In theory, setting up a registry is simple. You decide on one or
several stores, create a registry online or in person, select
various items, and get the word out to your guests. In practice,
things are a little more complicated -- but only a little!
With that said, here\'s the real deal on setting up your wedding
registry and getting the word out without offending your guests.
Remember that retailers can be an enormous help to both you and
your guests. At the same time, you can’t take everything they say
at face value.
Q: Where should I register?
A: Chances are, if you\'re getting married in your own town, you
already know where "everyone goes" to set up and shop from a
registry. If not, and guests are flying in from far away, pick
from some bride-tested standbys likely to be present almost
anywhere. Macy’s has a great reputation for registries, as does
Williams-Sonoma, Bed Bath & Beyond and other retailers.
Before you choose your stores, be sure to stop by a wedding forum
and get feedback from brides who have been there, done that.
Store policies vary quite dramatically, ranging from the
easy-does-it (who’ll give you cash back for returns off the
registry, no questions asked) to the extremely restrictive
(who’ll only let you exchange for another item *in that
department*, requires a receipt for each item, and so on). You\'ll
want to know about these policies and the store\'s overall
reputation for bridal friendliness before you go in, or returns
and exchanges could become a big hassle.
Q: I have a wide range of interests. How many stores should I
register at?
A: Two to three stores is fairly typical. They don\'t have to be
typical stores, though. If you\'re a wine drinker, and live in a
state where it\'s legal to ship wine, set up a registry at one of
the great online wine merchants.
Q: When should I register?
A: Although close family members may pressure you to start
earlier, it\'s helpful to wait three to six months before the
wedding. Not only are the vast majority of gifts bought within a
day or so of the shower or ceremony itself, stores turn over
merchandise so rapidly that any gifts you select earlier may be
discontinued.
Q: What if I already have all the kitchen appliances and throw
pillows I need?
A: Consider putting together a honeymoon registry instead, so
guests can contribute toward a special meal or snorkeling trip or
a night’s lodging during your honeymoon.
Q: When I signed up at Store X, they gave me a bunch of
attractive registry cards to enclose with my wedding invitations.
Should I do it, or is that tacky?
A: Sorry, but the consensus is almost universal -- it\'s uncouth
to include any mention of gifts in your invitations. You can,
however, tuck those cards into shower invitations. Perhaps the
best solution is to include a note in your invitations that
reads, "Please see our wedding web site at www.xyz.com" and place
your registry information there.
Q: How many gifts should I register for? I don\'t want to look
demanding.
A: Typically, you\'ll want to select two or three items per guest.
That gives people room to choose instead of locking them into
something they don\'t enjoy buying, or worse, forcing them to
guess what else you might like, giving birth to the “second
yogurt maker” type of gift.
If you have many guests, you can avoid creating a 16-page
monstrosity for them to print out by breaking up your registry
over several stores.
At the end of the day, “more is more.” Many retailers offer
discounts on those items you registered for but didn\'t receive.
Many stores also retain your registry for at least 12 months
after the wedding. You may find it\'s best to register for
everything that you plan to buy, even if you don\'t expect to get
it as a gift; you can then purchase your selections for 10% or
20% off after the ceremony. Many brides also find friends and
family tapping registries for gift buying ideas for birthdays and
other holidays!
Q: What price range should I stick with when selecting items?
A: Generally, you should register for things you really feel you
want or need, without worrying too much about the price. Some
guests enjoy picking up a number of items in the low price range,
and sometimes guests will group together to purchase
bigger-ticket items.
Q: I\'ve set up my registry just fine, but now I’m addicted to
checking it online. How can I stop?
A: Sorry, there\'s no known antidote for registry-checking
addiction, though it\'s a widespread phenomenon. Counting to ten,
taking deep breaths or distracting yourself with double-fudge ice
cream might be worth a shot.
Blake Kritzberg | 
