Consider your wedding registry as a work of art – finding the perfect balance between home goods, weekend fun, honeymoon activities, and balanced pricing. Here are the suggestions on how to create the best combination!
LETS START WITH THE BASICS…
Setting Up Your Registry
Creating your wedding registry in the technologically advanced world we live in is so easy that you don’t even have to leave your home. One possibility is to you choose to create online registries with stores or websites like Zola or Vebo. All inclusive websites such as these have unlimited options and even specific funds ranging from honeymoon fun to home improvement projects. Or, if you want to be a little more traditional and act like Flo from the Progressive commercials with her magic scanner, you can walk into department stores and create your registry in person, by scanning everything and anything you could possibly ever imagine. Your possibilities are endless! Well known stores for in-person scanning registries include Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target, Kohls, Crate & Barrel, William Sonoma, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Nordstrom, and Saks 5th Ave. All of these stores, in addition to popular sites such as Zola and The Knot, have online registry options as well.
Pricing
Once the hard work of establishing a registry is done, something to keep in mind is the pricing of the items that you choose to include. Ask for the items that you maybe can’t necessarily afford right now, or things that are extra nice. However, keep in mind your guest list and make sure to include a good variety of lower and mid priced items. The average age that couples get married in the United States is 27 for women, and 29 for men (brides.com). Your parents and family friends might be well established, but don’t forget about your college buddies and work colleagues, or maybe even your single friends with a limited income. Not everyone can afford to get you that 24 piece copper dinnerware set that you’re obsessed with, but, they probably could afford place mats to go under the dinnerware set, or maybe the accompanying wine glasses. Other items that work well in this category are towels, decorations, storage containers, monogrammed items, stationary, kitchen utensils, basic kitchen equipment, etc. Including lower priced options takes away the potential embarrassment of a guest asking what other items you might want if they can’t afford something off of your registry.
Keep it balanced!
WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE ON MY REGISTRY?
Home Goods
This is typically the number one thing that newlyweds ask for. Whether it’s that beautiful 5 quart Kitchen Aid Mixer with every attachment under the sun, or that espresso maker you’ve always wanted, items like these are usually expected by guests looking through the registry. However, make sure to ask for some of the basics such as a quality set of pots and pans, silverware, glassware and dinnerware sets. Depending on your style, this is also a great time to ask for a formal china set. Other items that are up and coming in the wedding registry world include furniture, décor items, decorative plants and even electronics.
Honeymoon Fun
This works a little better for our online registry options. Whether you are leaving for your honeymoon directly after your grand exit, or are planning the trip for your first anniversary, honeymoons on top of weddings can get very pricey. Once you have chosen your honeymoon destination (or region) choose a few specific activities you and your new partner would like to do. Items that work well for this category include plane tickets, off-shore fishing adventures, horseback riding, amusement park tickets, museum tours, spa packages, private boat tours, safaris, hotels, etc.
Weekend Entertaining
Another great category of items to include on your registry are items for entertaining. Whether it’s bowls and platters for a holiday party, corn hole boards for a 4th of July barbecue or board games for game night, these are a must. More specific items can include coolers, grills & grilling equipment, yard games, picnic set-ups, bar carts & bartending tools, themed dinnerware, platters, and serving bowls, camping & hiking gear, or even items for pets!
Regardless of the gifts you receive for your wedding, you’ll be thankful that you put so much effort into creating the perfect registry! A well thought through list provided for your guests takes the stress out of gift giving. And with that, don’t be surprised when Grandma and Grandpa get you monogrammed matching light blue towel-sets for every room in the house.
Happy planning!
Courtney
