Why Have a Gift Registry?
Gift registries are a practical and polite way to let your guests know what gifts you’d appreciate the most.
Wedding registries started as a way to help the couple start their new life together. Generally speaking, most Americans married young, and moved from their parents' house or college straight into their marriage—with no household wares to speak of. These days, most couples have lived on their own a little and have at least the basics, but registries are still common. While gifts should never be expected, the truth is most guests will get you something. Unless you want to end up with a score of household items you already have, gift registries are a practical and polite way to let your guests know what gifts you’d appreciate the most. Nowadays, most couples move into together before marriage, so they already own all the typical wedding household gifts. A registry allows couples to politely ask for items they could actually use in their daily lives, as well as let their guests know what their style preferences are.
When you start your registry, remember that it won't necessarily be used only for your wedding: if you're having a bridal shower or engagement party, guests may use your registry then too. A good rule of thumb is to multiply your number of guests by two, and then add a couple more choices for good measure. Make sure to add gifts in a variety of price ranges so that every guest’s budget can be accommodated. If you have your eye on something expensive, don't feel bad about adding it! Many registries offer an option to split the cost between several guests, and sometimes family members will all chip in for one big-ticket item too.
Once you've completed your registry, add the information to your wedding website. Avoid adding any gift information to the wedding invitation, as this is traditionally considered tacky. If you're having a shower, however, include the information or give it to whomever is hosting the party for you. There are plenty of websites that help you with the gift registry, including Zola, CheckedTwice, and ThankfulRegistry. There is also the option to set up registries for large department stores and locally owned shops, which will help your non computer-savvy guests.
In the past decade or so, non-traditional registries have become more common. Honeymoon registries are probably the most popular, especially for couples who already have an established home. Instead of asking for gifts, this registry asks guests to fund one experience on the honeymoon, like scuba diving, room service, or bike rentals. For a fun way to thank your guests, take a picture of you and your partner doing whatever activity was paid for and include a copy in your thank you card.
Another increasingly popular registry trend for more minimalist couples is “charity registry.” Instead of gifts, list one or several charities to donate to. These causes should be something that's important to you individually or as a couple. You can even incorporate the charities into your wedding day by donating money to them in lieu of favors on top of your registry donations.
Make sure to write thank you notes to everyone once you return from the honeymoon. Most registries will keep addresses for people who buy online, which is a great tool to help you stay organized. Otherwise, make sure you keep a notebook or phone list running of who gave you what when you're opening gifts. Another way to help you remember who got what is to write the gift on the back of the card—that way you have the name of the person and the gift they gave you in one spot. It is polite to send thank you cards within three months of the wedding date. Try to mention the gift specifically and how you and your spouse will use it rather than a general thank you, and make sure you hand write them for a personal touch.
