Ok, so I did say that Macy's was our final registry, but this last weekend we registered at
Crate and Barrel. When thinking about places to register Crate and Barrel was on my short list, but it originally got cut in favor of Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Macy’s. I thought there was an unspoken limit to three wedding registries, but apparently there isn't. I've seen brides register for upwards of six or more, and depending on the number of guests that many registries might be necessary.
Even though we are anticipating less than 100 people to attend, our guest list is approximately 150 people. A bride should anticipate that 20% of your invitees will decline; however, with the number of out-of-town guests we are inviting I am realistically anticipating that we will have 40% of our invitees decline. Why am I anticipating that 40% of our guests decline? Because they have already told either myself or our parents that they will not be attending, but they would like to send a gift. With gas prices and the economy, many of our invitees just cannot afford to attend our wedding. I am not really disappointed in this fact - it's just the way it is - but I think it's very considerate of them to even send a gift. So, we thought it might be necessary to have one more place to register to give people more options.
Back to registering at Crate and Barrel. Unlike our previous registry experiences, we completed our Crate and Barrel registry in one hour. We knew what we wanted and scanned it. We stuck with non-seasonal items per the advice of the Crate and Barrel associate helping us -- which I think it absolutely necessary for this particular store as they rotate seasonal stock so often. It would be a big pain to have to re-register constantly because a majority of our registry items were discontinued. Also, we registered for the same set of knives, again. That makes three places were we have registered for the same knives. We really want a set of
Wüsthof Gourmet knives, and registering at three places increases are chances of receiving a set.
Having completed four registries, I’d like to share of advice for those starting the registry process.
1. Take Inventory: Look around your home/apartment and ask yourselves: Where are we in our lives and what do we need? Kitchen gadgets? Furniture? Flatware? When my
MOH got married right out of college, they moved from Montana to DC immediately following the wedding, which made an impact on their registry. They were at a place of transit in their lives, where as Chris and I are a little older and already own a home. Not only will answering these questions clarify your needs, but hopefully the conversation will happen before hitting the stores, thus saving you time.
2. Style: Register at places that fit your own personal style. If your not into registering at places like Target or Crate and Barrel, don’t! Many small, independent online stores now allow for couples to make registries or wish lists.
3. Number of Invitees + Number of Parties = Number of Registries: Like I said, I thought there was an unspoken rule of a three registry limit, but apparently there
isn’t. If you are only inviting 50 people two places to register should be enough, but if you are inviting 500 people six or more registries might not even be enough. Also, when determining the number of places to register take into account the number of showers and engagement parties you will be having. I’m having two showers, so that is why we decided to add Crate and Barrel to the registry in order to give people more options.
4. Price Range and Store Options: Offer your invitees a wide variety of price ranges. With the economy the way it is many people are hunkering down on their finances, but would still love to give you a gift. In addition, maybe you’re like us and your invitee list is scattered throughout the county. Although the
internet allows people to shop online without a store physically located in the state, not everyone is
internet savvy. Pick a least one store that you know is located in state of your invitees.
5. Don’t be Afraid of Big Ticket Items: We love to cook and subsequently have a well stocked kitchen. Registering for kitchen gadgets meant upgrading or registering for unique items like a mini torch. But what we really need is furniture. Let’s face it furniture is expensive -- we don’t expect guests to purchase big, expensive pieces – so, we registered for smaller furniture items like a chair, bookshelves, a leather bench for our bedroom, and a wine cabinet that were moderately priced and would fit into our home. However, you can go sign-up at
http://www.felicite.com/ and have guests contribute whatever amount they would like toward your big ticket item. When the total cost is met, the website places the order for you.
6. Register for the Same Item at Different Stores: Since we cook a lot the one item we really want is a set of
Wüsthof Gourmet knives. In order to increase our chances of getting a set, we have registered for the same set at three different stores. Don’t worry about the possibility of receiving the same item, or even not getting it. I’ll explain more in advice #9 and #10.
7. Register for Open Stock and Sets: When registering for pans and knives consider registering for both Open Stock and Sets. For example, a set of
Wüsthof Gourmet knives is $400, while one 6” Chef Knife is $100. Not only does it give a better price range for your invitees, you might end up getting an entire set by registering for open stock rather then not getting anything at all because no one wanted to pitch-in $400 for knives.
8. Update: Depending on the length of your engagement you should update your registry every season, and especially six weeks before your wedding. Items that you registered for in March might be discontinued by your wedding in September. Seasonal items are really tricky to register for because it is likely the item will be gone before your wedding. You don’t have to constantly stock your registry, but
definitely check on it before the big day.
9. Spreading the Word: My
fiancé and I differ on this piece of wedding etiquette, but I say do not put your registry on your invites. Many stores now give you will little slips of paper to announce your registry items. I am totally being a snob about this, but it’s kinda tacky. It is customary for the parents of the couple to pass the word onto the invitees about your registry. Although, I think if you have a wedding website, it is perfectly fine to post your registry stores there because it is meant as an information place for your guests.
10. 10% After the Wedding: Stores are now offering 10% off any item still on your registry after the wedding. Put items more items than your invitee list and that they probably won’t buy, but you intend to buy later. Also with gift cards, returned items, and the discount you might be able to cover the cost of that beautiful espresso wine cabinet that you really wanted.
11. Returning: Returning is inevitable. Your favorite aunt will forget to give your registry list while checking out at Target, therefore, the item
doesn’t go off your registry, and subsequently your favorite uncle buys the same item. It’s going to happen. That is why you registered for more items then your invitee list. You’ll just return the item (hopefully they gave you a gift receipt) and get 10% off another item on your registry.
12. Give to a Good Cause: Your wedding is a great time to give to a charitable cause. As a nonprofit fundraiser, this is especially close to my heart. You can either have guests make a donation directly to the charity of your choice or guests can give when they purchase your registry gifts though the
I Do Foundation. Go to the I Do Foundation’s website for more details on how you can give back to your community.
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