Wedding Registry : Tips & Advice

5 Tips for Getting Started

Now, it is time to Register! This is one of the pre-wedding to do's couples enjoy most. It's your big chance to pick out your wedding gifts and provide guidance to your guests who, believe it or not, want to buy you gifts you actually want. There are a few suggestions that will help make this process a quick and painless one and to ensure an easy shopping experience for your guests.

When registering, some things to Consider:

Location of Guests

Think about your guests' geographical locations. You probably want to register at your favorite local store but if the store does not have locations in places your guests will be able to shop or a website, you won't experience the benefits of registering. So, you can register at your favorite local specialty store for fine china or gifts but also register for the same pattern of fine china at a store that makes sense geographically for your guests. Or register for your china at your favorite local store and register for other items you want at a store that makes geographical sense. Another option is to register for your fine china at one store and your casual china at another store.

Whichever option(s) you choose just make sure you are making registry purchases available for guests who reside in all different locations.

Do You Have Enough Time

While it will be tempting from now until the day you actually register to walk in stores begin registering, wait...until you have enough time that is. Call ahead and attempt to make an appointment with a bridal consultant or the person who maintains the store's bridal registries. Consultants may not be available to assist at all times during the day. Schedule at least one hour whether online or in store. The last thing you want is to be rushed and make choices you may not be satisfied with later. Remember, you can always come back and add more items. Get a good basic registry started and you can continue to build as you go and as more items are purchased.

Think About the Total Package

Think about your overall registry list and how it will all work together to create a warm home environment. Think about any items you, as a couple, currently have that you intend to keep and how they may work together. For example, if the groom-to-be has a set of black every day plates that he really wants to hang on to and you have a set of very practical white plates. Try picking a casual patter that will work with both the white and black sets. This will allow you to create a different look each time you set the table.

Let Him Play

Let your groom participate if he desires. Sometimes the groom has more of an opinion than we think. Allowing him to participate will help the two of you bond and feel good about the choices you're making together. Letting him take control of the mouse if registering on-line or the scanner if you're registering in-store is one way the groom can help make the decisions without feeling like he is there just to hold your purse.

Be Patient

And speaking of the groom...Remember, he is not a wedding coordinator nor has he been discussing the pros and cons of everyday vs. fine with his mother for the last 10 years. So if he has questions, be patient. Also, make sure wherever you register, to provide the grooms contact information. Just as you will receive helpful tips and reminders from sites and stores where you register, many sites also send helpful hints for the groom. So, don't leave him out.