By Kate Cohen
Putting together a wedding registry is just as fun as it sounds. You’re basically making a giant wish list of all the things you’d like to have as you begin the next chapter married to the love of your life.
That said, there’s more that goes into making a registry than you might think, and it’s normal to be overwhelmed by the idea of starting one from scratch.
We’ve put together the Ultimate Guide to Building a Great Wedding Registry so you can navigate this exciting wedding rite with less stress and more excitement.
Here are our favorite tips for putting together your wedding registry.
Identify your Needs and Wants
Ultimately, your registry is all about you and your partner, and should reflect your personal wants, needs, and style.
Work as a couple to decide whether you want to register for more everyday items, formal pieces, novelty gifts, or a blend of all three. Being on the same page can help you put together a registry that will set you up for a great start to a long, happy marriage.
Begin by making a list of things you need in your new household (even if you’ve been living together for a while already). Then fill in the gaps with items that would be really nice to have, although they might not be considered necessary.
If you and your partner already own something you might typically find on a registry (a blender, stand mixer, towels, etc.) feel free to leave it off your registry.
On the other hand, if you’re ready for an upgrade, now is a great time to think about what you’d like to update in your home.
Make Multiple Registries
Registering at multiple stores gives your guests plenty of options when it comes to purchasing a gift. It also allows you to register for a variety of things like home goods, kitchenware, artwork, travel needs, and so much more.
Additionally, certain stores may offer you discounts on items from your registry that weren’t purchased once your wedding date has passed.
Wedding websites like TheKnot.com and Zola.com can help you consolidate your registries into one clean location. That way, your guests can browse multiple registries on one website without confusion.
Include a Range of Prices
Everyone’s gift-giving budget varies. Having a selection of gifts that cover a range of prices allows your guests to gift you something at a price with which they feel comfortable.
The average cost of a wedding gift ranges from $50 to $100, but make sure you have some outliers on your registry, too, for anyone who may be hoping to spend less or splurge a little more.
There are also ways to allow multiple guests to chip in on a big-ticket item. (Hellooooo pizza oven!)
Register for More Gifts than You Have Guests
You want to make sure you have a variety of options from which your guests can choose.
A good rule of thumb is to double the number of guests you’re inviting, provide that many gift options, and then sprinkle in a few extras gift ideas for good measure. This should allow your guests to find something they’re comfortable with as far as price, as well as something they’ll enjoy gifting you.
Consider Items for the Future
The latest trendy kitchen gadget is a great thing to add to your registry, but you also want your wedding registry to include items that are made to last.
Quality serving pieces, furniture, and decor could easily last decades, or even become heirlooms that get passed onto your children one day. Your wedding is a wonderful opportunity to collect these memorable items you’ll love for years to come.
Keep your Wedding Registry Updated
Registry items go in and out of stock all the time. This is particularly true if you’ve started putting together your registry well before your wedding date. Be sure you’re checking frequently to see what may no longer be available on your registry and replace it with something else.
If you’re having a bridal shower, there will likely be a surge of gifts purchased for that event. Be sure to check on your registry afterwards to add more items and refresh your list.
The best part about a wedding registry? You can continuously update it whenever you find something else to add. The options are endless.
Browse Other Registries
There is no shame in snooping on other couples’ registries!. You may be inspired by what you see or surprised to discover a few things you prefer to keep off your personal registry.
You can also learn a lot by asking your married friends what they loved having on their wedding registry and what they wish they’d registered for in hindsight.
Have it Ready at Least Three to Six Months Before the Wedding
If you’re planning on having celebratory events prior to your wedding date (an engagement party, bridal shower, etc.), you’ll want to have your wedding registry completed before the first party invites are delivered.
Some of your guests will get their invite and immediately head to your registry before it slips their mind, and others may decide to send a gift once the event has come and gone.
Regardless, you want to have a full registry ready to go to help guide your guests should they want to purchase a gift.
Find a Blend of Practical and Fun
There are going to be guests that love giving practical gifts they know you’ll use, and there are others who would rather treat you to something you may not otherwise buy for yourself.
Having items like dishes and a knife set on your registry will satisfy those looking for practicality, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
Sometimes it’s more fun to gift a piece of artwork you’ve picked out for the perfect spot in your house, or a backyard fire pit around which you’ll make countless memories together.
Your wedding registry should be a blend of what you need and what you want. Let your guests decide what they’d prefer to buy for you.
Gift Cards are a Great Option
In addition to specific items, it’s a good idea to put gift cards to your favorite stores on your registry, too. Some of your guests may decide to leave it up to you how you spend their gift.
Plus, gift cards come in handy once the wedding has come and gone and you can figure out what you still need in your home.
While places like Amazon and Target are always safe bets, home improvement stores like Home Depot, airlines, hotels, and even meal prep subscription service gift cards are fun options as well.
Honeymoon Funds are Fine, Too
A more recent trend in wedding registries is the Honeymoon Fund. This allows your guests to contribute to the cost of your dream honeymoon, wherever it may be.
You can also use registry services like Hitchd or The Knot to add experiences to your registry, whether they’re honeymoon-related or not.
Your guests may feel more comfortable giving a cash gift knowing it will be put toward treating you to dinner at your favorite restaurant, a romantic couple’s massage on the beach, or even a Safari Tour while you’re honeymooning in the savannas of Africa.
Some guests may love the idea of gifting you memories and experiences rather than a tactile object.
Even if your preference is for guests to donate to your Honeymoon Fund, it’s still a good idea to include a few actual items on your wedding registry for the more traditional gift-givers.
Plan for Late Shoppers
Just because the wedding has come and gone doesn’t mean the party’s over! Traditionally, guests have up to a year to send a gift to newlyweds, and you may be surprised how many gifts trickle in after you’ve already said, “I do.”
Keep your wedding registry up to date so late gift-givers still have a variety of options when they’re ready.
Make it Easy to Find…but Not on Your Invitations
Wedding etiquette says that including your registry link on your wedding invitation is a tacky move. Your guests should feel invited because you want them there, not because you’re hoping they’ll bring a good gift.
Instead, consider including a link to your wedding website on your invitation, where guests will be able to find info about the wedding party, celebration timelines, travel information, and, yes, your registry.
Write Thank-You Notes
This one is non-negotiable. If you receive a gift, you should write a thank you note, ideally within three months of receiving it.
Remember, wedding gifts should never be expected and should always be appreciated.
Turn to Rosen Weddings for More Wedding Tips
When it comes to wedding planning, having the right people by your side can make all the difference. At Rosen Weddings, our team can help guide you as you plan your dream wedding in one of our beautiful luxury venues.
We hope you’ll bookmark our website for more wedding planning tips.
