Organising your gift registry

« Back to list21st December, 2009

All the information you need to arrange your gift registry

The giving of substantial and long lasting gifts at a wedding is a time honoured tradition.  On a practical level it provides the basic items to run a home, but it's also the symbolic expression of support and affection from those around you.

In years gone by, it was considered bad taste to request specific gifts from your guests.  But times have certainly changed and the Gift Registry is well accepted in our wedding culture. In fact, by registering, you're actually assisting your guests in choosing presents that are everyday necessities you both want and need.

As you wander around the store or shop online from the comfort of home, all the gifts you've admired and coveted are right within your grasp. Even your husband-to-be, the one who normally rolls his eyes at the very thought of shopping, is likely to get truly excited (particularly if your store uses a portable bar code scanner...what is it with men and gadgets?). 

But before you let yourself go wild, here are some tips for making the registry process go smoothly:

Before you Register

Firstly, take stock of what you already have and the type of items that you both want to include on your registry. It's not unusual for couples to have lived together before marriage and chances are, you may already have the basics covered.  In this instance, look to upgrade your existing items, or alternatively, select something out of the ordinary like travel, wine or furniture.  Ultimately, you'll want to include some everyday necessities mixed with individual one-of-a-kind items.

When to register

Register about three months prior to your wedding, before your invitations are sent out. This minimises the chance that your chosen items will be out of stock or discontinued by the time your wedding comes around.

Where shall I register?

There's no set rule about how many stores you can register with, although two is probably the most manageable.  For instance, you may have one store for homewares and another that has a selection of electrical, outdoor equipment or furniture. 

When choosing your store, you should love the product selection that is available.  Consider whether the store is accessible for your guests.  Stores that have many locations are convenient, hence why people register with department stores, or boutique stores with multiple locations. Many stores will also have a toll free order line, an internet site or a catalogue, which can be very convenient for those guests that are unable to make it to the store in person. 

Friendly, helpful staff offering a personal service for both you and your guest is  important and will enhance your shopping experience.  Some stores will take the time to understand your tastes and lifestyle, and assist you in balancing your registry list with a mixture of expensive items and more affordable options.

It's wise to include more items on your list than you have invited guests, as it gives people a varied selection to choose from. Make sure you periodically check the list to see what has been bought, adding or deleting items as necessary.

Online Registries

An on-line registry allows you to compile your list without leaving the comfort of your home or office and your registry is then accessible worldwide for your guests to make their secure online purchase. Brightly coloured packages arrive on your doorstep at a pre-determined date and time before or after the wedding. 

Things you need to know:

• How does the store keep track of your registry? Do they have a central database that updates as gifts are bought?  Can you add items to, or delete items from, your list?  How long will they keep your list on file?

• Occasionally, you'll double up on an item, so do they allow for returns and exchanges?  Establish whether the deadline for returns is reasonable, as you don't want to come back from your honeymoon, only to find it's too late to return a gift.

• Can they arrange delivery of your gifts to a central location?  Will they deliver all the gifts at once, or will it be staggered?

• Can guests pay for gifts by credit card via phone, fax or email orders?

• Will you receive a printout of a master list, and subsequent periodic printouts if requested? Make sure the items listed are correct and your delivery details are accurate.  Highlight any discrepancies immediately.

After the wedding

We're unsure whether the stories of homes being robbed of gifts while everyone is at the wedding are truth or fable, but it pays to be aware of your home security and insurance.

As you receive each present, send a hand written, personal thank you note, which acknowledges the specific gift and the way in which you intend to use it. We recommend that you share this task with your new husband, to ensure that your guests receive their notes no later than two months after the wedding.

If you're not leaving for your honeymoon immediately, the day following the wedding can be a perfect opportunity to re-live the day with family and close friends.  Many couples use this time to open their presents.  With your loved ones around you, sharing in your joy and excitement as you unwrap each brightly coloured package, it's truly like all your Christmas' have come at once.