gift registries The Do’s and Don’ts of Gift Registries
There have been great advances in wedding gift registries since the Internet started to take part. Brides and grooms are no longer asking for just kitchenware. They're requesting much more, from power tools, sofas, honeymoons, and so much more.
The Internet has made it easier to access gift registries, so couples and guests alike are able to be more selective and creative when it comes to wedding gifts.  Below is a sample of our Do’s and Don’ts of wedding registries and some commonly asked questions answered for you.
DO Register


Your guests want to buy you gifts and registering makes it easier on both of you. Wedding registries save you and your guests time and money. They ensure you get what you want and need, and help your guests so know what those items are.
DON’T put off starting your registry


Once your family and friends know you’re getting married, they’ll start preparing. You want to register up to 9 months in advance and it is never too late to register.
DO get the ‘word out'


Give your parents, bridesmaids and groomsman the details about your registry so they can start telling your guests. If you have a wedding website, place your registry information on your website (don't forget to include the website address and telephone number). Use the announcement card or email service provided by your registry. Never send a registry announcement in your wedding invitation.
DON’T forget to consider more than one registry


There's no “correct” number of registries you can have, but 2 or 3 should be your minimum. Having a store registry and a honeymoon registry is a way to cover all the bases. Besides, it's more fun for your guest to purchase the gifts you want.
DO register for gifts in a range of prices


Having gift items in all price ranges will ensure you don't leave anyone one out when it comes to their budget. Having a range of prices will allow guests to purchase lower price items for a shower and higher price items for a wedding gift.
DON’T tell unless asked


It's plain tacky for you to tell your guests where you are registered unless asked of course.
DO say thank you


Always send a hand written thank you card. Gifts received before the wedding should be sent within two weeks. Gifts received after the wedding should be received no later than 3 months after you return from your honeymoon. Don't forget to mention the gift by name.
DO ask questions


Wherever you choose to register, be sure to ask the following questions:

  • What range of products and brands does the registry carry?
  • Can gifts be shipped to an address you supply?
  • Is the registry available online?
  • Can guests purchase online?
  • Can your lists be faxed to faraway guests so they can order by phone?
  • What's the return policy?
  • Can you exchange duplicate gifts?
  • Is there a time limit after the wedding to return things?
  • Is there a completion program that allows you to buy items you didn't receive at a discount?
    • How long is your list kept active after the wedding? (It should be kept active for a year.)
DO take advantage of completion programs


You'll usually receive a discount for a year on items not bought from your registry list. Take advantage of this window of opportunity to complete that china set.
What are some of the hot registry items right now?
 
Traditional items are always in style – china, crystal, etc. ... We also recommend that a couple register for casual items such as casual dinnerware. The honeymoon registry is also a great option for the couple that has everything. You can now log in on a company’s website and make a donation to your honeymoon. Another great thing is the charity registry for the couple who has everything already. They can even register for a charity, and guests make donations to their favourite cause as their wedding gift.
How should couples tell their guests where they're registered?
 
It's considered an etiquette taboo to include registry information in a wedding invitation. The best way to get around that is to create a wedding Web site. You link the registry information to the Web site. It's not considered improper etiquette to include the Web site information in your invitation. This way, you are directing guests to your registry without breaking etiquette.
How many stores should a couple register with?
 
We recommend at least three to five because you want to give the guests variety. You don't want them to log on and only have a few things left to choose from. You are making it more convenient for your guests when you register at different places. It doesn't look greedy. You're helping them.
What kind of price range should be applied to the items on the
registry?
 
All different price ranges. There is not a minimum or maximum. It depends largely on what the couple wants and needs. One of the big trends is registering for furniture. Guests go in together and buy a big-ticket item like that. There should be things in all different price ranges. Grouping smaller items together to make one larger gift is a great idea.
Is it considered rude to ask for money instead of registering for gifts?
 
You're not technically supposed to say that you want money in lieu of gifts. If people ask you what you'd like, you are supposed to say, “We'd be happy with whatever you chose to give us.” Registries are guides for the guests. A guest should never be told, “You have to get me this.” The registry is there to make it easier for guests.