What is a Wedding Registry?

A wedding registry is a service many retailers provide that allows customers to establish an account that contains a listing of all of the items they would like to receive for engagement party, bridal shower and wedding gifts. The retailer has an electronic system that tracks the specific items the couple selected and the number of those items that have been purchased. They can use one store or several to provide variety and convenience for their guests. Online registries are also popular now with retailers, and many wedding sites offer registry functions that are easy for guests to use.

Guests shopping for a gift can obtain the list and choose what they’d like to purchase from among the various products the couple included in their registry. The benefit to guests is that they know exactly what the couple wants and can be confident they won’t purchase a duplicate item.

What to Include in a Registry

Couples can take their time when determining what’s right for them when they set up their registry. They can also consider the cost of the items they choose and include a range of prices for guests to fit into their budgets. Traditionally, couples choose the items they need to set up their household. China, crystal and a coordinating silver pattern are common items on a wedding registry, but the list can include all the things a couple needs to create a home.

Popular registry selections include everyday dishes, glasses and flatware; table and bed linens; cookware, utensils and baking pans; small appliances, such as electric mixers, food processors, toasters, microwave ovens and blenders; gardening supplies and tools; grills and patio furniture; and it’s not uncommon to see television sets and other electronics for the home on wedding registries.

The couple can include whatever they would like, and sometimes they put whimsical and fun items on the list if they have established households and don’t want or need the more traditional wedding gift choices. For example, they may include matching his and her bathrobes or a piece of artwork that appeals to them.

Where to go to Create a Wedding Registry

Most major department stores offer registry services that are available to guests online and in the retail locations. National chains are good options to accommodate both local and out of town guests. Online retailers are also convenient and offer registry services that can be set up easily.

Many wedding sites also offer registry services. Guests can visit a couple’s personal wedding site and peruse the wedding registry and choose which items to purchase and where to purchase them. While visiting the registry on the couple’s wedding site, they can also see announcements, view photos, check dates and other information related to the upcoming nuptials.

Establishing a wedding registry is a tradition that helps to ensure the couple receives gifts that they want and need. The registry is also convenient for guests and provides them with a broad range of items and prices to choose from when purchasing gifts. It’s also appealing to have the opportunity to purchase gifts that won’t be duplicated, since the registry tracks which gifts have been purchased.

Another nice feature of the registry is it provides the couple with a list of who purchased which items, making it easy to send thank you notes to guests. They will also have a record of items remaining after the wedding, which allows them to purchase the products they did not receive.

Wedding registries are a convenient, time-saving and free service that allows guests to purchase the right gifts and helps couples set up their home with exactly what they want and need.