Debbie's Wedding Planner
Bridal Registry
Remember weddings in the early 1970’s, when couples received three toasters, two electric can openers and two hand mixers, all avocado green? Today, things are different. Registries provide a convenient way for your family and friends to buy a gift they know you will love and use. It has become commonplace to register at stores and develop a wish list for your guests to choose from. As a young couple, dream shopping allows the future bride & groom to set up house and see how their wishes and tastes match up.
Before beginning the registration process find out the following from the store registry: 1) What is the policy on returning broken or duplicate items? 2) How do they keep track of your gifts? 3) How long does your registry remain active? 4) Will they accept credit card orders by phone, or on the Internet for out-of-town guests? 5) Will they ship items to an address provided by you?
If you’re not familiar with today’s registries, you might be surprised to know that registering can be a fun activity for the Bride & Groom-to-be.
A typical retail or department store’s bridal registry includes a scanning device that you simply point & click the item’s universal product code and it is automatically included in your registry. You and your fiancé simply “Dream Shop”, scanning all the gifts that you’d love to receive as future gifts.
When a friend or family member visits the registry store they type in the Bride & Groom’s name and within a few minutes you will receive a complete printout of all the registered gifts, including the name of the item, a brief description of the item, the UPC and the price. The list indicates whether the item has already been purchased or if it is still needed. If there are a number of items requested, i.e. glasses, plates, or cups, etc., the list indicates how many were purchased and how many still are available.
Sometimes Bride & Groom’s-to-be feel uncomfortable in registering or scanning in larger and more expensive items. We suggest that you register all the items you feel would be useful to you, and that you would love to receive. After all, this is what a registry is for.
Larger items may be too expensive for on individual or couple, but might be purchased by several couples or families and given to you. So don’t be afraid to register for those more expensive items. There’s an old saying, “If you don’t ask, you won’t get.” This is so true!
Our research has found a variety of articles associated with Bridal Registries, as well as a wide variety of answers to your many questions. This section only includes questions, answers and articles regarding Bridal Registries.
The Internet is a powerful tool that can be used to research and plan your wedding. However, we ask that you use the Internet for gathering your information and then purchase your products and services for your wedding locally. Local businesses that have made “Greetings!…from Debbie” Wedding Planner possible create local jobs; they pay local taxes; their employees volunteer in numerous community clubs and organizations; they contribute to a variety of local charities (including youth sports and non-profit organizations); and they provide service for the products and services they sell.
You may not receive the same treatment when securing something on the Internet.
Thanks for your consideration and cooperation!
[Back to Wedding Planner Index]
The following are articles, questions or answers pertaining to Bridal Registries:
Sample Wedding Registry Checklist
This site offers a sample registry list that can be used by the couple in pre-planning their gift registry. It gives you a good idea of what type of gifts you might want to look for when actually registering. A must see. Debbie highly recommends!
Registering: Top 8 Dos & Don'ts (article)
Do the right thing: Use these tips when registering for gifts and the booty you receive will blow your mind. Debbie highly recommends!
Registering: Choosing a Store (article)
Confused about registering? Start by reading our guide to choosing your soul mate store. Debbie highly recommends!
China (article)
If you’re inclined to register for china then this article is a must see. You will learn the different between styles, as well as what is included in a place setting and how many settings is appropriate. Debbie recommends this article.
Flatware (article)
For the novice, this “Flatware 101” course is a must see! Learn the difference in flatware patterns, what’s contained in a basic 5 – piece setting and how to clean and store your flatware. Debbie recommends this article.
Crystal (article)
If your future lifestyle calls for entertainment, you might want to register for crystal gifts. This article explains the differences in crystal pieces, what’s trendy in crystal, what the better brands of crystal are and how to lean your crystal. Debbie highly recommends this article!
Pots & Pans (article)
Learn the lingo of cooking utensils. What type of pieces do you need and how many? How do you care for and clean your pots & pans? Debbie highly recommends this article!
Top Ten Registry Dos and Don'ts (article)
This Top Ten list is a great article for you and your fiancé to read when considering whether to register or not. Debbie highly recommends this article!
Anniversaries: 10 Ways to Celebrate Your First (article)
This article gives you 10 great ideas for celebrating your 1st Anniversary. There are some great suggestions – Debbie recommends!
10 Registry Dos & Don'ts (article)
A holdover from times when newlyweds moved straight from their parents' homes to their own empty nest, gift giving celebrates the marriage union and helps the couple stock up. Now is your time to ask for what you need -- and want! Here are the top ten things to keep in mind when making your wish list.
Anniversaries: Ingenious Gift Ideas (article)
This is a must see article! It lists the first 20 - year anniversaries, their traditional items to be given and some more traditional ways of celebrating it. It also list the major anniversary dates, i.e. 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, etc. Debbie highly recommends this article.
Registering: Choosing a Store (article)
Unsure how to go about choosing a store to register at or what to look for in choosing a registry? Then this article is a must. It includes “Do’s & Don’ts” of registering and suggestions for choosing the right registry. Debbie highly recommends!
Registering: Couches 101 (article)
If you need furniture for your new home or apartment this article will help you know and understand the terminology used when choosing quality furniture. You don’t have to spend a lot of money when buying quality furniture, however, you need to know how furniture is constructed and what to look for. Debbie highly recommends this article.
Registering: Knives 101 (article)
If you spend time in the kitchen and plan to make a lot of meals, you might want a set of quality knives to assist you in the preparation of those food items you will make. This article lists suggests how to choose knives, their construction types, their care and keeping them sharp, etc. Debbie recommends!
Registry Options (article)
For those that want and need traditional wedding gifts in order to set-up their new home registering at a department store may be best, but for those wishing alternative gifts may ask their guests to help with their wedding trip, a larger and more expensive gift, or simply ask for cash.
2002 Trends: Gift Giving (article)
If you’re interested in what gifts are trendy, then you’ll want to read this article.
Anniversaries: Great First Anniversary Gift Ideas (article)
Gifts for the 1st Anniversary can be difficult, but this article suggests some great ideas. These are unique and will defiantly put some excitement back into your marriage.
Gifts: Asking for Money (article)
If this is your 2nd wedding, or you simply want money to help with your down payment on a new home, it is considered proper in today’s world to simply ask for “Gifts of Cash”. The article also suggests different ways to ask for cash.
Gifts: Eco-friendly Ideas (article)
If you’re an environmentally friendly couple, this article might be just for you. Learn how your guests can help save the world, while making you happy at the same time.
Gifts: From Bride to Groom (article)
The Bride can give the Groom a special pre-wedding gift, either a more traditional gift or a non-traditional one. Check out these suggestions!
Registering: Down Comforters 101 (article)
This article lists the benefits of down comforters and how to look for and care for them. This article offers practical information to those considering comforters.
Q&A: Gifts: Can We Ask for Gift Certificates? (article)
Is it appropriate to ask for gift certificates? Check out this Q & A.
Q&A: Gifts: Can We Use Them Before the Wedding? (article)
If you get gifts prior to the wedding, should you use them?
Q&A: Gifts: Do Parents Get Gifts? (article)
Is it appropriate for the Bride & Groom-to-be to present gifts to their parents? Check out the answer!
Q&A: Gifts: If You Call the Wedding Off, Do You Keep the Loot? (article)
Nobody plans to call off a wedding before it can take place, but if it does happen, is it appropriate for you to keep the gifts? Check this out.
Q&A: Gifts: Okay to Open Presents Before the Wedding? (article)
Is it appropriate to open presents before the wedding, and under what circumstances?
Q&A: Gifts: Should They be of a Certain Value? (article)
Is there an average gift value for wedding gifts? Are some guest expected to give a more valuable gift, and what should you do if they do not?
Q&A: Gifts: Tell Guests Where You're Registered? (article)
If you expect gifts, let your guests know where you’re registered. If you prefer no gifts let your guest know that too.
Q&A: Gifts: We Don't Expect Any (article)
Is it appropriate to let your guests know that you do not want any gifts?
Q&A: Gifts: What is Appropriate for a Co-Worker? (article)
What is recommend for a close co-worker?
Q&A: Gifts: What to Do if They're Broken? (article)
How should you handle broken gifts?
Q&A: Registering: Registering for the Engagement Party? (article)
Is it acceptable to register for your wedding showers, or is it inappropriate?
Q&A: Registering: How Many Items to Choose? (article)
Is there a limit on the number of items you register for, or should you list all items that you would like?
Q&A: Registering: Include Items for Kid’s Room? (article)
Is it appropriate to register for gifts for a child’s room?
Q&A: Registering: When Do You Do It? (article)
When is the appropriate time o register? Should you register as early as 6 – 9 months prior to the wedding, and why?
Q&A: Registry: Okay to Buy Off-Registry Gift? (article)
What are the guidelines for gift giving not on the registry?
Q&A: Vow Renewal: Registering Appropriate? (article)
Is it appropriate to ask for gifts when renewing your marriage vows?
Registering: Top 8 Dos & Don'ts (article)
Do the right thing: Use these tips when registering for gifts and the booty you receive will blow your mind.
Registering: Choosing a Store (article)
Confused about registering? Start by reading our guide to choosing your soul-mate store.
[Back to Wedding Planner Index]