It’s not easy to choose what gifts you want to put on your wedding registry. Wedding planning is tricky enough, but then you feel a bit audacious asking for presents, and maybe even a bit disrespectful, so it can be hard to navigate the best way to go about asking. Don’t worry, though. You don’t need to rush it, and we would recommend trying to keep it between 3-4 months before the big day as you map out your wedding planning.
Proper etiquette says you’ll want to plan your wedding registry before sending out the invites so that you can include it with the invitation packs you’ll be sending out. This is usually done on a wedding website where you can include all the details of your wedding and gifts list. If you don’t want to do this, you can have a card with your invitations asking guests to visit your wedding website for more information. Or you can do both if you like!
Don’t Be Shy
When choosing your list of items for your wedding registry, you might feel a bit shy to ask for certain things. In general, it may feel like it’s not appropriate for a couple to ask for gifts from loved ones or costly ones. But really, wedding guests want to know what you would like, and they want to be able to get you something that you’ll love and cherish.
It’s worth noting that many people will group up to buy wedding gifts together for the bride and groom. Don’t be afraid to ask for a high price item as your friends and family can go in on it together. That stand mixer or fancy wine glasses you’ve had your eye on might make for the ultimate wish list gift ideas in a time like this. Helpful tips state that you should provide a wide range of gift ideas for your family and friends to choose from.
If there’s something you want but feel a bit weird about putting it on the wedding registry, then try and word it in a way that sounds less demanding. For example, instead of saying “we’d love a KitchenAid mixer,” try “a KitchenAid would be great for helping us bake cakes together.”
Figure Out What Wedding Gifts You Need
Start by conducting a search of all the things you need for your home. These could be big items like furniture (a new bed perhaps), a fancy coffee maker, or smaller items like sheets (for your new bed) and towels.
Start by going around your home and making a list of things you would like to replace. These could be items that are old or just things that you’ve never liked and have always wanted to change.
Once you’ve got inspiration, you can begin to create your registry. Multiple registries or stores to purchase gifts from could confuse your guests. One word of advice - it might be worth consolidating and having all of your gifts in one place.
Traditional Wedding Registry vs. Honeymoon List
What happens if you already live together and have everything you could ever want? In this case, you could consider doing a honeymoon registry instead. This is where guests can contribute to your honeymoon fund rather than buying physical wedding gifts.
Honeymoon lists are becoming increasingly popular as couples often don’t need anything else for their home. Most people live together before marriage, so their houses are often filled with new things.
With a honeymoon registry, you can include airfare, accommodation, activities, and even a fancy evening dinner at a posh restaurant instead of the traditional wedding registry. Do some research and talk to your partner to see what would be the best option for you. If you decide to go down the honeymoon registry route, make sure it’s made clear on your wedding website and/or invitations so that guests know what you would prefer.
Some couples opt to request donations to be made for the charity of their choice. Of course, weddings designed this way; never forget to mention that while couples greatly appreciate these gifts, they are by no means required.
Be Specific
If you know exactly what you want, then be specific with makes, models, and colors. There’s no use asking for a “blender” when you want a “Black Nutribullet 900 Series”. You don’t like to receive something you don’t truly want that will end up collecting dust for the next five years.
The more specific you are, the easier it is for guests to buy exactly what you want. For example, if you want a new sofa, make sure to include the style, color, and size you need so that guests can easily find one that will fit perfectly into your living room.
Keep Expectations Low
It’s essential to keep your expectations low regarding wedding gifts. Not every guest will be able to afford to splurge. It’s more important that you receive something from the heart. Proper etiquette means being thankful and appreciative for any gifts, whether it’s something you register for, is from a store, or a money gift towards your future life together as a couple.
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