The options for gift registries are vast. Trying to choose what is right for you, your guests and your wedding is difficult. As with a few of our “how to choose” articles, we have a number of questions and considerations. Sit down with your significant other and talk these through. It’ll help you create a much quicker shortlist.
To summarise some of the registries available, we found:
Store – you register with a large store and select some items which they will usually summarise into an online link which you can circulate to your guests. Obvious you can only choose things from that one store. This option often appeals to guests who are less familiar with online shopping as they can go to their local branch and view and purchase the gift, either to take home or to then have added to your delivery.
Online “registry website” – obviously there are many different versions available, most have a list of gifts from which you can choose, and then similarly to the store option they will generate a gift list link for you to circulate. These options allow for a wider range of gift options as they may incorporate several different stores, but don’t offer an “in store” option.
Wishing well – many couples opt for a wishing well option. This too can be online or a physical basket into which envelopes containing cash or cheques are placed. They of course offer wider scope in terms of you being able to choose whatever you like based on the amount of money you are given, but don’t necessarily allow guests to feel they gave you a particular item. This can be somewhat tempered by making it clear how you intend to spend the money, or to feedback with your thank you card that you bought, for example, a full set of fine crockery, cutlery, cookware, bed linens and towels with all of the money you were given.
Online “specific gift” wishing well – in this option, couples select (either precisely or vaguely) gifts they will purchase and a value for each gift. Guests then select “let’s give them a set of wine glasses” and give the specified amount. This way you then go out and purchase the glasses after the wedding. It means that if the ones you had your eye on have gone up in price or are unavailable, you can buy similar items. This option also allows you to request some more expensive items but split, so they guests can, for example, pay for half a telescope or 1/3 of a sofa.
No list – many couples don’t use a registry and let guests choose their own gifts. Obviously this allows guests to choose whatever they want to buy, but can make it a difficult task for the more distant relatives and friends who don’t necessarily know you as a couple very well. It also opens up more potential for duplication (the classic 5 toasters). Asking relatives or friends who may be closer to them to drop hints can be of use here, for example have a chat with your parents about some of the things you might love to have and often the word will spread.
To think about:
Are your guests all local?
If you have some international guests, or international friends and families who may wish to contribute, check that your chosen option allows overseas credit cards or other payment option. Also ensure that there is a means for delivery. Some registries require the gift to be collected in store by the gift-giver, which is inconvenient for guests arriving in town just before the wedding or not actually attending.
Is there a free delivery to you?
Some registries require each gift giver to pay an additional delivery fee. This is important for you to at least be aware of when choosing your gifts; remember to add the fee to the cost. Some stores will collect all the items at your local store for you to collect free of charge just after the wedding, or will arrange a bulk delivery to you for a single delivery cost.
Will the prices change?
If you select your gifts a long time before the event, remember that the price may change in the interim. If you have, for example chosen a pan for $100, you may not stick with this selection if the price changes to $250 after a sale. Check with the registry you choose if they will honour the current price or if the prices will rise (and notify your guests if needed).
Do you actually want enough items at this outlet?
Essentially, make sure that the range of options is sufficient for you to choose a range of gifts at a range of prices. And potentially more if your guests are unexpectedly generous and purchase everything you initially select. Or even everything within a certain price bracket. On this note, don’t flood the list you initially generate with excess options. It’s a sure-fire way of getting some things you vaguely wanted and missing out on the ones you really wanted. So start with a range of options and prices, but think realistically about how many people will give you gifts and which gifts are top of your list.
Talk through all these points, and review the options. Your guests will want to give you something you want, so finding ways to make that as simple and reliable as possible for them is important.
