A wedding registry can be really tricky. What do the bride and groom want, need, hate, and dream of? If you’ve been put in charge of compiling the registry, you’ve got a lot of responsibility to fulfill. As my sister’s Maid of Honor, I have a big role ahead of me with organizing her registry, so I’ve been reaching out to recently-wedded friends for some advice. I couldn’t keep the gold to myself — here are a few of the best pointers that I plan on using myself.
Do Your Research
Even if the bride or groom is a close friend or family member, avoid assumptions about the things they want. It’s a good idea to start the registry process by having an in-depth talk with them. Take notes – they’ll come in handy later! In addition to asking about specific items, try to get an idea of the brands and styles they like. For example, do they prefer sleek lines or ornate embellishments? Do they like bright colors or classic white? These facts will help guide your registry choices. It’s also important to think about the things you probably already know – are they already set up in a house, or will they be establishing a home? Are they moving or staying in the area? Also, be sure to remember the groom as well. You don’t want the registry to be full of items only the bride will enjoy (a common complaint amongst my recently-married friends!)
Aim for Originality
After you’ve determined the specifics of the couple’s gift wishes, make sure you add a little originality. You’ll want them to be pleasantly surprised when they open some of their wedding gifts. Giving the wedding guests some unique ideas will surely catch the couple off-guard in a good way. Use your creativity to come up with ideas that have meaning or a story behind them. When looking through my sister’s favorite online shops, I thought about her love for the outdoors and how much she’d adore something like seeds to her favorite plant or a an at-home growing kit, so she could plant, personalize, and grow them herself. This gesture symbolizes roots, growth, and strength – which are all ingredients for a great marriage. Over the years, the couple can watch their plant grow, and it will always remind them of that special day.
Spread the Word
A registry has little use if the wedding guests don’t know about it. Be sure that the information about the registry is clear and easily available. Spreading the word is important, but you should be careful to avoid tacky messages asking for gifts. If the wedding is mainly local, you may want to informally phone a few of your invited friends, just to let them know where the bride and groom are registered. You can also make a registry insert card for the invitations or “save the date” notices. A template like this one makes it super easy. Additionally, in the digital age, couples have the option of setting up their own wedding website (like my friend did), which can list the stores where they’ve registered.
Setting up a gift registry is a huge responsibility (not to mention a major challenge). Nevertheless, if you do your research and embrace your creativity, the process can be a lot of fun. The more thoughtful and innovative you get, the more joy and surprise the bride and groom will experience. With a little planning, you can create a registry that’s even better than they ever imagined.
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