Gift registry tips you'll be grateful for
One of the best bits about getting married is creating your gift wish list – and knowing that most of them are going to come true! All you have to do is select a gift registry (there are plenty to choose from) and giving is GO! Having said that, there are a few common questions that crop up for most couples and a few classic mistakes you’ll want to avoid. In this post we give you some top tips to help you make the most of this golden opportunity.
How soon is too soon?
Should you wait a few months after announcing your engagement before setting up your registry? On the contrary, the sooner the better. Some guests like to get in early and purchase a gift before any pre-wedding celebrations or just want to say “congratulations”.
Think about yourself
It’s traditional to get stuff for your home. But if cooking is not your thing a kitchen mixer, a bread maker and a gravy boat is not obligatory! If, however, you love hiking a top of the range rucksack, gore-tex jacket or GPS mapping device then it’s perfectly acceptable to put them on your list. Bear in mind that your lifestyle is likely to change. A family size tent might seem a bit premature but no harm in thinking ahead…
What have you got already?
No point in asking for something you or your partner has already got. So, take stock and create an inventory. This is your chance, however, to upgrade. You might both own basic coffee makers but really fancy a state-of-the-art espresso machine that delivers barista-quality cappuccinos, macchiato and flat whites. You might also want to consider having an “everyday” and a “formal” set of dinnerware.
Photo by Mike Tinnion on Unsplash
Taste for two
You need to agree on what kinds of gifts you’d both enjoy and also talk about the style of home you’d like to share. Boho or industrial, urban modern or shabby chic…you need to find some common ground! Work together to curate a list that is tailored to your shared interests and tastes.
Do the maths
How many gifts do you need on your registry? Simply multiply your guest list by two and add a few extra. You are not being greedy but sensible - better to have too many choices than not enough. It also means that gifting options won't run low as guests start to make their purchases.
Price Points for everyone
Some of your guests are not short of money but others will be on a tight budget, so be sure to give a good spread of gift ideas at a wide range of prices. Somewhere between £25 and £200 or more is probably about right. Our research indicates that the average guest spend on a wedding gift is about £100, so keep this in mind as you make selections. Make sure you have a few luxury items as there will be some guests who really want to splash out. Also, big ticket items are great if some guests want to club together in a group gift.
Keep track of purchases
Check your registry on a regular basis to make sure there’s still a good balance of options at the various different price points. As the items on your list get purchased you can always add more. It’s a good idea to start the list off with items you really want or need – for instance, a new mattress or a really good vacuum cleaner. Later on, when you have the essentials ticked off, you can top it up with “nice to have” items. What’s more, some items on your list may become discontinued if you set your registry a long time before your wedding day – if you check the list regularly you can spot these items and replace them.
Cash is acceptable
Asking for cash as a gift used to be “not the done thing” - but times have changed. Cash gifts are now very common and work well. People don’t want to give a gift that will never be used and cash is an easy way of avoiding this embarrassment.
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
For the couple who have everything
If you’ve been living together for a while and have most of the obvious items you need or want (lucky you!) you are free to think outside the box. Ideas could include gift cards to favourite restaurants or stores, a donation to a charity, or a honeymoon fund to cover airline tickets or resort activities. Most registries allow you to personalise your list to take account of your unique situation.
Home delivery please
It’s best to get gifts delivered to your home. That will save guests having to collect then post – much easier for all concerned.
How to share your registry details
Asking straight out for wedding gifts is too in-your-face, so don't include registry information on your wedding invitations. You can wait for people to ask then give them the details. Your registry information can also be listed on your engagement party and bridal shower invites. The absolutely best idea is to use your wedding website to get the word out - include the link to your wedding gift wish list.
When to close your registry
Most guests will buy your gift before the wedding – but don’t be surprised if some do it after your big day. Traditional wedding etiquette says that guests have up to one year from your wedding day to buy a gift, so that's at least how long your registry should remain active. For the record most wedding gifts are bought within two weeks before and two weeks after a wedding. Be aware of this and pay extra attention to it during this period to make sure guests still have plenty of choice.
Show your gratitude
Don’t forget to send thank-you notes . This is one of the most urgent and important things on your to-do list one the knot is tied. A text message or email is not good enough – you should make the extra effort to send a hand-written note. Gifts received before the wedding should be occasion a response within two weeks of arrival. Notes for gifts received on or after the wedding day should be sent within two months of your return from the honeymoon.
Anything else we can help you with?
Hopefully this post covers all your gift registry queries. However, if you have any other questions about this topic, or any other aspects of your wedding planning just ask us – the experienced team at Clevedon Hall is more than happy to help.