Credits to Crystal D’sa

Everyone loves birthdays, weddings, basically any function that involves receiving gifts. I’ve had the privilege of putting together my grandparent’s 50^th wedding anniversary and it was oh so grand, 50 years after all!  It was that moment when I was ready to rip all the wrapping paper apart and see what they received for such a prestigious occasion and I was horrified with the ridiculousness.

After 50 years, guests still thought my grandmother needed cooking items, trays and other sorts of kitchen appliances; as if after three succeeding generations she wouldn’t have the same stocked up with her. That’s when I told her, “You should have registered for gifts.”

Registering for a gift isn’t really asking for much, at least you won’t have to receive things that you don’t like, won’t use and give away. Engaged couples often set up wedding registries to help guests choose gifts that the couple will enjoy using. Setting up a wedding registry will help you and your guests avoid purchasing duplicate gifts or avoid unwanted gifts. This concept hasn’t caught on in India YET, but be the first to do it. It’s practical, hassle free and NO it isn’t rude as long as you follow a few DO’s and DONT’s.

 

The DO’s and DONT’s of Wedding Registries

Don’t go overboard

When registering, stick to two or three stores you love. Choose a national department store or chain that has lots of household basics. Think of your guests – select stores of low, medium and high end to that they have a variety to choose from.

Do Register Ahead of Time

Complete your registry four to six months before the wedding. This will give guests time to purchase gifts for the big day, but also for your engagement and Sangeet.

 Source: www.lisajohnsonfitness.com 

 

Don’t Tell Guests Where You’re Registered in Your Invitation

Once you have registered, give the information to immediate family and the wedding party, and let them spread the word. If you are asked where you have registered, go ahead and tell them, but it is not proper to include registry information in a wedding invitation. Registry information can be included on a wedding website- it gives them easier access to see what you have registered for.

Source: www.tulleandchantilly.com 

 

Do Register for Enough Gifts

Register for more, so there will be plenty of items to choose from. Think about who your guests are, and register for gifts in a wide range of prices, or choose individual items rather than sets, as with pots and pans, for instance. Put a few expensive items on your registry, but balance them with equally with more affordable options.

Source: www.bespoke-bride.com 

 

Don’t Ask for Money

Now I know that this would just simplify it all, but it’s still taboo to ask for it. You could register for stocks via website or register for your honeymoon through a travel agency.

Source: www.homencr.com 

 

Do Review Your Registry

Your registry may not automatically notify you when a gift has been purchased, review your registry every few weeks, and more frequently as the wedding approaches. Use your updated registry to help you keep up with writing thank-you notes.

 

Don’t Limit Your Registry

Don’t just register for now, you’ve promised and settled to spend your entire life together, register for gifts that will be practical even in the long run. It just prolongs the excitement.

 

Do Write Thank-You Notes Right Away

Ideally, you should acknowledge every present immediately; writing a note the day you receive it is best, but sending it within two weeks is also acceptable. Obviously, the period surrounding your wedding is a busy time; if you fall short, just make every effort to send a thank you as soon as you can — but no later than three months!

Source: www.precisionrecruitment.co.uk

 

Don’t Worry if You Don’t Get Everything on Your Registry

If you don’t receive everything you registered for, don’t worry. At least you got half of it!