Gift Registry

A wedding gift registry is a store system that involves having an engaged couple list down store products that they would wish to have as gifts from their wedding guests. This list is provided to wedding guests and when an item has been purchased for the couple, the gift list is updated to prevent several purchases of similar items.

Now part of many weddings as a traditional part of the gift giving process, the gift registry gives many guests a clear list of ideal gifts for the couple within a fairly large price range so as to allow for the guests to choose what they will give the couple from a price they are comfortable with.

Choosing the Store and the Items

It is advised that a couple choose a shop that they both like. They can also go to big retail stores for the convenience of some invited people who do not reside in the same area. Knowing about a store's return policy, discounts for guests, gift wrapping, and shipping policy would also be helpful. Popular retail shops include big department chains such as Myer or David Jones and even some online stores.

Making a wedding registry in several stores is an option if the things that the couple want are not available in one store. It is best to register at huge department stores for the usual household items, while specialty stores can address the personalised wedding gifts. It is also best to have a big registry if there is a long guest list as a big registry also gives guests more choices on what to purchase.

Also, having a gift list with a wide range of prices will give guests freedom to decide on how much they should spend on a gift. Listing only expensive items might give a negative impression on guests. To help in creating a list that is cost-friendly but useful, a set of things can be registered separately such as listing the bed comforter separately from the linens and pillowcases. Even if an online registry has been created, it is still advised to go to a store and create a bridal gift registry to accommodate some guests who are not comfortable making transactions online.

The registry should be prepared by both the two people getting married because most items will be used as they start their married life. Hence, it should be reflective of what they both want. Since the purpose of the wedding registry is to help the couple with the basics, what the couple will need in the future should be the priority. Normally, these include bathroom sets (towels, toothbrush holders, bathroom rugs, shower curtains), bedroom items (linens, pillowcases, comforters), dish sets, everyday flatware, silverware, glasses and coffee cups, table linens, things for the kitchen (pots, baking pans, utensils, serving platters), small kitchen appliances (blenders, coffee makers, and toasters), and home decors (vases, picture frames, and bowls). Bigger items can also be included like furniture, vacuum cleaner, garden equipment, hand tools, luggage, and computer. Asking a married friend, a bridal consultant, or a wedding planner for ideas and suggestions can help in making a good list.

Wishing Wells and Non-traditional Gifts

However, as more couples are living together before they get married, many of them may already have all the household items they need that would traditionally be part of a gift registry.  As a result, there has been a significant rise in the number of weddings that have a wishing well as their gift registry.

A wishing well is where a fund is allocated by the couple that guests can deposit money into, usually to assist with the honeymoon or similar. While online deposits are common, there are also a number of weddings that will actually have a wishing well at the reception that guests can drop their amounts into.

Another non-traditional gift registry would be a mortgage deposit where a couple creates a registry with mortgage firms and guests can decide to contribute to this fund which will then be used for the deposit of their new home.

Creating the Wedding Registry

Big department stores usually have staff to assist a couple in creating a wedding register. There are forms to be completed and sometimes hand-held equipment is provided to the couple. As the couple browses around the store, this hand-held scanner is waved over items that they want included on the list. The shop's computer records and makes these items available online for guests to access. Several stores have websites that list items that can be added in the registry, but going to the store and checking the items before including them on the list is a wiser move.

Informing the Guests of a Gift Registry or Wishing Well

Normally if a couple is having a gift registry, the store it is held with will provide cards that can be sent to guests, yet this can sometimes be seen as presumptuous and poor etiquette so perhaps word-of-mouth is one of the better options with those in the bridal party handing out the cards. As for wishing wells, the same approach can be taken. Similarly, for a more formal approach there are a number of email services available that cater to this.