Registry Do's and Dont's

Be careful what you ask for, you just may get it! China, flatware and pans, oh my! What fun it is strolling around your favorite department store choosing your wedding gifts imagining the dinner parties, holidays, and other occasions when you will put these items to use.

If you are like most newlyweds, you don’t know what some of this stuff is even used for. This is where you might find yourself if you don’t do a little research first. Be realistic when choosing what you need. Remember, if you do not ask for what you really need, you will have to pay for it yourself. Do not let your gift registry cost YOU money because you chose items that were unnecessary. Here are some solutions to ease you through the registry process.

• Don’t forget the groom. If he doesn’t want to join you in the shopping, ask him if there are any items that he would like for you to add to the list that he would enjoy, such as bar supplies, electronics and tools.
• Don’t go it alone. It can get pretty overwhelming dealing with department stores on your own.
• Don’t register at every store under the sun. Pick just a few of your favorite stores or boutiques.
• Register to fit your lifestyle and for what you will really use.
• Don’t keep gifts you really don’t want or need. For some reason (or lack of reasoning), many brides think they need a place setting, glassware, and appliances from several different shops, but when the time comes to use all those items, they have way too many. The fact of the matter is you probably won’t use EVERY gift, and you’re really not expected to. Don’t feel bad about making returns. Everyone does it.
• Don’t return gifts one at a time. Wait to take them back in bulk, after the chaos of the engagement and wedding have subsided. You’ll save yourself time, effort, and, most of all, your sanity.
• Keep your guests in mind. Register for items in a variety of price ranges so all of your guests can select something to fit their budget.
• Say thank you. Take the time to send thank-you notes for gifts received before the wedding within a few weeks of their arrival. Notes for gifts received on or after the wedding day should be sent within a month of your return from the honeymoon. Be sure to mention the gift by name so your friends and family know how much it meant to have them share in your special day.