As a newlywed couple, there is nothing funnier, and at the same time as annoying as having multiple presents. This is why a wedding registry list was invented. It is a tool that saves the bride and groom a lot of trouble, and it also guides guests in knowing what to get the happy couple! Trust that your guests want to buy you gifts, and registering saves them time (thinking about what they should get you) and it assures them that they are getting you what you want. Actually, it assures you too!

      Remember to register soon in your time line. After you've made all the legal arrangements, register for your wedding. This is usually in the first or second quarter of your time line. Planning your wedding registry list this early means that all your pre-wedding parties (as guests bring presents to these as well) can lead to a completion of your chosen gifts.

      When planning your wedding registry list, make sure both you and your future spouse are agreed on the registered gifts. Talk about your list together, and make sure both of you will be receiving necessities, as well as luxuries. Be sure to check on the exchange or return policy of the items, and find out how many days you need before returning it. This way you aren't scrambling to return doubled items the day after your wedding (which actually means you will have to open all the gifts on your wedding night.)

      Next, see if your store of registry will deliver. This can be easier for you and your guests, as they don't have to lug your present to their home then to your wedding. Some places are willing to deliver straight to the bride or groom's residence, and this can be really helpful!

      When planning your wedding registry list, don't register for things you wont use. Before listing down any item, think about whether or not you will really need this. Trust that you'll regret later on that it just takes up space and looks like clutter around your home. Plus, you'll constantly have to make excuses (about how the item is doing or working) to your friends who gifted you with these now useless presents. Also, make sure your registered items come in a range of prices so that your guests don't have such a difficult time choosing or affording a gift they should get you!

      Make sure people know where you are registered. You cannot believe the disasters that come from not telling people where you have registered! This problem often arises because some people find it tacky to put the registry down on the wedding invitation. In fact, some people choose not to have a wedding registry list because they feel it is gauche or mean to “ask” people for gifts or tell them what they want! While it was definitely seen this way in the early days, most people now expect you to register so as to make it easier for them to get you something they know you truly want and will use.

      However, if you don't want to include a registry card in your invitations, you can use other methods of letting people know where to get your dream presents. Register yourself in your chosen store and just let it spread through word of mouth! Most people ask you whether or not you're registered, anyway, and when they ask, tell them!

Page 2: Planning Your Wedding Registry List