What is a wedding registry?

In the past, wedding registries were set up in person at a variety of different stores. But NOW websites like the knot have virtual registries that allow you to have everything you’re looking for all in one place! Think of them as a “wish list” of gifts that will help you as a couple. 

How can a wedding registry be beneficial?

• Some companies like bed bath and beyond offer pretty sweet discounts and rewards for people that build their registries through them. 
• Convenience for you as a couple and your friends and family. 
  • Creating a registry puts everything you want in one place, and as the couple you can see which items have been bought and which ones have not, allowing you to plan accordingly and along the way.
  • When people purchase gifts from your registry, most make sure that a gift receipt is included with the purchase so it makes it easier to return an item if you received multiple or it just doesn’t work the way you thought it would. 
• On top of that you make sure you are actually getting gifts you want without feeling like you’re nagging people for them.

What kind of wedding registries can couples create?

Fundraising (in support for a charity of the couple’s choice), resort/honeymoon fund, down payment fund, anything you can raise money for… or there is the traditional version– The “gun-scanning” you get online, register to your fave stores, make a wishlist, items for people to purchase for you. 

How do you pick out the gifts?

Since this wish list is the beginning of a new partnership, the best way to pick out the gifts is to do it together. Reflect on your wants and needs as a couple, look at what you already have together, and then go from there. Make sure you are both a part of this process because a lot of these items will help establish the base of your married life together. 

Where do you build a wedding registry?

Traditionally they would be built in person, but now they are almost always done online. Stores that offer registries directly through their own website are Target, Bed. Bath and Beyond, Neiman Marcus, Ikea, you name it: if its something like a department store with home goods available they most likely have a registry option. On top of that there are multiple digital resources like Zola, Blueprint, MyRegistry.com, Honeyfund (which is a registry strictly for donating funds and experiences to the couples honey moon. All of these have their ups and downs so do some research and find what is right for you.

How many gifts should a wedding registry have?

Since this wish list is the beginning of a new partnership, the best way to pick out the gifts is to do it together. Reflect on your wants and needs as a couple, look at what you already have together, and then go from there. Make sure you are both a part of this process because a lot of these items will help establish the base of your married life together.

What are the typical costs of items in a wedding registry?

On an item to item basis, it’s important to have a wide range of options. As much as those $200-500 dollar items are nice to look at, most of your guests will be looking to spend more like $50-100 on your wedding. In 2020, the average total cost of a wedding registry was around $4000 with each item averaging $120. Your guests want to get you something nice- not just a cheapo something- this is a big day and a big deal. Most importantly, remember these people love you and it is a pleasure for them to give you a gift of this matter.

What items should I prioritize for my wedding registry?

Just like the type of registry you choose to create, this all depends on who you are as a couple, where you’re coming from as well. If you guys have already lived together for a few years, odds are you wont need as many household items as a couple that still lives separately. If you love camping, ask for those niche camping gear items you know will be useful. If you guys love the movies, ask for that fun movie projector and popcorn machine that you know will bring you joy every time you see it.

Who do I share my wedding registry with?

While there may be people who want to get you a gift even though they were not invited to the wedding, it is typically only shared with the guests invited. The gifts for this occasion tend to be nice, and sharing it with people who weren’t invited could be offensive to them.

When and where do I share my wedding registry?

You are allowed to start spreading the news as soon as you want. But the advice is to be a bit discreet about it- you dont want it to look like you’re begging your guests for gifts. One way to do this is to include a link to your wedding website on your save the dates so that people can RSVP and then immediately go to your registry without feeling like its forced on them. You don’t have to wait for the wedding to be around the corner because some guests will use this for help on finding you gifts for events leading up to the wedding as well.