There are ten basic rules for creating your wedding gift registry. Follow them all, and both you and your guests will be very happy.
Thou shalt make out thy wish list first, then register. Set it up about 4 to 6 months before your wedding. And leave it open for a month after your wedding for late givers.
Three is enough. Don’t register at ten different stores. Keep it simple with a handful of stores that offer a broad range of gift ideas.
Thou shalt include at least one national store chain. It’s unfair to expect your out-of-town guests to navigate the registries of a bunch of hometown boutiques. They’ll appreciate being able to shop on a familiar national chain’s site that offers its own shipping.
Thou shalt go heavy on essentials. A cappuccino maker may be a trendy luxury; but it’ll gobble up precious counter space in your micro-kitchen. If someone wants to buy you some expensive frills, that’s fine; but there are plenty of ordinary things you’re going to need.
Thou shalt include a broad range of prices. Give your guests the option of giving within their means. Don’t load up your registry exclusively with big-ticket items. Feel free to ask for more gifts than guests, so all guests have a big selection.
Thou shalt include some “non-traditional” gift ideas. You’ll get plenty of towels and sheets and tableware and small appliances; but some of your guests may have the will and the means to give you some of your “fantasy” gifts.
Thou shalt review thy registry from time to time. As you get closer to the wedding, you may find that all of your low-price options have been bought; feel free to add more low-price ideas for guests who haven’t bought anything yet.
Thou shalt not insist that all gifts must come from the registry. Some of your guests may look at your list and say, “That’s just not ‘me’.” Allow them to give you something surprising; you be glad you did.
Thou shalt not ask for money! There’s nothing more impersonal than a gift of cash. It’s fine for close family members to give you money to meet your home and honeymoon needs; but they’ll know that, without having to be asked.
Thou shalt send written thank-you notes. Email or telephone thank-you’s are tacky, for someone who took the time and effort to buy you something nice.
© Fourth Estate Audio, 2015 – Jay Congdon is president of Fourth Estate Audio, a professional Chicago DJ and Chicago Wedding DJ company.
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