One of the most fun (albeit a bit daunting) parts of planning your wedding is registering for gifts! As easy as it sounds, you’ll want to go into it with a plan. Here are a few basic tips to help you get started.
#1: Don’t spread yourself too thin
Instead of registering at every store available, try to limit yourselves at two or three stores. This will make it easier for you to manage your registries, and for your guests to search for the perfect gift. Select one home goods or department store that will carry all the necessities. Think about the location and the convenience of your guests when you make your selection. You will also want to find a specialty store to contrast – like La Bella Vita – that can provide a variety of unique, heirloom pieces for your home. Here is where you will find more artistic, less “mass merchandised” product.
#2: Do register early
You will be surprised at how early guests will want to purchase gifts for you, not only for the wedding itself, but for engagement parties, bridal showers, and more. You don’t have to finalize your registry right away, but by putting some basic items up, you can guide your guests to purchase gifts that you will actually enjoy! Tip: For those brides who got engaged during the fall holidays andare planning a spring/summer wedding, new patterns are introduced to retail stores in January and start flowing into the stores in February. Try to get on the inside curve of the new fashion/item introductions, vs. the end of last year’s fashion.
Image courtesy of danielmoyle
#3: Do register for more
You will want to register for at least twice as many gifts as the number of guests you will have. Remember, you will be receiving gifts at all wedding-related events and not just the big day. Find a variety of items at EVERY price point to give your guests options. Don’t shy away from high-priced items, as you might find either generous guests or groups of guests who will pool together to get you that special item. For couples who already have all the household basics, don’t be afraid to “upgrade” and register for newer, better quality items. Tip: La Bella Vita recommends, for instance, that if the wedding reception is $150 per head or more, make sure that you have gifts in the $100 to $300 range. Think through the balance of your friends, family friends, work associates, parents’ work associates, etc. Some people will opt to buy you practical gifts, while others will want to purchase more lavish, heirloom gifts by which you will remember them.
#4: Don’t forget to manage your registry
As guests start to purchase items and the number of options for the rest of your guests dwindle, you’ll want to select more. If you let your registry go, you’ll be stuck with that gaudy, hideous wall hanging from distant cousin Hank! Instead, steer your guests in the direction of items suitable for your new life together. Keep an eye on the balance of price points available from which the remaining guests can choose.
#5: Do think long-term
While you will want to register for items that the two of you love right now, you should also think long-term. This is one of the only opportunities you will have to stock up on life’s necessities for free. Will that expensive, modern bright fuchsia vase still work for the two of you in 15 years? Choose a variety of items that you will enjoy for a lifetime, and be sure that the majority of these items are not short-lived trend statements. Tip: Specialty stores like La Bella Vita have seasoned experts in the table fashion arena and can help you more than non-owner, sales staff in a department store or chain store.
#6: Don’t wait to send thank-you notes
You’ll need to keep track of all the gifts you have received, and send prompt, formal thank-you notes. Before the wedding, one should send thank-you notes within two weeks of receiving the gift. However, guests know how busy it gets right around your special day. After the wedding, you should send your thank-you notes out within six weeks, and certainly no later than three months. A friendly reminder: In this particular case, emails and phone calls are not acceptable. When your guests have taken the time, energy, and money all for you, the least you can do is send a nice, hand-written note! Tip: Even if you return or exchange a gift, write the note for the originally purchased gift.
#7: Do enjoy yourselves
This is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dream big. This is your ultimate shopping spree. Take your time, and don’t get too overwhelmed. You don’t have to make all your decisions in one day. If you can’t stand to look at one more dish, go home, and come back with a clear head. Spend time with your fiancé and imagine your dream home together. There may be compromise involved, but hey- consider this your first step in building your life together as a happy couple!
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