here was a time when wedding registry rules were set in stone. But nowadays, the bride and groom are breaking the mold and choosing their unique path when registering for wedding gifts. If you’re wondering what rules you can ignore when creating your wedding registry, read on for some pointers!
Proper Wedding Registry Etiquette of the Past
It used to be that proper wedding registry etiquette for your guests to find your registry information through word of mouth. How things have changed!
You Don’t Have to Register for China and Silverware
Physical items are becoming a thing of the past as wedding gifts. Many couples are already living together before they get married, which means they likely already have all the household items they need. And let’s be honest – do you really need another set of pots and pans?
Instead of registering for traditional items, consider registering for experiences or contributions to your honeymoon fund. This can include winery tours, cooking classes, or even skydiving!
Your Wedding Gifts Don’t Need to Come From a Department Store
The traditional way of doing a wedding registry was to register at a department store and have your guests buy from a pre-selected list of items from this department store. But now, with the rise of online shopping, you have many more options for registering for gifts.
Several online retailers, such as Hitchd and The Knot, specialize in wedding registries. These sites offer a tailored approach to your wedding registry, allowing you to add experiential gifts, cash funds, and physical items.
If you’re unsure where to start, you can always create a wedding registry at Amazon.com – one of the most popular online retailers. Plus, at Amazon they have everything you could ever think of.
You Can Add Items From Any Store, Online or Off
In the past, it was frowned upon to add items from anywhere other than the department store you were registered at. But now, couples are free to add items from any store – whether it’s an online retailer or a brick-and-mortar shop.
The best way to do this is to create a registry on one of the major online retailers (like Amazon) and add items from other stores by creating a “universal registry.” This will allow guests to purchase wedding gifts wherever they want and still have them all in one place.
You Aren’t Allowed to Ask for Cash or Gifts Cards
It was considered tacky to ask for cash as a wedding gift. But now, more and more couples are requesting cash or gift cards as gifts. And there’s nothing wrong with that!
Many couples prefer this because it allows them to put the money towards something they need, like a down payment on a house or a new car. If you decide to ask for cash, include it in your registry so guests know what you would prefer.
You Don’t Have to Choose Between Registering for Gifts or Experiences
It’s the age-old question: experiences or things? When it comes to wedding gift giving, it can be hard to decide whether to go for the material item that will bring joy for years or for an event or memory that can be cherished forever. But what if there was a way to have both?
With a bit of creativity, you can give practical and memorable gifts. For example, if your friend is a big fan of travel, why not consider giving them a personalized map of their favorite destination? Or if your sibling is constantly struggling to find time to read, why not provide them with a Kindle loaded with their favorite books? By thinking outside the box, you can give gifts that will be loved and used for years.
You Can’t Add Honeymoon Funds to Your Registry
One of the best things about modern weddings is that couples are no longer limited to traditional registry options. In addition to registering for household items, you can now add honeymoon funds to your registry. This is a great way to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime without putting an undue financial burden on your guests. Set up a fund with your chosen travel provider, and let your guests know they can contribute to your honeymoon. You can even include a link to the fund on your wedding website or invitations. This way, everyone can be involved in helping you start your married life off on the right foot!
You Can Only List Items Once
When creating your registry, include items at different price points. This will allow guests of all budgets to find a gift they can afford without feeling like they have to spend a lot of money.
If you’re unsure how to do this, try using a “wish list” feature on your chosen registry site. This will allow guests to see what items they want without revealing the cost. Alternatively, you can ask your parents or other close family members to help contribute towards more expensive items on your registry. This way, everyone can still participate in giving you a gift without breaking the bank.
Guests Have to Buy You a Gift From Your Registry
While it’s nice to receive gifts that we’ve specifically requested, it’s important to remember that guests are under no obligation to purchase registry items. Many guests enjoy the opportunity to select a unique and personal gift for the happy couple. If you have your heart set on a particular item, it’s always a good idea to include it on your registry; but don’t be disappointed if not all of your guests choose to play by the rules. The important thing is that they’re here to celebrate with you, and that’s the best gift of all.
Wedding Registry Etiquette 101: Don’t Forget the Thank You Notes
Regardless if you are a more traditional or modern bride and groom, one piece of wedding registry etiquette stands the test of time: always thank your guests.
Thankfully, with the help of many online registries today, you can register for items and handle your thank you cards - all in one place. Never fall behind on your thank you cards, and ensure everyone on your guest list has a note sent within weeks of your big day.
Hitchd, the online registry, makes your guests feel comfortable to give a gift that will contribute towards your big ticket items. Items like airline tickets, hotel stays, or romantic getaways for you and your partner.
Best of all, you can thank each guest for their presents within two weeks when you send thank you notes directly through Hitchd. With various price points, there’s something suited to every bride and groom utilizing its online registries.
Choose Hitchd for Your Wedding Registry
Though it may differ from the registry you’re used to, creating a universal registry has several benefits. You can add items from anywhere - meaning more choices for you and your spouse. Plus, guests aren’t restricted to purchasing gifts only from your registry.
If you have friends or family members who are better at giving experiences than tangible objects, they can still contribute to making your post-wedded life wonderful. Lastly, if unexpected expenses come up or you want to spend more on your honeymoon than initially planned, adding a honeymoon fund allows guests to help make those dreams a reality.
Sign up with Hitchd today to get started!
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