8 Questions Brides Ask About
Setting up a Wedding Registry
In theory, setting up a registry is simple. You decide on
one or several stores, create a registry online or in
person, select various items, and get the word out to your
guests. In practice, things are a little more complicated --
but only a little!
With that said, here's the real deal on setting up your
wedding registry and getting the word out without offending
your guests. Remember that retailers can be an enormous help
to both you and your guests. At the same time, you can't
take everything they say at face value.
Q: Where should I register?
A: Chances are, if you're getting married in your own town,
you already know where "everyone goes" to set up and shop
from a registry. If not, and guests are flying in from far
away, pick from some bride-tested standbys likely to be
present almost anywhere.
Macy's has a great reputation
for registries, as does Williams-Sonoma, Bed Bath & Beyond
and other retailers.
Before you choose your stores, be sure to stop by a wedding
forum and get feedback from brides who have been there, done
that. Store policies vary quite dramatically, ranging from
the easy-does-it (who'll give you cash back for returns off
the registry, no
questions asked) to the extremely restrictive (who'll only
let you exchange for another item *in that department*,
requires a receipt for each item, and so on). You'll want to
know about these policies and the store's overall reputation
for bridal friendliness before
you go in, or returns and exchanges could become a big
hassle.
Q: I have a wide range of interests. How many stores should
I register at?
A: Two to three stores is fairly typical. They don't have to
be typical stores, though. If you're a wine drinker, and
live in a state where it's legal to ship wine, set up a
registry at one of the great online wine merchants.
Q: When should I register?
A: Although close family
members may pressure you to start earlier, it's helpful to
wait three to six months before the wedding. Not only are
the vast majority of gifts bought within a day or so of the
shower or ceremony itself, stores turn over merchandise so
rapidly that any gifts you select earlier may be
discontinued.
Q: What if I already have all the kitchen appliances and
throw pillows I need?
A: Consider putting together a honeymoon registry instead,
so guests can contribute toward a special meal or snorkeling
trip or a night's lodging during your honeymoon.
Q: When I signed up at Store X, they gave me a bunch of
attractive registry cards to enclose with my wedding
invitations. Should I do it, or is that tacky?
A: Sorry, but the consensus is almost universal -- it's
uncouth to include any mention of gifts in your invitations.
You can, however, tuck those cards into shower invitations.
Perhaps the best solution is to include a note in your
invitations that reads, "Please see our wedding web site at
www.xyz.com" and place your
registry information there.
Q: How many gifts should I register for? I don't want to
look demanding.
A: Typically, you'll want to
select two or three items per guest. That gives people room
to choose instead of locking them into something they don't
enjoy buying, or worse, forcing them to guess what else you
might like, giving birth to the "second yogurt maker" type
of gift.
If you have many guests, you can avoid creating a 16-page
monstrosity for them to print out by breaking up your
registry over several stores.
At the end of the day, "more is more." Many retailers offer
discounts on those items you registered for but didn't
receive. Many stores also retain your registry for at least
12 months after the
wedding. You may find it's best to register for everything
that you plan to buy, even if you don't expect to get it as
a gift; you can then purchase your selections for 10% or 20%
off after the ceremony.
Many brides also find friends
and family tapping registries for gift buying ideas for
birthdays and other holidays!
Q: What price range should I stick with when selecting
items?
A: Generally, you should
register for things you really feel you want or need,
without worrying too much about the price. Some guests enjoy
picking up a number of items in the low price range, and
sometimes guests will group together to purchase
bigger-ticket items.
Q: I've set up my registry just fine, but now I'm
addicted to checking it online. How can I stop?
A: Sorry, there's no known
antidote for registry-checking addiction, though it's a
widespread phenomenon. Counting to ten, taking deep breaths
or distracting yourself with double-fudge ice cream might be
worth a shot.
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About the Author
Blake Kritzberg is editor at "FavorIdeas.com." Stop by for
wedding favor ideas, Save-the-Date eCards, free wedding
screensaver, free wedding templates and Bridezilla's weekly
adventures at:
http://www.favorideas.com
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