Make your Gift Registry as Unique as You Are

Do not be shy when it comes to your wedding registry.  A wedding registry is a standard procedure for weddings, and it is not a sign of “selfishness” by any stretch.  In fact, in this day and age of a busy society, your guests are going to prefer if you have a wedding registry. The less they know you, the easier this makes it for them to bring you a token of their blessings without worrying about offending you.  Registering will also help ensure you don’t end up with 20 toasters.  Even if they are all different toasters, you still have 20 of them.  A registry will avoid that.

Here are some tips that may help you perfect your registry:

• Many stores now offer registry service. It is less common to see only one store listed as a bridal registry.  So be creative, and don’t be afraid to use all of your favorite stores.
• Make a list of what you need and what you want before you set up the registry.
• Do something different that will fit your lifestyle and personality.  If you are into art for example, ask around at galleries and boutiques to see if they offer registries.
• Choose items that come in a price range.  You will have guests there with access to a wide range of budgets, so make sure there will be something for every budget on your registry.
• Also choose more gifts than you have guests. Even though you are still basically telling people what you want, you are still providing them with ample flexibility when it comes time to choosing a gift.
• Find out how long the registry will be available to your guests.  Many guests like to use the registry later on to choose holiday or anniversary gifts and this gives them a convenient way of doing so.
• When you are choosing your china, flatware, and stemware, avoid the temptation of choosing something too wild or too trendy. You want something classic and simple that can be mixed and matched as there will be less chances that you will grow tired of them.
• Consider your needs. Do you need BOTH an electric and manual pasta maker?  If you are choosing items just so you have enough gifts for your guestlist, consider a second registry at a different venue.
• Plan ahead.  If you know for example that you will be redecorating at some point, or moving to a larger place, put extra towels on your list, or things that will include your new color scheme if you are redecorating.
• Try and remember the job of the sale people is to push you to buy.  Visit with your fiancé and get a look around before you start the registry.  This will ensure you don’t get talked into something you aren’t sure of.  Go back a second time to complete the registry with a set list of what you want, and don’t let the salespeople try and change your mind.
• If you have everything you need, and don’t know what to put on your registry, travel agencies or financial institutions will set up accounts where monetary gifts can be donated towards a honeymoon or home down payment registry.
• If you don’t have time to use a local business for your registry, many companies offer online registries and websites that you can do from home.  This will save you a lot of time and is just as convenient a tool for your guests that may not have time to go out and shop either.
• Last of all, have FUN. Thinking about presents is one of the funnest wedding chores, don’t let it stress you out.