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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.
Do Register
If you're wondering whether or not to
register, the answer is crystal clear: Do it. Trust us, your guests
want to buy you gifts. In the long run, registering saves time for
you and your guests -- it gives your guests an easy way to buy wedding
gifts, and it also ensures that you won't get things you don't want or
need. Plus, registering saves you from having to return five of the same
item.
Don't Wait Until
The Last Minute
It's a good idea to set up a registry soon
after you're engaged, in time for all those pre-wedding and engagement
bashes. In fact, you may want to register up to nine months before your
wedding. Keep in mind that most guests buy gifts soon before the actual
event, so it still makes sense to register -- even if your wedding is
just two months away.
Do Include Your
Partner In The Process
The two of you should be registering for
gifts you'll both enjoy in your future life together. To decide
on what you need, take inventory of the things you already have, talk
about the style of home you'd both like, and divide and conquer
categories (maybe he gets to choose electronics, while she gets to
choose the bedding).
Don't Overlook
The Details
Before you commit to a particular registry,
read the fine print carefully for important information. Will the store
ship to your desired address? The best retailers will send your gifts to
any address you specify. Inquire about how long the exchange/return
period is. This is crucial -- you don't want to be stuck with duplicate
gifts or return from your honeymoon to find out that you have only two
days left to exchange and return any items you don't want.
Do Register For
Items In A Range Of Prices
As much as you may be hankering for that
gorgeous $350-a-place-setting silver, be sure to also register for items
in the under-$50 range (with some well under $50) so all of your guests
can choose gifts they can afford. Remember, depending on the store's
return policy, you could return four $50 items to get that one $200 item
you both love.
Don't Register
For Things You'll Never Use
Traditionally, household items such as
china, crystal, and flatware were staples of bridal registries.
Nowadays, you can register for anything from furniture to sporting
equipment to luggage. Take advantage of your many options and register
only for items you'll really use.
Do Spread The Word
You shouldn't assume your guests will know
where you've decided to register. While you won't be informing guests
yourself (unless they ask you directly), make sure your parents, best
man, and maid of honor know where you are registered. Relatives will ask
Mom and Dad for this info, and friends will most likely ask your
attendants.
Don't Make
Things Hard For Your Guests
Your registry should be convenient and fun
-- for both you and your guests. Make sure your registry is available
online, and find out if guests can purchase online or place their orders
over the phone or by fax. That way, guests can make purchases whenever,
wherever, and however they'd like.
Do Revisit And
Update Your Registry
A good registry will automatically update
your list every time a purchase is made.
However, make sure to revisit your registry often and update it with
additional selections as products are purchased, to give guests a range
from which to choose. Check back with your registry store often to see
if they have added any new items you might like. You should have more
items on your list than guests at your wedding, to accommodate for
engagement party and shower gifts.
Don't Forget To Say Thank You
Be gracious -- let your guests know their gifts have arrived. Thank-you notes
for gifts received before the wedding should be sent within two weeks of their
arrival. Notes for gifts received on or after the wedding day should be sent
within three months of your return from the honeymoon. In all notes, be sure to
mention the gift by name.
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