A holdover from
times when newlyweds moved straight from their parents' homes to their own
empty nest, gift giving at a wedding celebrates the union and helps the
couple stock up. But really, who cares where the tradition came from? The
gist is that you get gifts galore before the wedding, on your big day,
plus they'll keep trickling in for another year!
Best of all, today's to-be-weds enjoy an incredibly wide range of registry
options -- from hardware stores to contributions toward a dream honeymoon.
Plan ahead and read our tips below to choose the ideal registry -- or
three -- and keep our
registry dos and don'ts in mind for a stress-free experience.
TAKING STOCK
You and your mate may have already invested in some basic must-have home
furnishings. And with more emphasis today on making a home-as-fashion
statement, you've probably collected some of the items people
traditionally register for. So sit down together and make a list of what
both of you have and will keep -- and then make a list of what you still
need and want. For ideas, take a look at our basic registry checklist
for items you may want to include on your list.
PUT A STORE TO THE TEST
Once you've inventoried your personal life, start auditioning registries.
Here are the key areas to investigate:
-- Selection. What range of products and brands does the registry carry?
Make sure the registry you pick has the brands you want, a variety of
price points, and a large selection of different products.
-- Shipping. Will they ship to the address you designate? Can they send
gifts in a batch? The best retailers will send your gifts to any address
you specify. That spares your guests the hassle of having to go to a store
or the post office to pick up your gift. (The Knot does both.)
-- Convenience. Is the process hassle-free for buyers? Can your list be
faxed to faraway guests so they can order by phone or fax back their
order? Does the store have a toll-free number? Better yet, will your
registry be available online? Can guests purchase gifts online?
-- Tracking. How will the retailer keep track of your registry? How fast
after a gift is bought will the purchase be reflected on the list? Big
retailers should have a computerized system that is updated frequently.
-- Exchanges. How long is the exchange/return period? What are the terms?
The exchange and return policy is crucial. You don't want to end up with
any duplicates or get back from your honeymoon and find out that you have
only 10 days left to exchange or return any items you don't want. Read the
fine print!
-- Perks. Different retailers offer different benefits. For example, some
offer what's called a completion program that allows you to fill in
whatever you don't receive at a discount.
-- File Keeping. How long will your registry list be kept active after the
wedding? Guests have up to one year from your wedding day to buy you your
gift, so that's at least how long your registry should be kept active.
SEAL THE DEAL
Once you pick a registry program, fill out your registry form that
includes a list of what products you want on the registry list. Ask for a
master list and read it carefully to make sure there are no mistakes.
Double-check the mailing address for where gifts will be sent. Last but
not least, get the business card of the person who helped you set up the
program, so that you have a point person should you have any questions or
problems.
Throughout your engagement, get periodic printouts of your registry list
to keep tabs on the process, especially after each pre-wedding event.
Check off any purchased gifts the store didn't catch and be sure the
changes are posted immediately.
