One of the really fun parts of planning a wedding, aside from marrying the love of your life, is that guests will often ask you what items you need to start your new life together. A wedding registry ensures you get the gifts you need and want rather than random guesses you’ll never use or have to return. Creating a gift wish list is a fun and exciting part of the wedding planning process. However, there is a correct etiquette that you may want to take into account to ensure a memorable gifting experience.
Here are a few dos and don’ts when it comes to your wedding gift registry.
1. Do register ahead of time
If you are like most people, you can easily procrastinate creating your wish list until the tail end of your planning. However, completing your register several days before the wedding day gives guests ample time to buy gifts for the big day. Sending your registry four to six months before the wedding ensures gifts are available ahead of your ceremony.
2. Don’t register for personal items
A wedding is not an ideal time to ask for those designer handbags, video games, shoes, or beauty products you have always dreamt of. While you may desperately want custom shoes, personal items should be saved for holidays, not wedding registries.
3. Do include a range of price points
Your guests would love to choose items that fall under their budgetary limits. To avoid significant price restrictions, ensure your wedding gift registry includes several ideas at different price points. Although having some pricey items on your wish list is okay, balance them with affordable options. Including various items at various price points gives guests the freedom to pick options that suit their budget and the type of relations you share. At Giftster, we have curated a range of gift ideas that suit different budgets.
4. Don’t put pressure on guests
Remember, the purpose of creating a wedding registry is to provide gift ideas to your guests. Don’t send texts, emails or make calls that would otherwise pressure your guests into buying your preferred items. The most important thing is for your guests to attend your wedding and celebrate your love. Any additional gift is simply a bonus.
5. Should I ask for money as a wedding gift?
For many people asking for money as a wedding gift is a definite no-no. Today, however, many couples would prefer to receive cash gifts at their wedding rather than physical gifts. A recent survey estimates that 84% of respondents prefer money over physical gifts. Unfortunately, asking friends and family for money on their invitations may be considered presumptuous, rude, and in poor taste. Fortunately, there are several tactful ways to ask for money as a wedding gift.
Here are the dos and don’ts when it comes to money as wedding gifts:
- Do pass the word informally to your friends and family
- Don’t put the request for money on any physical correspondence, including the invitations
- Do put the request graciously on your wedding website. Remember to be tactful in your phrasing
- Don’t ask for a specific amount. Allow guests to give whatever amount they afford
- Do let people know the intended purpose of the money. Possible ideas include a savings fund, home loan, and honeymoon.
6. Do send thank you notes
One of the most courteous things you can do after the wedding is write a thoughtful thank you note to everyone who gave you a gift. To go the extra mile, send a note to guests who simply attended too, especially out-of-town guests. It’s a big investment for many to attend a wedding when you add up all of the costs for time, travel, attire, and gifts. A little thanks goes a long way. Consider this task when you are setting your final guest count too.
The list of dos and don’ts is a great starting point for your wedding gift registry. Most of all, try to have a little fun as you’re planning your big day.
Happy gifting!
