Mastering the Wedding Registry
You may not be planning a wedding this year... yet somehow you are finding yourself scouring the internet on all the dos and don'ts for being a wedding guest. You've been invited to 5 different weddings this year - all at different venues, some are using an online rsvp system, some require you to mail in your meal choice. Some are on the beach, some are at a fancy hotel. Some are at a warehouse in the middle of the city and you're not sure if you want to leave your car with valet at all... and don't get us started on the dress code for all of these events!
Photo via: Zola
One item that tends to go forgotten until the last minute (just being honest here) is the registry! How much is enough to spend on a gift? Are gift cards the way to go? Do I bring the gift with me? Or should I mail it ahead of time? So many questions! You probably thought you had it easy as the guest... but turns out, there are a lot of "rules" out there for you too!
Image via: Zola.com
We decided to give you all some helpful tips on how to master the infamous REGISTRY! So if you're a guest, or you're a bride and you want to help your guests out - this is for you!
Do:
Purchase early! There are typically more options the earlier you get shopping aka: more items in your budget
Stick to the registry! These items are on here for a reason - the couple NEEDS them.
Stick to the stores that they're registered at. Even if Walmart has the same crock pot as the one they picked out at Target - get the Target one. Makes it easier on them if they need to return - and it avoids getting doubles!
Actually print out the registry and have them store "scan it off" the list when you checkout - avoids double purchases and so many people forget to do this!
Order online and have shipped directly to the couple (before the wedding) - less work for you. Less things the couple needs to lug back with them after the wedding
Group smaller items that are similar (i.e. kitchen tools/cutting boards/nesting bowls) together for one larger gift
Don't
Wait until the last min
Go rouge and buy off registry
Stay away from trendy/style decor - people's tastes change and your gift could be "over" in 6 months... Stick to neutrals that will last forever
Forget to scan the registry paper at checkout if purchasing in-store
Put cash in the mail... cuz, duh
Now onto the monaaay question. How much am I supposed to spend?! Zola put together a great chart to walk you through the process but at the end of the day, I always just say - give what you can and give with thoughtfulness. Generosity is one of those things that's "what goes around comes around." Take this opportunity to love on your friends. But obviously, base it off of how close you are and what your relationship is to the couple - check the chart out for a great guideline!Now for all your brides... Registering may seem like the best part of getting married (duh, presents) until you get started and all of a sudden it's the most overwhelming thing in the world! What do we need? Maybe we just need money? Can we even ask for this on our registry?! I highly recommend checking out Zola.com. They're an awesome online wedding registry. They have everything in one place - gifts and cash funds. It's amazing. And it's tactful. Because we all know your mother isn't thrilled with the idea of asking for $$. They also offer free shipping - which is music to our shopaholic hears. I would highly recommend checking them out if you're stumped on what to do for your registry.
Happy planning!