We all know the point of a wedding. It’s gathering all your loved ones together so they can witness you make a lifelong commitment to your soul mate.
It’s an incredible moment—everyone’s dressed to the nines. Your bridesmaids are gorgeous in their Bella Bridesmaids dresses, and your gown makes you look and feel like a million bucks.
The ceremony is the most important part of any wedding. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy other aspects of the wedding and wedding planning process, like putting together your registry.
For those unsure where to start, this guide should provide everything you need to know when creating your registry—all the do’s and don’ts.
Wedding Registry Dos
Let’s start with the dos, the important things to focus on when creating your registry.
Do: create your registry with your fiancée
You want to ensure that they have a say as well, and can help you select things you’ll both enjoy.
Do: take inventory of things you actually need
Putting together a wedding registry is fun and exciting—which means it’s easy to get carried away.
Make sure that when you’re selecting items for your registry, the things you’re selecting are items you actually need and will put to good use. Give the same amount of thought to each selection as if you were spending your own money.
Do: focus on quality over quantity
Rather than overload your registry with cheap poorly made items, select quality pieces that will last. Who knows, maybe they’ll become heirlooms one day.
Do: include a wide-range of price points
You don’t want to exclude anyone simply because they can’t afford a gift from your registry. Make sure your registry encompasses a wide-range of price points.
Do: think about the future and be realistic
The items you choose should align with a realistic vision of your future together. If you like the idea of gardening, but hate getting your hands dirty, maybe resist the urge to add raised garden beds to the list.
Do: review your list periodically
Make sure you’re updating your registry to include new items that make up for ones that have been purchased.
Do: share registry details on your wedding website
You definitely don’t want the registry details on the invitations themselves.
Do: consider asking for donations in lieu of gifts
Perhaps you have a penchant for minimalism. Or want to go all out on your honeymoon. Maybe you’re just passionate about a charity and would rather your guests focus on supporting that, instead.
These are all excellent alternatives to a traditional wedding registry.
Wedding Registry Don’ts
Alright, now that you know the dos, let’s switch gears and focus on the don’ts.
Don’t: be afraid to toss in a few splurges
Consider enabling options such as group-gifting, if possible. This allows your guests to pitch in on something together. Like a patio set, or even a BBQ grill—complete with a smoker—for all those get-togethers you can’t wait to have.
Don’t: get swept up by trends
Choose items that you like. Timeless pieces that you’ll use and cherish, that will remind you of your big day and the wonderful person who gifted you the item. Don’t forego who you are and what you authentically like in favor of a trend.
Don’t: add something to your list just because you think you should have it
If you think you’d like an espresso machine but hardly drink coffee, don’t get it. The last thing you want to do is clutter up your space with things you’ll never use—like a fancy Waterford Crystal punch bowl, or some other gimmicky kitchen gadget that proves more trouble than it’s worth.
Don’t: go down the slippery slope of suggestions
Some of these registry sites can be pretty cunning, tempting you with things you’d never even considered before with these magic words: “customers who purchased this item also bought…”
Unless it’s something you actually think you’ll use, resist the urge.
Don’t: wait until the last minute
Do yourself—and your guests—a favor, and don’t wait until the last minute to put together your registry.
Don’t: register for too many items
Curate your list to things you’ll be thrilled to own, and will get a lot of use out of.
Don’t: forget to say thank you
This goes without saying. You can buy little thank you note cards, or have them custom made. A simple thoughtful handwritten thank you note goes a long way.
Conclusion:
If you’re thoughtful and considerate with your registry, the things you select will serve you for years to come. And every time you use them, you’ll smile. Remembering they were gifted with love on your wedding day.
