Tips for Creating Your Wedding Registry

Wedding registries are a popular way for couples to share items that they are in need of as they begin their new life together. In the past, wedding registries were typically referred to as "bridal registries" and the bride was primarily responsible for selecting the items. Now, the process is more for both the bride and groom and couples have the option of registering everywhere from traditional department stores to home and garden stores. The process of registering can be fun and stress free if the couple does some planning ahead of time.

Decide what you need

You can find a list of suggested registry items in most bridal magazines, on wedding related websites, and even on many popular retail websites. These lists are often quite comprehensive and include items such as china and stemware, kitchen appliances, bedding, decorative items, and even furniture, camping gear, and tools. While you may not need everything on the lists, they serve as an excellent starting point and may remind you of items you would not otherwise think of.

Begin making your own list of items that you need. Think about the items that you already have as a couple. Are there things that need to be replaced? Think about your interests as a couple. If you do not do a lot of formal entertaining, then you probably don't need to register for fancy china or stemware. If you both love the great outdoors, camping gear might be a better option. Don't forget to add the practical items such as an iron, a telephone, pots and pans, and knives.

Decide where to register

Many retail stores now offer some type of wedding registry, so there are endless possibilities when it comes to making a decision about where you are going to register. Many wedding etiquette experts suggest sticking to one or two places. Otherwise, you may be wasting a lot of time creating registries and you may also have to deal with returning duplicate gifts at multiple locations.

When making a decision about where to register, consider your guests. It is wise to choose a store that has locations nationwide so that out of town guests can also access your registry. Choosing a store that offers online access and ordering is a convenient way for guests to find your information and purchase gifts.

Allow plenty of time

Once you have decided where to register, contact the store to find out what their policies are. In some cases, you need to make an appointment. In other cases, you can just walk in at any time or you can even start your registry online. When you are going to register, allow yourself plenty of time to complete the process. Although you have a basic list of the items that you would like, there are still plenty of decisions to be made about patterns, brands, and models. If you are rushed, it will be a stressful process. You may want to do a "test run" where you browse the store and make some of those decisions so that the actual registry process will be less time consuming and complicated.

Register for plenty of items

When registering for items, consider your guests. Register for a variety of items in different price ranges so that your guests have the opportunity to purchase a gift that they can afford. Monitor your registry. As your wedding date approaches, you may need to add new items to add continued options and flexibility for your guests.

Spread the word

Although many retail locations provide you with cards that you can share to let others know where you are registered, it is considered bad etiquette to include these with your wedding invitations. They can be included with shower invitations. Another way to let family and friends know about where you are registered is to create a wedding website and include links to your registry there. In addition, you can let some friends and family members know and then they can spread the word.