Top 4 Practical Bridal Registry Tips
from a Newlywed
by Kellie Ward, Cirkel
ince getting married in May 2014, I look back at my registry experience with several questions in mind. Would I have chosen the same retailers? Would I register for different items? And most importantly, did I enjoy the experience? Before you and your fiancé jump into your favorite store with the scanning gun, it’s a good idea to step back and think about what you really want to get out of your registry. Below are a few things I learned along the way.
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Register with an Online Store
Hand-delivered gifts are extremely difficult to keep track of. Six months after my wedding, a co-worker asked how I liked my non-stick omelet pan. This gift must have gotten separated from the card and bag at my wedding reception, so it was a mystery who purchased this great gift for us.
Online registries track who purchased each gift and can often supply you with a spreadsheet of names, addresses, and the gifts purchased. This makes the thank-you note process so much easier.
Out-of-town guests also benefit from an online registry, since they may be far away from local specialty stores. They can order online, and the gifts will show up right to the bride and/or groom’s doorstep a few days later.
Everyday is the Most Important Day
Don’t feel like you have to register for traditional items, such as china and serving trays. When choosing where to register, look for stores that offer items for everyday use and entertaining. We received large quantities of serving dishes, trays, and large dinner plates, yet we don’t even have a dining room table. In hindsight, maybe we should have registered for a table first.
Combining spaces with your significant other can also lead to significant clutter. Why not register for new closet hardware or functional storage solutions? These items will make your life easier and be useful for years to come.
Read Return Policies Closely
All those towels and kitchen utensils that I didn’t need have now been returned, for store credit. Most gift registries will allow you to return items and usually will give you store credit instead of cash, even with a gift receipt. Want cash back? Speak with an associate at the store before starting your registry to get the full return policy.
Give Your Guests a Range of Gift Prices
Don’t go too low. Decide on a minimum dollar amount for the majority of your registry items. Inexpensive items, such as kitchen utensils and washcloths, are usually purchased early. Putting too many low-dollar items on a registry could mean more expensive items do not get purchased, like a set of pots and pans. A $30 minimum is a good place to start, since most wedding gifts are above this dollar amount.
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