What’s a wedding registry?
A wedding registry is made up of items selected by an engaged couple from a store or online retailer. It offers the couple’s wedding guests a precise guide to what presents the bride and groom would prefer to receive on their wedding day. Though traditionally comprised of homewares, the registry concept has grown over the years to include a broader range of items. These days, a couple may list anything from standard linen and crockery through to a monetary contribution towards their honeymoon, a house deposit or even a charity contribution on the couple’s behalf (a’ la celeb couple Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban.)
Why should we register?
Registering takes the guesswork out of what kind of pressies you want. With a list of hand-picked items to select from, guests can be sure they’re choosing a gift that truly reflects your taste. It’s a gentle way to direct them towards your preferred brands and styles (as opposed to their own). So even though Aunt Bev might love apricot towels for herself, a quick glance at your list will remind her that in your modern townhouse mocha-coloured towels will better suit the décor.
Being guided by your selection means the generosity of friends and relatives will not go to waste – so instead of stashing those apricot towels at the back of the bathroom cupboard, the mocha set will be used daily.
Having a wedding registry also takes care of the annoying double-up factor, so you don’t end up with a glut of some items… and none of others. Who really needs six different sets of red wine glasses or mismatched champagne flutes? Listing sets of goblets, white wine glasses and flutes, all in the same style, is far more practical.
Complete your list well before the invitations go out, so your registry is ready by the time guests receive notification
Another advantage of having a gift registry is that you can include big-ticket items, prompting family and friends to club together and purchase a significant gift that will really help establish your home. A few ideas are barbecues, lounge suites, sound systems, washing machines, dishwashers, and complete dinner sets.
