Etiquette Tips For The Perfect Wedding Registry

You’re engaged, congrats! Now the fun part of planning your wedding can begin. One part of the planning process you’ll want to start thinking about is a wedding gift registry. 

However, before you start adding items to your list, it's important to follow proper wedding registry etiquette. In this article, we’ll cover the purpose of having a registry, what should and shouldn’t be added to the list, and seven tips to keep in mind when creating your registry. 

Purpose of a Wedding Registry

A wedding registry provides an opportunity for close friends and loved ones to purchase gifts to help a newlywed couple as they start their married life together. A registry will help couples receive items they want / need instead of items they may already have. 

What to Include

When creating a wedding registry, consider having multiple categories of items for your guests to purchase from. With different options, your guests will have multiple price points to choose from. Common wedding registry items to add include:

• Bed and bath: This includes linens, bedding sets, towels, bathrobes, bathmats, etc.

• Home decor: Gift ideas include items such as throw blankets, pillows, picture frames, vases, candles, and other decorative pieces for the home.

• Kitchenware: Appliances, cookware, bakeware, utensils, dinnerware, glassware, and flatware all fall into this category.

• Outdoor equipment: For couples that enjoy outdoor activities, consider including items such as tents, gardening tools, grills and patio furniture.

• Travel: Items such as luggage, travel accessories, or honeymoon experiences that couples can remember forever. 

• Cash funds: Many couples create honeymoon funds, ask for cash funds for a home down payment, or request money for other big-ticket purchases they plan to make in the future.

• Gift Cards: To make it easier on guests, couples can request gift cards to their favorite stores or online marketplaces like Amazon. 

Overall, registry items reflect the taste and lifestyle of a couple. By providing a range of options at different price points, you will be able to accommodate guests with different budgets.

What Not to Include

There are no concrete rules about things you shouldn’t include in a wedding registry, but couples should be thoughtful about certain items such as:

• High-priced items: Having expensive items is okay, but it can be considered rude to only include expensive items or electronic gadgets. This may put too much pressure on wedding guests to spend money beyond their means.

• Cash requests: While it is common to include cash funds for certain items, it is generally considered inappropriate to explicitly request cash gifts or monetary contributions only.

• Personal items: Items such as lingerie, personal hygiene products, or other items of a personal nature are usually considered too intimate to be included in a wedding registry.

Overall, it's important to keep in mind that a wedding registry is meant to be a helpful guide for guests, and not a list of everything you need in your house. Be mindful of budgets and preferences while creating your registry.

7 Wedding Registry Tips to Help Your Guests

1. Avoid Waiting or Forgetting to Register 

Your guests are excited to share this special moment with you and trust us when we say that they are fiercely looking for that wedding registry. As much as you want to avoid receiving zebra striped shower curtains, your guests want to give you a meaningful and useful gift. Give your guests enough time to find the perfect gift for you and your partner by setting up your registry soon after you have announced your engagement. 

2. Inventory Everything You Already Have at Home

Taking the time to inventory everything you already have is extremely useful when setting up your wedding registry. This will help you receive items you actually need and avoid receiving gifts that will end up in storage! 

3. Keep a Wide Price Range

Remember that your guests may want to purchase two wedding gifts for you; one for your bridal shower and one for your wedding day. Be sure to have a range of prices for your desired gifts, so your guests do not feel obligated to buy a $300 set of pans. You will also want to add more items to your registry than invited guests, so they have a greater chance of gifting you with something they favor as well. 

4. Add Your Registry to Your Wedding Website

Add your registry information to your wedding invitations and add the registry link to your wedding website. Your website will provide your guests with an easy way to view details that are important for your special day. 

5. Continually Update Your Registry

Your guests will be purchasing gifts for you and your partner at their convenience throughout your entire engagement, so it is recommended to keep your registry updated. You may want to add certain items you thought about after you left the store or simply want more of.

6. Register at Multiple Stores 

Be sure not to register at only one location. You want to provide your guests with the option of purchasing something for your living room or for your future travels, so be sure to pick about 2-3 stores when setting up your registry. You will also want to pick stores with different price points so your guests spend the amount they feel comfortable spending. 

7. Feel Free To Request Nontraditional Items 

Have fun! If you want to add a tent to your wedding registry because you and your fiancé love the outdoors, then by all means add it. Just because it may be traditional to receive a new set of pans or wine glasses does not mean that you should avoid items you would truly love.

Final Takeaway 

Creating a wedding registry is exciting! Follow these wedding registry etiquette tips to ensure your loved ones have a wide range of categories and price points to choose from. Have fun!