Wedding Gift Registry Overview
Do I need a wedding gift registry?
Wedding gifts can be wonderful.
Or, they can be cursed objects that you wish to transfer to another dimension.
No matter how you feel about wedding registries, it’s always a good idea to have one.
Not sure where to start? Read this post I wrote about the most popular places to create a registry.
You may already have everything you need, you don’t want guests to feel pressured to buy a gift, or you wish to receive cash to put toward the honeymoon.
The big question is: Do I have to create a wedding registry?
The short answer: Yes!
Why? The majority of wedding guests WANT to buy you a gift and they actually appreciate having some guidance!
If you don’t have a wedding registry, they will bring what THEY want and most of the time, it will not be something you like or need.
And, many gifts can’t be returned without being attached to a gift registry.
Think about it. Wouldn’t you want an upgraded kitchen appliance or something from your wish list that you would actually use?
As opposed to a mosaic punch bowl that you wouldn’t even want to use at your annual Halloween party.
Amazon Wedding Registries are really easy to create and are the most convenient for your guests who are traveling or can’t make it.
Create an Amazon Wedding Registry and get 20% off items not purchased by guests.
Wedding Gift Registry Basics
Even if your invitation says “no gifts” many guests will bring you something to help you celebrate.
And, if you don’t want to get stuck with Aunt Betty’s pineapple vase, make sure to register as soon as you send your RSVPs out.
You’ll be amazed at how many wedding guests will ask where you’re registered at right away.
The process is super easy.
Our suggestion is to register at one store (like Target, Macy’s or Bed, Bath and Beyond) where guests can go print out the registry and look at the items.
You should also register at Amazon for those guests who can’t make it or are traveling and don’t want to shove your gift in their suitcase.
Checking The List
First, it’s important to start your wedding registry together.
Remember, you and your fiance are a team. The wedding is for both of you.
All the gifts you register for don’t have to be things you share, but there should be an equal amount for both of you.
For example, if he loves to cook and you love to be outside, make sure there are equal amounts of kitchen gadgets and gardening tools.
Not sure where to start? Before you hit up the stores, make a list of things that really need for your home.
If you are moving into your first house together, then you might need electronics, kitchen appliances, kitchenware, even towels.
But, if you have a fully equipped home focus on what is missing or what you would like to upgrade (hello stained and bent baking sheets!)
Or, maybe you have a set of glasses but you want something fancier or want to grow the collection for when you have guests.
Just focus on your personal styles and the aesthetic of your house.
You should also throw a few fun items on there like board or lawn games, the first movie you ever watched together, or a restaurant gift card.
Authentic Bride Guide Tip: Don’t fill your wedding registry with things you’re never going to use.
Money Makes The World Go Round
If you really don’t want to register for gifts, it’s ok to let your guests that you prefer other gift giving options.
Let’s be honest, some of them will prefer to not have to go shopping.
Sign up for an account with HoneyFund and you can “register” for honeymoon items like a scuba diving excursion, a 5 star dinner, or a couple’s massage!
This makes cash giving more personal so your guests can feel like they’re contributing a special gift without having to go to the store.
Bahamas here we come!
The Empty Handed Tribe
Let’s start with a small reminder. A gift is not a requirement to attend a wedding.
You shouldn’t be inviting guests to your wedding for their money or gifts. You want to celebrate your big day with people you love and respect.
That being said, it’s very common for guests to bring a wedding present when they attend a wedding.
If a guest doesn’t bring a gift, forget about it and move on.
Consider that the guests who came empty-handed might have financial troubles and they spent their extra money to travel for your big day.
Or, they could send a gift after your wedding with their next bonus check.
Authentic Bride Guide Tip: Don’t let it ruin your day and your heart. Be grateful to your wedding guests and thank them for their gifts, even if you are don’t like them and are planning to return them.
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