Gift registries…what a great invention! Whoever came up with that should absolutely get some sort of award. It’s a great idea and makes life easier for everyone involved. How? You can ask for exactly, and I mean exactly, what you want or need while friends and family can get a very clear idea of what you may want or need. No awkward moments or hard feelings. Win-win situation, right? Well, yes and no. The majority of couples today do register at stores for their wedding gifts but not all. This can be because of fear of criticism since this may not be well-received by older generations who find that gift registries can promote competition amongst gift-givers as well as eliminating the joy of surprise in opening gifts. While that may be the case for some couples, the overwhelming majority has been welcoming to the idea.

Here are some tips when it comes to bridal registries.
[Check out our resources guide for bridal registries that really simplify life for everyone.]

• The first thing to do and most important is to take inventory of what you and your fiance(e) already have. Consider what will need, guess and estimate if you have to. Always remember to think about your personal styles and lifestyles. What types of designs do you gravitate towards? Are there specific colors that are more prominent in your home(s)?
• If possible, try to register as early as you can. Aim for 6 months prior to your wedding. And remember to register for gifts of all different price ranges to make everyone feel comfortable in their gift-giving.
• Do you entertain? Alot or not so much? Formal or casual? The answers to those questions can make your gift registry even better so be sure to consider your entertaining style.
• Never a better time for a crowd. With so many retailers out there, you can register with any number of retailers, as many as you want. Some bridal registries are far better than others and offer more options. Check out our resources section for more information on the best registries.
• To announce or not to announce? Many bridal registries offer an announcement or notice service for invited guests to direct them to your registries. This is a new feature and, while it seems to be geared towards convenience and simplification, etiquette can be an issue here. Tread lightly with this option.
• State or country lines? Pish-posh! Many of the larger retailers offer bridal registries online and since the companies are so large, guests from all over the world can send their packages of love. These wedding registries also may be updated daily or at least when gifts from the list are purchased.

Some items to consider putting in your bridal registry: Fine tableware, as in crystal Both fine and casual drinkware and barware Flatware in the many different finishes (Think utensils!) Tableware, like nice china Electronics or household appliances Mortgage money (Houses don’t pay for themselves!) Stock purchases (And why not? Many happy returns!)

For those curious types, the concept of wedding or gift registries started with Chicago-based department store Marshall Fields in 1924. Registries has become such a household concept that now there are registries for all types of occasions, from birthdays to graduations and everything in between. In 1993, Target began the electronic gift registries that are popular today everywhere and by almost every retail company. While some registries are quite basic, some offer details such as updated lists after an item has been purchased to ensure there are no double gifts unless requested.

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