How to Register for Wedding Gifts

Make it easy for yourself and your guests - be organized and offer them a wide selection in both price and types of gifts.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Wedding Invitations
• Internet Access
• Computers

1. Discuss what you truly want as a couple, and draw up a wish list.
2. Explore your options. You can go the traditional route - home accessories, formal place settings, silverware and fancy linens - or you can break the mold and sign up for tools, contributions toward a trip or a special purchase such as a home, or donations to a selected charity.
3. Scout around - visit a number of stores until you find one that suits your personal taste and satisfies your needs.
4. Consider registering at two or three stores, a good option if you and your betrothed want to cover more ground or you simply can't agree on a single registry theme.
5. Set up a registry soon after your engagement, but not more than nine months prior to the wedding day.
6. Give as much detail as possible when filling out the registry form - make the experience easier on guests by providing information about brand, pattern or model, size and color.
7. Find out whether the store or chain has a computer database for tracking; whether it takes phone, fax or online orders; whether it offers direct shipping; and what kind of refund and exchange policy it has.
8. Ask the store for a complete list of what you've registered for, so you can verify that your list and your mailing address have been entered accurately in the store's database.
9. Jot down the name of a contact person at the store so you'll know whom to contact should complications arise.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the registry active for at least a year after the wedding - guests have a year to buy their gift and remain within the bounds of etiquette.
• Avoid including registry information in your wedding invitations or other wedding mail that comes directly from you. Your guests can learn where you've registered by asking your parents or your wedding party.
• Keep track of who sent what as soon as gifts arrive. This will help you later on when you are writing thank-you notes.
• Double-check the stores' return deadlines and policies.