By following these easy do's and don'ts, you'll be well on your way to creating a fun and convenient registry that resonates with family and friends and makes wedding planning a piece of cake.
Do: Register.
It really makes the wedding (gift-giving) process go a lot smoother. For example, with a registry, you can decide exactly what kind of gifts you want, preventing your guests from guessing. In the end, it will save you time and any extra hassle.
Don't: Wait too long to set up.
Ideally, you should get your registry set up about 4-6 months before your wedding. This gives your invitees enough time to figure out what fits best for them, plus they can gift you whenever and however they'd like. Who knows? If you set up your registry right after your engagement, a few excited family members or friends might gift you right away. Meanwhile, you won't have to rush this important process and can make adjustments along the way. The last thing you want is to have any regrets.
Do: Register for a wide range of gifts for you both.
Think about all of the items or experiences both of you could really use as you start your new life together. From garden supplies to kitchen essentials to honeymoon experiences, consider adding well-rounded registry items that both of you will most definitely use.
Don't: Register for gifts too expensive or inexpensive.
As we detailed in a previous blog feature, round out your registry by selecting a range of prices suitable for all budgets. For instance, a mixture of $25, $50, and $100 gifts should certainly be inclusive of all of your guests. However, if you go with all of your gifts at say $400, you may very well be excluding many of your family and friends from gifting you. It helps to think about the budgets of friends and family. This will certainly point you in the right direction.
Do: Have fun!
Make your registry a reflection of you two as a couple. Upload photos, write witty descriptions, and add a number of creative and interesting gifts. If you have fun with it, your guests will have fun, too.
Don't: Forget to tell people where to find your registry.
Add your registry links to your wedding website so that gift givers have easy access. Also, make sure your parents know exactly where to go, as they often are go-to contacts for relatives.
Do: Write a prompt thank-you note.
Be sure that your thank-you cards go out as soon as possible. Generally, don't take any longer than three months after the wedding date. Keep a note of every gift you receive, the sender, and when you received them.
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