Our Guide to Making a Wedding Registry

Your wedding allows you to be surrounded by your favorite people. As a bonus, those people come bearing gifts. Creating your registry can be a fun reprieve from the many wedding planning tasks.

A registry makes things easy on your guests because they can easily choose gifts they know you like, want and need. When curating a guest list, remember that these pieces will likely evoke emotion as you reflect on your wedding day.

Making Your List

All-in-one registry sites like Zola or The Knot are convenient methods. You can register for products, make cash funds and link registries from other sites. Couples then provide the Zola link to guests via their website. There’s also the option to provide links to multiple registries like department stores, big box stores, Amazon, or a local boutique if they offer registry options. Many decide to select items from the comfort of their home, but it can be fun to shop in person.

You should begin making your registry 7–9 months before your wedding. You can start sooner if you plan on having an engagement party, as many guests like to bring gifts. It is highly advised to complete your registry ahead of your bridal shower if you choose to have one. Provide the link to your wedding website on the bridal shower invite. Don’t hesitate to add more items to your registry after the engagement party and bridal shower.

When making your registry, ensure that you’ve input your address so shipped gifts arrive at your residence.

Checking It Twice

When considering your registry, the first step is to take inventory of what you already have to determine what you need and want to upgrade. Linens that have followed you through college and early adulthood may prompt you to ask for luxury sheets and towels.

Once you’ve assessed what you need, you can add items you’ve always wanted. In most cases, nothing is off limits. Dyson hair dryer? Rare whiskey for your bar cart? Why not?

Money and Experiences

It is no longer cliche to ask for money, especially since more couples are living together before marriage and have already acquired household possessions. Rather than asking for money, many couples create funds that guests can donate to such as the honeymoon, first home, home improvements, date nights or bucket list. You can also register for gift cards for your favorite restaurants, groceries, fitness classes and more. If you’re passionate about a charity or nonprofit, you can elect for guests to donate.

Costs

When putting together your registry, you should provide a range of gifts at different price points. Under $50, $50–$100 and $100-plus provides an ample range to select from. Don’t hesitate in putting a few high-ticket items on your list, as family members or friend groups can elect to go in on a large gift together.

After the Wedding

Your registry can remain live for at least six months to a year after the wedding for any late gifters, those kind souls who may want to complete your registry or possible anniversary gifts. Some registry companies provide discounts for any remaining items on your list after the wedding date has passed.

Give Thanks

The commotion and excitement of planning a wedding may be over, but you can still continue to keep the wedded bliss alive by sending thank you cards within two to three months after the wedding. This allows time to take a honeymoon, settle into life together and express sentiments of thanks.

Feature photo courtesy of Black and Hue Photography