Happy Hunting
Ingrid Hughs
There are two times in a woman’s life when she demands to be heard. The first is when she’s 18 and proudly steps into the voting booth. The second is when she’s engaged and confidently strides up to a store’s bridal consultant and says, “I’m here to register for my wedding.” Just as voting gives you a say in your country’s future, registering for your wedding gifts gives you a say in yours. Below you’ll find some surefire ways to make the process easier: Why Register In The First Place According to bridal expert Leah Ingram, in The Bridal Registry Book, (Contemporary Books), “Ideally, your registering makes gift-giving easier on your guests. Friends and family expect couples to register, so don’t feel guilty about it.” Besides, by taking the time to select gifts that you really want, you’re making it simpler for your friends and family. They’ll feel better knowing they’re buying something you’ll be happy to receive. Where To Go, What To Do? At least six months before the wedding, stake your claim by registering at two or more stores. Remember, the only person you’ve promised to be faithful to is your groom. Decide if you’re a brick and mortar bride or a cyberspace type. Registering online gives out-of-town guests (and foreign dignitaries in case you’re a true princess) the convenience of buying your gift without leaving their zip code and allows you the space to browse without intrusions from other customers or a sales person. The only drawback? No touching allowed. In cyberspace or in person, be sure to familiarize yourself with the return policy of your chosen establishment. Find out if they offer a completion program. That allows you to complete any flatware or china orders that remain incomplete after the registry closes. Something For Everyone Not all your friends or relatives have a bank account like Donald Trump. Your registry should include items of various costs. Big gifts can inspire a big group like your office mates (or your fan club members!). So don’t be shy about listing a 32"- flat screen television that your hubby-to-be insists will make your house a home. However, also include less expensive items for your struggling artist buddies. Think kitchen gadgets, books, CDs and DVDs. Another option is to ask your artist friends to wrap up something from their studio – whether it’s pottery, a framed black and white photograph, or a painting. Go For Untraditional Goodies You and your fiancé might already own all the basics for setting up house. If so, consider alternative ideas to a traditional registry. If you’re thinking of buying a house, check with your mortgage lender to see if they have a registry program set up. Find out if you can register with your travel agent so people can contribute toward your honeymoon, future getaway, or a rental car upgrade for the trip. Also consider sporting goods, ballet tickets, a gift certificate toward a spa, a membership for a wine-of-the-month club, or a cooking class. Timeline For Gift-Giving When you consider the time it took you to find a suitable mate, give slack to anyone who sends your gift after the wedding – yes, even a year after! In fact, it’s acceptable for gifts to be sent up to 12 months past the ceremony. Some people need extra time to find that special something. And look at it this way – your celebration is stretched out over the year. Do The Write Thing Take pen to paper as soon as the unwrapping, oohing and ahhing are done. Personalize each note with a mention of how and when you intend to use the gift. “We’ll be thinking of you when we make our first turkey in our wonderful new roasting pan.” In the case of cash gifts, tell the gift-giver what the moolah was applied towards. You also might add, “Are you free for a Sunday brunch? We’d love to see you.” Hey, they might bring another gift!