What Is the Definition of a Bridal Registry?

Bridal registries are offered to engaged couples who wish to convey bridal and wedding gift desires from specific retail stores. Couples can visit stores who offer registries, and they can choose products they would like to receive as gifts for their upcoming nuptials. Their friends and family can then visit these stores and view or print the gift list and choose items accordingly. In addition to in-store bridal registries, many retailers also offer online registries as well.

History

The bridal registry originated in Chicago in 1924. It began in the department store Marshall Fields and eventually evolved to include a wide range of stores all over the world.

Function

The major goal of the bridal registry is to alleviate the gift-giving experience for both the engaged couple and the gift giver. Rather than guessing what the couple might want, guests can go directly to a retail location and view items the couple would like to receive. Additionally, they can view what items have already been purchased for the couple, which decreases the likelihood that the duo will be given several of the same gifts. The registry is not a benefit solely for those involved in the future wedding. It also benefits the retailer who will profit from the product sales.

Types

There are many types of bridal registries depending on what gifts the engaged couple wants to receive. According to PashWeddings.com, 21st century couples no longer stick with traditional gift options aimed at homemaking. Instead, couples use a variety of unique registries, including travel registries and registries for charitable donations to their desired charities. They also register for unusual gifts like toys and outdoor furniture.

Registering for Gifts

The actual registration process is quite simple. Generally, the couple, or the bride or groom separately, will visit desirable stores and ask a sales clerk or manager how to register for gifts. This is assuming the store offers a gift registry. The couple is then provided with a scanner to scan the bar codes of items they would like to register. If not a scanner, the couple may receive a list of the store's products and choose from the list. Then, they provide the store with both bride and groom last names and a wedding and bridal shower date. If the registry is online, the retail company usually offers a simple how-to for completing a registry.

Informing Guests

There are several ways an engaged couple can inform their guests about their gift registries. They may send registry cards with wedding or bridal shower invitations. Some stores provide these cards when a registry is made. Another option is to create a wedding website or blog that gives such details as bridal shower dates, registry locations and other pertinent wedding details.