Registry Workshop: Registry Etiquette

As if there were not enough "do's and don'ts" that goes along with everything wedding...but yes, there too is wedding registry etiquette. Fortunately, a complete list of registry etiquette can easily be laid out, and as long a you check off the following, you will be sure to not step on anyone's toes :) Here it goes...

The Do's

• Start registering early. It is never too early too early to start scanning! Why? Well, for starters, it helps  get a big thing off your "to-do" list early. Secondly, it allows you guests to check out your "wants" from the get-go -- more time for guests to look out for sale prices, seasonal changes, and map out what they want to get you.
• Register for expensive things! Although you want to register for a range of prices, do not be afraid to have a couple high priced items on your registry. Even if you think no one will buy it for you, more often than not, someone WILL - or they will go in on a gift jointly with another couple. The point of registry is to start you and your man off with things your don't have, but WANT & NEED - so put those dream items on there!
• Register for more than you think! Tomorrow I will go more in depth on what to register for, but definitely know that you will need to register for way more than you think right off the bat. With showers lined up before the wedding, your guests will be flying through your list fast.
• Provide your guest with a list of all the places you registered. Whether you list it on a wedding website, a Facebook page, or any invitation, make sure your guests KNOW where to shop! Typically a small line such as, "the bride and groom are registered at..." will suffice.
• Register for gift certificates. Most of the time, you can register for gift certificates from the store you are registered at. Gift certificates are easy gifts to give, and even more easy to use (trust me, the more gift certificates, the better!)
• Register at a minimum of 2 places and a maximum of 4 stores. This number of places gives your guests some freedom to shop, as well as, YOU some freedom of choice on items. The average person registers at 3 stores.
• Register for the most essential items first -- meaning, register for things you need first, and add things you want as guests start buying off the products that were essential (check in tomorrow for a closer look at this Do!)

The Don'ts

• Do not register later than 3 months before your wedding date. As stated before, the earlier the better - however, if it is not a priority, make sure you still give your guests enough time to get their gifts together - anything under 3 months is no good.
• Do not register at LOCAL stores only. Although small boutique stores offer a registry, make sure that you are registered at atleast one store that has a NATIONAL market presence. Your registry needs to be accessible and "shoppable" by guests all over.
• Do not ask for money ONLY. This "don't" is a controversial one -- many will tell you that asking for money only is ok in this day in time, but I say it is not. Asking for gift cards on a registry is perfectly fine, and if people give you money of their own, that is great as well; HOWEVER, plain out saying that you only want money can easily come off as tacky and offensive. Guests can often feel embarrassed to give an exact dollar amount to you -- many rather buy a gift who's worth is more valued on "functionality."
• Do not choose items that are on clearance -- now take a close look at this one, CLEARANCE is different that SALE. Registering for items on SALE means typically means there is a temporary discount on the item..no big deal. CLEARANCE, typically means that the items is discounted because it is going out of stock, out of season, or being discontinued.