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8 Questions Brides Ask About Setting up a Wedding Registry |
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In theory, setting up a registry is simple. You decide on one or several stores, create a registry online or in person, select various items, and get the word out to your guests. In practice, things are a little more complicated -- but only a little!
With
that said, here's the real deal on setting up your wedding registry and
getting the word out without offending your guests. Remember that
retailers can be an enormous help to both you and your guests. At the
same time, you can’t take everything they say at face value. Q:
Where should I register? A:
Chances are, if you're getting married in your own town, you already
know where "everyone goes" to set up and shop from a registry.
If not, and guests are flying in from far away, pick from some
bride-tested standbys likely to be present almost anywhere. Macy’s has
a great reputation for registries, as does Williams-Sonoma, Bed Bath
& Beyond and other retailers. Before
you choose your stores, be sure to stop by a wedding forum and get
feedback from brides who have been there, done that. Store policies vary
quite dramatically, ranging from the easy-does-it (who’ll give you
cash back for returns off the registry, no questions asked) to the
extremely restrictive (who’ll only let you exchange for another item
*in that department*, requires a receipt for each item, and so on).
You'll want to know about these policies and the store's overall
reputation for bridal friendliness before you go in, or returns and
exchanges could become a big hassle. Q:
I have a wide range of interests. How many stores should I register at? A:
Two to three stores is fairly typical. They don't have to be typical
stores, though. If you're a wine drinker, and live in a state where it's
legal to ship wine, set up a registry at one of the great online wine
merchants. Q:
When should I register? A:
Although close family members may pressure you to start earlier, it's
helpful to wait three to six months before the wedding. Not only are the
vast majority of gifts bought within a day or so of the shower or
ceremony itself, stores turn over merchandise so rapidly that any gifts
you select earlier may be discontinued. Q:
What if I already have all the kitchen appliances and throw pillows I
need? A:
Consider putting together a honeymoon registry instead, so guests can
contribute toward a special meal or snorkeling trip or a night’s
lodging during your honeymoon. Q:
When I signed up at Store X, they gave me a bunch of attractive registry
cards to enclose with my wedding invitations. Should I do it, or is that
tacky? A:
Sorry, but the consensus is almost universal -- it's uncouth to include
any mention of gifts in your invitations. You can, however, tuck those
cards into shower invitations. Perhaps the best solution is to include a
note in your invitations that reads, "Please see our wedding web
site at www.xyz.com" and place your registry information there. Q:
How many gifts should I register for? I don't want to look demanding. A: Typically, you'll want to select two or three items per guest. That gives people room to choose instead of locking them into something they don't enjoy buying, or worse, forcing them to guess what else you might like, giving birth to the “second yogurt maker” type of gift.
If
you have many guests, you can avoid creating a 16-page monstrosity for
them to print out by breaking up your registry over several stores. At
the end of the day, “more is more.” Many retailers offer discounts
on those items you registered for but didn't receive. Many stores also
retain your registry for at least 12 months after the wedding. You may
find it's best to register for everything that you plan to buy, even if
you don't expect to get it as a gift; you can then purchase your
selections for 10% or 20% off after the ceremony. Many brides also find
friends and family tapping registries for gift buying ideas for
birthdays and other holidays! Q:
What price range should I stick with when selecting items? A:
Generally, you should register for things you really feel you want or
need, without worrying too much about the price. Some guests enjoy
picking up a number of items in the low price range, and sometimes
guests will group together to purchase bigger-ticket items. Q:
I've set up my registry just fine, but now I’m addicted to checking
it. How can I stop? A:
Sorry, there's no known antidote for registry-checking addiction, though
it's a widespread phenomenon. Counting to ten, taking deep breaths or
distracting yourself with double-fudge ice cream might be worth a shot.
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