Dos
& Don'ts
Do
register, even if it’s a small wedding. A small guest list
does not make gift giving any easier for guests, and for
those couples who have been living together for a while,
guests have an even more difficult time deciding what to
buy you. Today, you can register for almost anything, from
lighting fixtures, to works of art, to honeymoon vacations.
Don't
feel uncomfortable about opening a registry. Registries
are an established tradition and a convenience your guests
can use if they wish. Registries help save guests time and
help them avoid the stress of shopping for an appropriate
gift. In addition, since registries include items of various
price ranges, you show your guests consideration for their
budget.
Do
register at more than one store; giving guests more choices
and price options. For out-of-town guests, select a registry
with locations in those areas, or one that offers online
website shopping or a toll-free telephone line.
Do
allow plenty of time to open a registry since it is not
a task that can be completed on your lunch break. Some stores
may require you to make an appointment in advance while
others allow you to walk around the store and choose the
items on your own. Bring your other half, your mother, or
your best friend along with you to help you make some decisions.
Don’t
keep your registry a secret. You’ve made gift choosing easier
for your guests; now let them take advantage of it. Make
sure your families and bridal party members understand how
the registry works, and give them the store’s name and telephone
number. Ask them to help spread the word to your invited
guests. Some people may choose to include registry information
on wedding invitations, while others may only want to do
this for shower invitations.
Do
open your registry early in your planning; six months to
a year before your wedding date is appropriate. It’s helpful
not only to your wedding guests, but also for other gift-giving
occasions, such as birthdays, holidays and showers.
