Creating Registries: Part One

 

Sunday was our 2 year wedding anniversary! ♥

In light of that, I have decided to share one of my favorite aspects of getting married: creating a gift registry! ;)

Of course, some people will want to give gifts that are "from the heart", which is quite thoughtful and always appreciated. But others are going to want to buy items that you will need as you begin your new life together.

Your second cousin whom you haven't talked to since you were 5 years old is not going to know if you'd rather have curtains from Pottery Barn or a can opener from Target.

Why not help her out by giving her a lovely list of items she knows you'll love, since you hand-picked them yourself?

Let's say you're afraid your Aunt Ida is going to assume you want a toaster, and will proceed to buy whatever cheop-o toaster she finds at the Walmart that is next to the ABC store she visits on a daily basis {apparently, your aunt has a drinking problem}. You could ask your mom/sister/maid of honor to give her a nudge in the right direction. Or, you could just give her a registry card! Such a genius little idea, it not-so-subtly says "Buy me one of these items, from one of these stores...please!"

Do: Put registry cards in the Bridal Shower invitations.

Do Not: Put registry cards in the Wedding invitations {so tacky}.

Sure, that 80 year old woman from your church who thinks you're perpetually 7 years old just knows that you'd love to have a set of coasters displaying pictures of dogs dressed up as nuns.

No receipt? That's what yard sales are for.

Make sure your registry has variety. Some people may want to spend $300, while others can only spend $20. Be sure to take your guests into consideration. Also, there are going to be people who wait until the day before your wedding to buy you a gift. If you only have a few inexpensive items on the list, they are most likely going to have already been purchased. So, you are either going to:

a) make them feel like they have to blow their entire paycheck on a gift for you and your hubby
b) get cash or a gift card {still nice, but not as fun to open}

c) not get a gift at all
So, be sure your registry has a collection of items that fit every budget.

If you include a plethora of items on your registry, you'll help your guests {or generous people who don't attend but still send gifts} feel like they actually get to pick out something for you, since they'll have so many items to choose from. Plus, it will ensure that their gift to you will actually be a surprise...as long as you don't regularly keep tabs on items as they are purchased from your registry {another no-no}.

Some women {like me} have husbands who love home decor. Others have husbands who wouldn't even notice if you bought a new sofa {until they looked at your bank account}.

If your husband couldn't care less about your your gift registry, don't force him to go with you as you scan every item in Macy's. However, do make sure you find out what he does care about and keep him in mind as you make your selections.

Do you really think he'd want you to register for pink, flowered pillowcases? Perhaps you could compromise on blue flowers, or pink stripes.

Also, be sure you do not register for too many "fluff" items, meaning items you don't actually need. These include things such as throw pillows, picture frames, etc. Be aware that some people will assume that if you registered for throw pillows, any throw pillows will do. And, for most of us avid decorators, that is most certainly not the case!

Additionally, they may purchase these random items from stores that do not accept returns, leaving you with a bunch of things you will never even use {except when they stop by for a visit}. Keep in mind that you are most likely going to receive gift cards and cash as well, so you can use these to purchase decorative items after the wedding.


Well, that completes Part One of "Creating Registries". Stay tuned for Part Two, which will include my favorite registry items!

What are some other things you have learned from creating your own gift registries?