The Gift Registry

Bridal Registry Basics

Most couples will have no trouble in creating their bridal registry. Using a little common sense, deciding on what you need should almost be obvious. Your biggest problem will be allowing for each others personal preferences; you want blue but he wants green.

Think of things you'll need for everyday, special occasions, and holidays. Start in one room of the house, note down what you would like to see in it, then move on to the next room. You’ll need to register in a variety of price ranges from $20 to $200 ($2000 if you are feeling lucky.)

Notify everyone where you are registered, but DO NOT list your registry on your invitations. Let family and friends help in spreading the word for you. To avoid ending up with 2 of the same item be sure to remind your friends to have the registry updated when they purchase a gift. It is a good idea to review and update your store registry on a regular basis. Add items to your registry if you notice there are no longer any gifts in a certain price range left and many guests are still to purchase a gift.


When it’s Your Turn to Give Gifts

The bride and groom should thank their parents, attendants, and any other person that deserves recognition with gifts marking the occasion of their wedding. The bride will usually give her gifts at her Bridesmaids' Luncheon. The groom gives his gifts at the Bachelor Party or Dinner. Give your parents their gifts on the morning of your wedding day.

Originating in France, the bridal registry dates back to the 19th century, when great distances between the bride and groom was common and communication was difficult. What was one to do? Christofle, a fine manufacturer of silverware, was the man that found the solution to the problem: the bride's parents would select in advance their daughter's "trousseau." Thus the Bridal Registry was thus born!

The bridal registry is still a foreign concept in many countries, with guests still giving gifts that they personally select. One common problem with that however is that the bride & groom may not have a need or desire for the gift… especially 5 of them as can happen. That being said, the perfect gift when chosen carefully, and given from the heart, will always be treasured. Even when a registry is used, they are not problem free, with couples still ending up with more than 1 of the same item, but at least duplicates can usually be exchanged.

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