Bridal Registry Tips
One part of planning a wedding that is up for a lot of debate is the registry. Do we have a traditional registry or a honeymoon registry? Do we have to register for sets of everything, or can we mix and match? Does it all have to be from one store? Can our registry be online? Is it all right to have a cash option? If we already have most of what we need, can we register for things we want? These questions tend to plague couples whose heads are already spinning from planning their wedding. To avoid undue complications, here are a few tips to help smooth the process of registering for a wedding:
-Traditional vs. honeymoon-A traditional registry – china, kitchen gadgets, linens, etc. – is fine for some couples. Others, however, may prefer to register to have their honeymoon paid for instead. If you are planning a traditional registry, you should have it set up three months before the wedding at the latest. Honeymoon registries, however, need much more time so that you can actually use the money to book the trip! Give a honeymoon registry closer to six months.
-Mix and match-There is no rule saying that everything you register for has to coordinate perfectly. If you have wacky taste or simply do not care if everything looks the same, you can register for an eccentric mix of things if you want. The registry should reflect your personal taste, not what you think people expect of you, so if you would rather have lime green wine glasses than a set of steak knives, go for it!
-Vary the stores-In all likelihood, some stores are easier to access for some guests than others. To keep things easy, register at two or three stores in order to give your guests a choice in the matter.
-Register online-These days, it is a great idea to have an online registry. It is easy for guests to access and they can order your gift right away, without even having to leave their home. What’s more, they can usually have the item shipped directly to you, so that no one has to worry about transporting it anywhere! Though it is still a good idea to have a registry at a physical store, most everyone is online, so the bulk of it can be on the internet.
-Cash option-Yes, you can have a cash registry if you go about it in the right way. Find a humorous or especially polite way to ask for it. For example, set up a “broke newlyweds fund” if you are aiming for humor. If you prefer to go the more discreet route, ask someone to be your “representative” to let people know that monetary gifts would be appreciated in lieu of gifts. If necessary, you may wish to name your cash registry after something specific, like a “house fund”.
-Register for what you want-If you already have what you need, there is no reason why you cannot still have a registry! Find some alternative things to register for, such as luggage, camping equipment, or even special grocery items for some real gourmet cooking. Just be sure that these “want” items come in a variety of prices so that every guest’s budget can be accommodated.
