Registry 101
By Brooke Vaughan Schroeder
For years you have been giving wedding presents, and now it’s finally your turn to get married and be on the receiving end. On one hand, you may be excited about starting a new life with new things, and on the other hand, you not be sure what you need or ought to register for.
You can register as soon as you become engaged. Just make sure to register a few places before your engagement party or first shower and complete your registries by the time the invitations are mailed. As the wedding draws near, you will want to monitor and update your registries, adding gifts as needed. Most stores allow you to do this online so it’s simple and easy!
What do I register for?
Stores, magazines, books and Web sites all have lists of suggested items to register for. Typical registries include: entertaining items (kitchen and dining), cookware and small appliances, household tools and yard equipment, bedding and linens, and household items and furniture.
Let’s face it, if you have been on your own for a little while or perhaps have even been living with your fiancée or fiancé prior to marriage, you may not want a ton of gifts. Instead, you would greatly appreciate money to help toward a new house or refurbishing your apartment. While most brides and grooms would probably prefer monetary contributions, most wedding guests prefer giving tangible gifts. There is no polite way to request money, but you could let your family and close friends know your preference, and they could share accordingly.
Where do I register?
You can register at as many stores as you would like, but I suggest five or less to make it easier to maintain. Register wherever you want but include at least one or two national chain stores if you have out of town guests. While most registries can be accessed online, there are still a lot of guests who prefer shopping for the gifts in person. Some national favorites include: Target, Williams Sonoma, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Pottery Barn, The Home Depot, and Crate & Barrel. Department stores and local area boutiques are also great.
How do I register?
Registering is easy and probably one of the most fun aspects of the wedding planning, so do it with your spouse-to-be! While you can start many registries online, I encourage you to go in the store to set it up and then maintain it via the Internet.
If you have a personal Web site, post your registry information on it. If you don’t have a website, consider posting your registry information online through www.weddingchannel.com because they will donate 10 percent of proceeds purchased to the charity of your choice. If you don’t want to go the online option, then spread the word to family and friends and let others know when they ask. Some of your shower invitations may note where you are registered, as well.
You will get some duplicate gifts and most likely a hot item that you will get several variations of. Check the store’s return and exchange policy when you register. Some stores only offer store credit while others like Bed, Bath & Beyond will give you cash back.
Most registries are active and live on the Web for up to a year, and most national chain stores have incentive completion programs offering you a 10 percent discount off a one-time purchase within three months of your wedding date. Family members will utilize the list for future holiday gift ideas, and there are those guests who will take advantage of the “I have a year to give you a present” custom.
