Wedding Registration Etiquette

In the midst of wedding planning, a couple is likely to receive engagement and wedding gifts. Most stores make it easy to set up a wedding registry, but there are some etiquette guidelines to keep in mind.

Is It Proper to Register?

It is acceptable wedding etiquette to create a bridal registry. If a couple decide not to set up a wedding registry, they probably will receive gifts from friends and family anyway--but the items might not be things the bride and groom like or need. A registry will increase the chances the couple will receive the appropriate presents.

When to Register

Wedding registries should be created at least three months in advance to give guests as much time as possible to buy appropriate gifts. Ideally, guests should be informed of the stores the bride and groom prefer to receive gifts from six months before the ceremony. Some couples even choose to register a year before the wedding--this can sometimes increase the chances of the couple receiving larger, more expensive gifts, such as furniture and quality artwork for their new home. Even if the registry is created late, the gifts the bride and groom want from selected stores should be chosen by guests who will attend any additional events where gifts will be given, such as the bridal shower, bachelorette party or rehearsal dinner.

Items to Register

Traditionally, the wedding registry is reserved for housewares, but many couples choose to include home improvement tools and electronics in their registries. Registering housewares such as dishes, curtains, bed sheets and pillows is an effective way for couples to acquire items that are available in sets (i.e. place settings, silverware, pillow sets), because each wedding guest can buy a part of the set. It is helpful for the bride and groom to write down the items that they really need and register these first before focusing on home accents that might not be immediately necessary.

Item Prices

The prices of the items on the wedding registry should vary. Wedding guests will have varying budgets when it comes to shopping for wedding gifts and will appreciate having a number of options when it comes to buying a gift they know the couple will love. The couple should consider the size of the wedding guest list and use this to help determine the prices of the items that will be registered. For instance, if they are having a small wedding, it's best not to choose a number of expensive items for the registry so as not to strain the gift-purchasing budget of the guests.

AnnouncingThe Registry

Many couples choose to include a card indicating where they are registered in the wedding invitation, but this is not proper etiquette. The card, can be included in the bridal shower invitation. If the bride and groom are registered online, it's best to include the website on the information card as well and to provide a link for any stores on the wedding website, if the couple has created one. Family members and loved ones of the bride and groom can also spread the word to other wedding guests about where the couple is registered.

References

• The Big Day: Wedding Registry Etiquette