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Wedding registries used to mean that the Bride went down to the
local shopping center and picked out a new toaster, and some
china. The Groom had very little to do with the selections, and
was generally neglected when it came time to find appliances for
the house. Oh, how times have changed! Nowadays, wedding
registries are available at almost any store, and for any item.
From sheets to refrigerators, from honeymoons to shares of
stock, engaged couples today can find anything they want to fit
their lifestyle.
WHY should you register? To allow friends and family a chance to
become familiar with the sort of things you and your Fiancé
like and need. If you have been previously married, or if you
have lived together for some time, you may not need the same
things that a couple just beginning a new household will need.
For example, if you have been together for several years, you
probably already have such household basics as glasses, towels
and a blender. You can choose to either upgrade these things to
better models, or skip the traditional registry altogether and
opt for a “Honeymoon registry” where friends help to pay for
your trip. Either way, a registry is informative to guests, and
helps to avoid getting duplicates of gifts or unwanted items.
Don’t want china? Then don’t register for it, even if it is
a traditional gift! Don’t register for impractical things or
things you will never use or want.
WHEN should you register? Most stores allow a couple to open
their registry up 16 months before the wedding, and leave it
open for an entire year afterwards. This gives people plenty of
time to shop, and also gives them options for an anniversary
gift later on.
WHERE should you register? It depends on your tastes and needs.
If you need household basics, stores like Target and Wal-Mart
offer just about everything you could want to start a new home.
Got everything you need already? Then department stores such as
Macy’s or Hecht’s have more expensive and “less
practical” items like Televisions, CD players or VCR’s. Many
stores even allow you to register online! Keep item costs in
mind when registering. It may be cool to get that wide-screen
projection TV, but who is actually going to pay for it? Sure,
have fun and pick out a few pricy items. But don’t go
overboard or you might find that your guests have neglected your
registry and shopped elsewhere for less expensive items that you
may not want. Other registry alternatives are: Shares of Stock,
Honeymoons, and Gift Certificates.
HOW do you register? Visit the stores you have in mind, and
check out their registry departments. Almost all stores have
them! You can register online in many cases. Bring your Fiancé
along with you, and decide together on the things you want. You
will be given a computer printout of all the things you have
selected, which is updated every time a guest makes a purchase
from the list, guarding against duplicates. Find out what the
return policy is, in case you need to bring a gift back. Keep in
mind that many stores do not issue cash refunds for wedding
gifts, only store credit, so make sure you REALLY like the
store!
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