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Bridal
registries just aren't what they used to be. Years ago, it was
standard for the bride-to-be to register at one fashionable store for
sterling silver and fine china. Today a bridal registry can
include everything from camping equipment to the kitchen sink
(literally). Here's a primer on what you need to know about bridal
registries. |
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Types
of Bridal Registries
Traditional
Bridal Registry - A traditional bridal registry would include
kitchen and household items such as fine china, silverware, crystal,
table linens, bedding and yes the gravy boat! If you don't want
the gravy boat or crystal - don't put it on your registry!
Honeymoon
Registry - A
honeymoon registry allows a couple to break up their honeymoon
trip into portions that a wedding guest can purchase as a gift.
Charity
Registries - Couples who have everything may choose to register for
donations in lieu of gifts. There are many websites that allow
couples to register for charities of their choice.
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How
Many Places Can I Register?
Two
to four stores - While some wedding professionals and websites say
you can register at as many stores as you like, 2 to 4 stores is more
than enough. One suggestion would be to choose one registry that
is a national chain with an online website. This allows
out-of-state guests an easy way to shop. For a second or third
alternative, perhaps choose a specialty store that speaks to your
interests - gardening, wine, camping, fitness, home improvement, etc.
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When
to Register
2-4
months before the wedding - It's generally recommended that you
register for gifts no sooner than 2-4 months before the wedding.
The reasoning - if you register for gifts too far in advance, some
items will no longer be in stock or available when guests start
purchasing gifts. However, be sure to register before your
bridal shower so registry information can be included in the shower
invitations.
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How
much to ask for,
what to ask for...
really, our set is so outdated, can I ask for a plasma TV? |
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Think
about it for a minute. If you receive a 25-page printout of
someone's bridal registry what do you think to yourself? Yes.
I think the same thing. Despite what anyone else may lead you to
believe, some (and let me stress the word some) of today's couples are
looking might greedy. While it is generally a good idea to register
for more items than you would like or need, be realistic. What you
should include are the items you need and want the most. You should
also include items in a wide variety of price ranges to accommodate guests
with different budgets. A few larger ticket items are also
acceptable for friends or co-workers who may want to go in together on the
purchase of a gift. But really, a plasma TV? Sure you
can ask for it but isn't that pushing it just a bit?
What's not in
good taste? A bridal registry should never include only high-end,
high-ticket items. One guest who emailed this site complained that
the lowest priced item on one couple's registry was $250. A
word to the wise - a $35 toaster color-coordinated to match your kitchen
will probably get a lot more use than a $250 pair of crystal candlesticks
that will never see the light of day if children enter the picture.
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Can
I ask for cash?
Generally
not a good idea. There are cash registries but keep in mind these
services charge a fee. So, for every $100 guests purchase for you,
you may only get $95 or less. Usually there is a fixed percentage
rate on each transaction. If cash is what you really need, tell your
mom or your maid of honor to let people know that you would be truly
grateful for cash towards _____________, (fill in the blank), but
that any gift would be appreciated. If you need cash to fix up your house,
why not register at a home improvement store? At least this provides
an alternative to asking for cash.
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How
do I inform guests where I'm registered?
Many
bridal registries now offer bridal registry cards that can be included
with your shower invitations. It is still not in good taste to
include registry information in a wedding invitation.
Another way to inform guests where you're registered is with a personal
wedding website that you can create online for free at many of the
websites that are affiliated with national bridal magazines.
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Bridal
Registry Policies & Returns
Read
the fine print! - Be sure to keep a printed copy of the bridal
registry policies of the store or stores where you're registered.
A lot of attention has been given lately to a popular department
store and their bridal registry return policy. A bride tried
to return an unopened item 91 days after her wedding. The
return policy only allowed 90 days. In all likelihood you will
have at least one exchange or return. Be sure you understand
the return policies of any store where you're registered. Can
you get cash back or just a gift card? Can you exchange one
item and purchase another item in any department of the store or
must must you exchange gifts for something in the same department or
for something else on your registry? Are there re-stocking
fees? Read the fine print so you're not taken by surprise
should you have a return.
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Bridal
Registry Incentives/Bonus Programs
Some
bridal registries have incentives or bonuses for signing up! It could be a
gift card or a discount on any items that are on your bridal registry that
don't get purchased.
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Useful
Links / Additional Information |
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