Registries: How, Why, When and Where?

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!