Get started right away!
Why wait? The sooner you choose the stores that you’d like to register at, the more time your guests will have to choose that perfect gift for you. In addition to your wedding day, there will be potential for many gift giving opportunities, such as engagement parties, bridal showers, and housewarming parties. Give your guests the courtesy of putting together a list of things you need instead of leaving it up to them to guess.[divider]
Evaluate your living space
With the influx of gifts that will be coming your way, it’s important to assess the space you have available to store it all. Make a list of the household items you need most and make sure you have a designated spot for them. If you are registering for seasonal items or decor that you may want to rotate throughout the year, make sure you have ample storage. Take measurements in the rooms that will house larger items like furniture and make sure that the 50″ plasma television that you have your eye on will fit in your fishbowl apartment.[divider]
Make it a joint effort
Creating a wedding registry may be the one part of wedding planning where both the bride and groom are eager to have a say. This is an exciting opportunity to work together in deciding on the items that will make your place homey and best represent you as a couple. Whether you plan to hit the stores to choose your items in person (a nice excuse to use a price gun) or decide to create your registry online, make sure to be respectful of each other’s opinions and wishes.[divider]
Don’t be afraid to add big ticket items
Couples may feel embarrassed about including pricey items (i.e. a couch or dining room table) to their registry, but this shouldn’t be the case. Leave it up to your guests to determine which items they are willing and able to purchase. The great thing about registries is that they also allow guests to purchase gift cards, which you and your fiancé/e can allocate toward some of the bigger ticket items that you may have been saving up for. Additionally, most stores will give a discount for any items that are left un-purchased, which gives you the option of buying them yourself once your wedding is over.[divider]
Register at stores accessible to your guests
When setting up your registry, be mindful of your guests. If many of them happen to be from out of town, it might not be the best choice to register at your favorite neighborhood boutique. It is common for couples to decide on 2-3 stores that will offer the items that they’d like most for their home but are also stores which operate nationally and are accessible to a majority of their guests (such as Macy’s, Bed, Bath and Beyond or Pottery Barn).[divider]
Consider who is on your guest list
As mentioned above, when putting together a registry it’s best to know your audience. For example, if you are planning to invite a larger number of young adults or college-aged kids, you might want to think twice about including a ton of expensive items on your registry. Cover your bases by having a variety of both expensive and inexpensive options available.[divider]
Monitor your registry list
Registry lists do not have to be set in stone. If you think of additional items you would like, feel free to add them. If you realize that you have included an item that you may need before the wedding and decide to purchase it yourself, then feel free to remove the item if it has not been purchased yet. A good rule of thumb is to keep twice as many items on your list as you have guests.[divider]
Don’t be tacky
The great thing about a registry is that it allows guests to tastefully help you furnish the items for your home and help you start off as a couple. Stray away from asking for cash or checks instead and leave that choice up to your guests. Most registries also allow you to register for gift cards— a nice alternative.[divider]
Throw out the rules
There are no guidelines to follow when it comes to selecting registry items. Don’t feel pressured to buy fine china or a new blender if it doesn’t meet your needs or you think it will be impractical for your home.[divider]
Don’t forget thank you notes!
Regardless of when you receive a gift from your registry, make sure that you send out thank you cards in a timely fashion. Let your guests know that you appreciate their generosity and support in starting out at a new stage in life.
Photo credits: Silverware | Flickr/Forrest Tanaka, Couple using computer | istockphoto.com, Crate & Barrel exterior | Flickr/HelveticaFanatic