Establishing your bridal registry early on will ensure more of what you want, and less of what you don't want.
You may be asking yourself why you should expend all the time and energy it takes to establish a bridal registry. Simple, really. It's your wedding. People are going to send or bring gifts. Whether they give wedding gifts you will love and use for years to come, or gifts you hide in a closet until they visit, is up to you. Establishing your bridal registry early on will ensure more of what you want, and less of what you don't want.
To give everyone ample time for shopping register as soon as possible after your engagement. If you have a favorite retailer in mind, make an appointment with the store's bridal registry consultant who will go over your gift requirements and help coordinate patterns, as well as make gift suggestions. Don't try registering for everything in a day. Try choosing tabletop items such as crystal, china and silver on one visit, domestic items such as sheets, towels and linens another day, and save kitchen items such as cookware and small appliances for a third day.
REGISTRY OPTIONS When planning your registry include a broad range of choices and prices so that all your guests will be able to purchase a gift they feel comfortable giving. And don't feel bound to choose the traditional household items that are usually included in a bridal registry. If you've already got the basics, get creative. Today's couple can register for anything from hardware to luggage, stereo equipment to computers. Savvy retailers are beginning to realize the advantage of offering bridal registries. So if you've got your eye on something out of the ordinary, don't let that stop you; just call and ask. You'll be surprised how many stores now offer this service.
GEOGRAPHICAL OPTIONS If you and your fiance are from different parts of the country, it may not be possible to find the same retailers in each others respective towns. In this case you might want to split your registry categories. Start a registry specifically for crystal and silver at a department store in the groom's hometown, and a separate registry for china in the bride's hometown. In the city where you and your fiance live, register for the more non-traditional registry items. An even easier way to approach the cross-country dilemma is to establish an online registry. Most major retailers now offer extensive online registries, so your guests need never step foot in a store. Just a few clicks and the gift is on its way.
COMPUTER REGISTRY Be sure to ask how long your registry list will be kept in the store's computer database. Many retailers have a set length of time that they will keep your registry, sometimes up to two years. This feature is nice because it simplifies gift giving for family and friends that will be buying you birthday, anniversary and Christmas gifts over the next year or so. These same retailers may also offer discounts on the remaining non-purchased portions of your selected gifts, making it easier to complete your registry. Before leaving the store, be sure to get a copy of your registry form and go over it with your consultant to make sure there are no mistakes.
The tradition of keeping a gift log, recording the gift, the giver, and the store it came from, was once exclusively the task of the bride. This service is now provided by many retailers whose computerized registries not only keep track of the items purchased, but also who purchased them. This information will come in handy when writing out the many thank-you notes you will undoubtedly be sending.
INSURANCE If you receive many gifts of notable worth, you may consider adding a rider on your home-insurance policy to cover all of your wedding treasures. The policy is fairly inexpensive and will be well worth the peace of mind it will bring.
Lastly, enjoy the bounty of your celebrated union. Don't stow your beautiful treasures away, begin using them now, creating a lifetime of memories and love to surround each cherished piece.
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