The Gift Registry Scoop
One of the most useful and free services available to
bridal couples is the bridal registry. Just about every type of store, from bed
and bath specialty stores to department stores and home improvement centers, now
offer this valuable service.
You are beginning a new life together. Establishing your new home can get expensive. To ensure you receive the gifts you really want, avoid duplications and make gift giving easier for your guests, register your gift preferences in a bridal/gift registry. Bridal registries often offer additional services such as shipping to further simplify things.
You should register for gifts as soon as possible after your engagement has been announced. That way, guests can purchase gifts from your registry for pre-wedding events like showers and engagement parties. Today it is possible to register for just about anything, from the traditional china, crystal and flatware to large appliances like televisions, cameras and even luggage. Rely on the expertise and advice of your bridal consultant. They usually are aware of trends, know what is available, and can help to guide you and coordinate your choices.
You will need some time to think over your future needs and preferences so look through brochures and catalogues before you visit your store. The entire registration process can take several hours. Be prepared! When you go to register, take into consideration the size of your wedding. If your wedding is small, register only for the most essential items and things you really want. If your wedding is larger, you can register for more. Showers and engagement parties usually call for a smaller gift. You may want to include items at every price point, big-ticket items as well as more modest choices.
When coordinating your tabletop ensemble, it is important to balance your three primary patterns; china, crystal and flatware. They should complement, not overwhelm one another. Try mixing simple china patterns with ornate crystal or flatware patterns and vice-versa. If you choose two ornate patterns, choose a third with simple, clean lines, to balance the setting. Go to a store where you can actually touch the china and place it on a table, see what it will look like with your flatware, and crystal. Place settings will look different on a shelf or in color photographs. Items that you may love individually may not complement one another. Be sure to see your place setting, all three components placed on a table, as they will be used.
As with your wardrobe, accessories can make all the difference. The completeness of your table will depend on how well you coordinate the three primary patterns with the accessories you choose. With a versatile stock of tabletop accessories such as serving pieces, candlesticks, bowls, vases, salt and pepper shakers and a transitional china pattern, you can create several desired looks and will be prepared for any entertainment situation and will enjoy a lifetime of entertaining options. Think carefully about your accessories and include them in your registry.
Getting married is a pleasure that comes once in a lifetime. Don't be afraid to be creative, adding your personal touch to an age-old ceremony. Remember, you are furnishing your first home as a married couple. Now doesn't that deserve the utmost care and attention?Wedding Gift Registry Basics
Registering for gifts is a very important part of the wedding planning process. Guests want you to register so that they will know exactly what to buy - they want to buy what you want!
Keep In Mind...
Keep in mind that the key to the wedding registry is to choose classic patterns that are not likely to go out of style. You should also choose patterns that you both like. When my fiancé and I were registering for gifts, we hardly agreed on anything. I leaned toward floral prints while he leaned towards darker colors and patterns - more masculine looking items. Remember, marriage is full of compromises and this is a great place to start. Find patterns that you can both agree on. Don't go out and choose something very feminine and just expect for him to like it because you do!
When Should You Register?
You should register at least six months before your wedding day or any engagement parties. Of course sometimes you may not have that much time. My advice is to register as soon as possible. You will probably be registering in at least three different stores, so I would try to do one a week - and on a weeknight if possible. Don't try to do it all in one day - it can be very overwhelming! And, you can always go back and update your registry.
Make An Appointment
One piece of advice, make an appointment before you go. Although an appointment is not usually required, it often helps speed up the process.
Where Should You Register?
There are many places to register. You want to find places that have great
selections to choose from and various locations both locally and nationally. It is important to register at
national stores if you have out of town guests who might want to purchase a gift
for you. Some national chains include Bed, Bath & Beyond, Crate & Barrel, Home Depot,
JC Penney, Service Merchandise, Target, Tiffany & Co., and Williams Sonoma.
Another option is to register online with these national chains as well as
through a personal wedding website. You can link your personal registries to
your own web site and direct your wedding guests there by simply adding your web
address to your invitations or on a business size card that you can insert into
the envelope of your invitations.
What Should You Register For?
Generally, you should register for items in the home department of the store. Some stores may let you register for other items such as furniture and lingerie but this
varies and depends on the store.
Most brides register for items in the following categories:
Appliances
Bakeware
Bath Linens
Bed Linens
China (Formal and Casual)
Cookware
Cutlery & Utensils
Entertainment
Flatware
Glassware (Formal and Casual)
Serving Pieces
Table Linens (Formal and Casual)
How Long Will The Store Keep Your Registry?
Generally, stores keep the registry for one year after your wedding. This way you may still receive gifts for holidays, birthdays and your first anniversary.
It is recommended that you ask the different places you register at to find out
the answers to these questions and the details of how they run their particular
bridal registry.
Will The Stores Accept Returns?
Yes, generally they will. Just be sure to keep any gifts that you may return in their original wrapping and hold onto your gift receipt (if there is one).
What are Completion and Club Programs?
Completion Programs are set up so that you can complete your set at a discount. Let's say you registered for 12 place settings but you only received 6. In a completion program you may purchase the remaining 6 place settings at a discount. This type of program varies from store to store and is more common in department stores.
Club Programs are special interest-free charge accounts that are just for china, crystal and silver. Again these programs vary from store to store.
