Get What You Really Want
Michelle Goodman
You just got engaged! Now you and your betrothed must plan for the upcoming nuptials. One of the most traditional wedding customs is the bridal registry. This custom, in which the engaged couple creates a list of the items they hope to receive, has been around for decades. Once the bridal registry is complete, their family and friends then buy gifts for the couple from the list. But many brides have one very basic question regarding their registry: “What’s the right way to register?” Here we offer advice to help you navigate your way through the maze of bridal registry information out there.
According to the wedding planning experts, there is more to creating a dream registry than immediately going to a store and checking off items on a clipboard or a scanner. The following is a list of questions you should consider before you begin the process: What should you register for? Should you think about the prices of the items on your registry? How many stores should you register with?
Start by thinking about what items you’ll need for your new household. Those items will typically include basic appliances, cookware, formal and everyday china, crystal, flatware and bed and bath linens. When you register, either in-store or online, you’ll find registry checklists that contain every item imaginable. Of course you may not need every single thing listed, but these checklists can help you to avoid overlooking any key items you may otherwise forget. Additionally, as your friends and family may have a wide range of budgets, it’s important to register for gifts in a variety of price ranges. For example, decorative pieces such as candlesticks, picture frames, and vases can be relatively inexpensive registry gifts to add to your list.
First you may want to consider what your style is. You can ask yourself, for example, “If I threw a perfect get-together, it would be:” A) a formal sit-down dinner; B) a cocktail party; C) a casual brunch buffet; or D) a potluck dinner. Also, consider what your style is as far as holiday dinners go, what you’d serve friends coming over for drinks, what your decorating style is, etc. You’ll notice a pattern emerges that indicates whether you are more formal, modern, classic, or casual.
Even if you’re one of those couples who don’t do much formal entertaining, you’ll still want to register for china. So, throw away the myth that china should be reserved for formal dinners. China has come a long way from being the dishes used only for special occasions. It is actually well suited for everyday use and casual entertaining, as well. Especially since patterns have evolved from just
formal and elegant styles to more relaxed looks. And if you don’t use it for informal dinners you will still want to have it for the special moments that you will celebrate, such as dinners with in-laws and holidays at your place.
Generally couples register for things they love, things they’ve always wanted, and things they anticipate needing in the future. However, something you should certainly keep in mind is the season in which you are registering, as well as looking ahead to the next season and even beyond that. For example, if you are registering in the middle of summer, you may tend to want to stock up on barbeque accessories and Margarita glasses and totally forget about those warm woolen or cashmere blankets, and flannel sheets you’ll be craving when
wintertime arrives.
The gift registry has customarily been the domain of national department stores. However, tradition seems to have been tossed aside and specialty and mass market retailers have entered the registry business. Both of which also offer online wedding registries that are especially good for out-of-town guests, as well as those who like the ease that ordering online provides. These retailers allow the happy couple to register for everything from home repair tools and outdoor furniture to big home appliances and entertainment systems. Plus, registering for these non-traditional wedding gifts can get your groom more interested in the bridal registry process.
Wedding experts say that there is no 'correct' number of stores in which to register. Ultimately, you should base your decision upon your own need, wants, and circumstanes.
Creating your bridal regisrty is a treat because it lets you "shop"for the itemsyou really want for your new home then lookforward to receiving those gifts from your well-wishers.