Don’t’ Register Too Early
Registering for wedding gifts should be one of the final tasks you tackle when you get engaged. Store changes inventory sometimes every quarter, so by registering too early, you risk the chance your items will no longer be available when the wedding gets here. Most guests are not going to buy your gift until a few weeks prior.
If you don’t need anything… ask for money! Really it is ok to ask for money.
Register Together
As you prepare to live together, take an inventory of what you both have and what you will still need. Then go together. Give yourself plenty of time so you are not rushed. If one of you has a sticky finger and starts getting ahead of the other, pass the scanner to your partner. Have fun and only register for those must haves.
Register for whatever you want
You don’t have to just register for china and towels. In fact, you don’t just have to register at traditional department stores either. Many stores and companies have wedding registries now, so register for those electronics, appliances or even camping equipment you have been wanting. A hot new trend includes registries for your honeymoon. Your guests can login and pay a portion of your trip.
Keep It Small
Try to avoid filling your list with things you’re never going to use. If you are never going to use china or crystal, don’t register for it. Remember the more you put on your list the less likely you are going to get the dozen or so items you really want. By keeping your list smaller, you will get the things you really want. Or when the items are all purchased, you will most likely get cash!
What’s The Return Policy?
Always ask about the store’s exchange/return policies. You don’t want to be stuck after the wedding with 5 sets of the same glasses. Many wedding registry retailers have great customer service to accommodate newlyweds, but make sure that you get it in writing. Finally, there are generally timelines as to when exchanges can be made, so get those returns done as soon after the wedding as possible.
Register With A Range Of Prices
Every guest will have a different budget to spend on your wedding gift. Try to find an assortment of items that start at $25. If you hit all the price points such as $50, $75, $100, $200 and Above $300 your guests will all have options. You don’t want your less well off friends feeling overwhelmed by the fact that he can’t find a single gift; or your wealthy relatives buying you a multitude of smaller items to give you a generous gift.
Make Them Available Online
At least one (and preferably all) of your gift registries should be available online. Guests will love to be able to see the items and make purchase from stores that are not available in their home towns. Yours guests are busy, so allowing them to order online at 3am is a plus; and for those that cant make it can even have your gift delivered to your door.
Update Your List
When a guest buys a gift for you, your registry should automatically update, allowing other guests to see what’s been purchased (and allowing you to see what’s on its way!). That is if they turn in the registry sheet upon checkout. After your showers especially, you should login and remove those items that you have already received. Nothing is worse than trying to return dozens of items. So aim to update your list every week up to your wedding.
Opt For Gift Cards
Cash is great, but for those not sure how to go about asking for it, should consider the more etiquette-friendly option… gift cards! Many stores allow you to register for them and you can use them to buy the things you want and need later. This is a great alternative for those that are not sure what to register for. If you are still anxious for cash gifts, ask a few close friends or family members to spread the word.
Show Your Thanks
Being gracious goes a long way. Always let your guests know their gifts have arrived in the mail within a few days. This can be done with a quick email or phone call. But you still want to send a thank-you note for gifts received before the wedding within two weeks of their arrival. Other thank-you’s for gifts, assistance, etc should be sent within a month after your wedding day. In all notes, be sure to mention the gift by name or the specific reason for the thank-you.
