Since we apparently couldn't get enough of gift giving and receiving during the Christmas season, my fiance and I thought it would be fun to register for wedding gifts this week. What started out a simple idea has evolved into a full blown tornado of what if's... Here are some tips that we would give to any couple getting ready to register...
First tip: Do not try to go out to any store and get a grasp on what merchandise is available since all stores right now are trashed and picked over. Best to wait until a week that does not encompass Christmas. Most stores have their complete inventory available to look at online, and this will give you a better idea of what is available to purchase or order.
Second tip: Find out what you really need. We wanted to make sure that we made a registry that had items that could help us "round out" our household trousseau. We searched the internet and found a generic list of things to add to a wedding registry. In the end we edited out a lot of the list and added a few items of our own.
Third tip: Hit the websites before you hit the stores. We thought when we first started that we knew for sure which stores we would use for our registry and that we could simply walk into the store, register, and be done with it. After about an hour of research on the websites of these stores, we discovered that they each only had some of what we were looking for. We then looked at about five different stores that we wanted to "investigate". Keep in mind that not all stores have locations across the country, and this may impact what your out of town guests can purchase.
Fourth tip: Make a list and check it twice. Before asking for that ever-so-fun scan gun at a store, take a list of your registry items and a pen, and go through the store finding the items that you think you might like. Pick the items up. Touch them. Talk about the quality, price, and look. Take notes. Leave the scan gun alone for now.
Fifth tip: Be flexible. We narrowed down our stores to a final two and went to the stores to check out our items in person. After walking around one store for about ten minutes, we realized that the quality of the items just was not what we wanted. So we left. This is why you don't touch the scan gun yet. This way you don't have to have an uncomfortable apology conversation with the sales person who set up your gun and who has to delete your registry once you've changed your mind.
Sixth tip: Don't be afraid to add items of all price ranges to your list. You may think that it's silly to add something small like an ice cream scoop or what not, but the small items make great shower gifts or "collection" gifts where someone might buy more than one thing. Also don't be afraid to register for more expensive gifts as well. There will be groups of people that all want to contribute to a gift together and are looking for one big gift to give.
Seventh tip: It's okay to register at more than one place. Just because you like the bedding materials at one place doesn't mean that you can't register for your cookware at another location.
Eighth tip: Once you are ready to register, you can often do this online. This makes registering much faster and easier. Also it's easier to edit a list online rather than to figure out the buttons on the scan guns.
Ninth tip: Once your registry is set up, you can let people know on your wedding website or through word of mouth. Generally speaking, it's bad etiquette to alert your guests to your registry by adding a note in your invitation. I realize that this may be the most convenient route and that your cousin did it that way, but that's what etiquette says...I'm just the messenger. :)
Tenth tip: Make it your own. Your registry is for you and your bride or groom to be. You can register for whatever you want: linens, cookware, tools, honeymoon activities, cash, stocks, puppies, hot dogs...whatever. It's YOURS. Have fun with it!
Happy shopping.... :)
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