift that aligns with their relationship to the couple. Ultimately, the decision of what to include on a wedding registry comes down to the couple's needs, personalities, and preferences.
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Honeymoon funds
A honeymoon fund is a modern way for couples to receive wedding gifts that they will truly need and want. Couples can ask their guests to contribute to their honeymoon fund, which can be used for airfare, accommodations, travel excursions, and other honeymoon expenses. This allows couples to receive gifts that are more practical and useful for their married life together.
There are several websites that offer honeymoon fund registries, such as Honeyfund, The Knot, and Traveler's Joy. These websites allow couples to create a personalized page with their travel plans and funding needs. Guests can then contribute to the fund easily online, often with the option to contribute directly to specific experiences or upgrades, such as first-class airfare or romantic excursions.
Honeyfund, for example, is a free online honeymoon registry with no fees for couples or guests. It is the most trusted cash gifting site for honeymoons, with nearly two decades in business and over $740 million in gifts processed. Honeyfund also offers PCI-compliant and secure technology to protect the private information and funds of both couples and their guests.
The Knot also offers a free honeymoon registry service, with no percentage taken out of the cash total or setup fee. However, there is a 2.5% credit card transaction fee added to each guest's final total at checkout. The Knot allows couples to continuously check their progress towards their goal and see who has contributed.
Traveler's Joy is another popular option, with no sign-up or upgrade fees, and 100% free gift redemptions in the US. If a credit card is used, there is a 2.95% service fee deducted from the gift amount, as well as a small checkout fee for guests to cover the credit card processing fee. Traveler's Joy also offers an Instant Registry feature, which auto-fills the couple's wish list with premade themes based on location-specific items.
Overall, honeymoon funds offer a convenient and practical way for couples to receive wedding gifts that will help create lasting memories on their dream honeymoon. With a variety of trusted websites to choose from, couples can easily set up a honeymoon fund registry that suits their needs and provides a seamless experience for their guests.
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Non-physical gifts
When it comes to wedding gifts, it is becoming more common for couples to request non-physical gifts that are eco-conscious and sustainable. These non-physical gifts can include experiences, such as spa days, cooking classes, wine tastings, concert tickets, and cultural events.
Another non-physical gift idea is to encourage guests to contribute to a cause or charity that is important to the couple. This could include donating to environmental charities or contributing to carbon offset projects in the couple's name.
For couples who are interested in sustainable and eco-friendly items, there are also many non-physical gift options that align with this value system. These can include:
- Gift cards to eco-friendly stores, zero-waste shops, sustainable restaurants, or ethical fashion brands
- Tree planting kits or adopting a tree
- Sustainable office supplies, such as recycled paper, bamboo pens, refillable markers, and sustainable notepads
- Solar-powered chargers, garden lights, or outdoor speakers
- Beeswax wraps for food storage
- Cloth napkins to reduce paper waste
- Countertop compost bins
- Non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning supplies
Additionally, some couples may prefer non-physical gifts that are not eco-focused. These could include:
- A vinyl record collection with a record player
- A chess set
- A scratch-off adventure book for couples, with experiences to enjoy together
- A year of unique date ideas
- Personalized items such as cutting boards, tea towels, or key and leash holders
- Home accessories such as a foot massager or crystal glassware
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Frequently asked questions
It's completely acceptable to put bigger gifts on your registry. Some guests may be inclined to get you a bigger gift, and friends may split the cost of an expensive item. Just don't let big-ticket items dominate your list.
There's no hard rule about how much is too much, so use your own judgment. Ask yourself how you would react if you saw the same item on a friend's registry.
It's okay to set up a specific cash fund for an experience, large item, or honeymoon. Guests will have fun imagining you using the funds for things and experiences that will make you happy.
Expensive items on registries can include furniture, electronics, kitchen items, silverware, and china sets. Some couples have listed a $3000 couch, a $1200 MacBook, a $500 Dutch oven, a $400 cookware set, a $350 mixer, and a Dyson vacuum.
Sometimes people pool their money together to buy expensive gifts. If no one buys the expensive items and you still want them, you may be able to get them at a discount after the wedding.
