As a newly engaged bride, you are most likely overwhelmed with all the things that you have to get done. One of the more fun and exciting things to do is register for gifts. How can shopping for free NOT be fun? It's basically my dream and I can't wait for the day I get to register for my own wedding gifts!
However, if you don't have a passion for shopping, or don't have a CLUE what you will need to register for, it might seem to be a daunting task. I have compiled a little guide to help you through the process of registering for gifts.
1. You need to sit down with your fiance and discuss what kinds of things you would like to register for. Have you been living together for awhile and have most of the necessities? Are you going to be moving in together for the first time after the wedding? Maybe you never graduated from plastic plates and cups. Maybe your glassware collection consists of glasses from bars and sporting events. Or maybe you just have shot glasses. Now is the time to evaluate what you have, and what you need. Even if you have a full set of every day china for 12, it might be time to upgrade to something a little nicer! Trade in those old appliances for a better model. Just hope your fiance doesn't have the same mentality about you in 10 years.
2. Choose the places you want to register. I suggest going with no more than 3. It is best to stick to that number so that you actually get the things you want and need. It makes it much easier on your guests if they know exactly where you are registered, and anything more than 3 will be hard to keep track of. I always tell Brides to pick a department store like
Macy's or
Bloomingdales that carries everything from small kitchen appliances to fine china and bedding and bath items. Then I suggest somewhere like
Crate and Barrel or
Pottery Barn for your everyday china, flatware, glassware, and home accents. If Bride's want a third place, Target is great as they carry just about everything, and it's also easy on your guests wallets. Other great places are
Bed Bath and Beyond and
Williams and Sonoma-although a bit pricey, it's great for the true chef
3. Peruse the websites and catalogues of the places you have decided to register. It's a good idea to have an idea of what you want to register for before you are handed the scanner gun and start to go crazy. You also want to avoid registering for multiple items that are similar (i.e-everyday white plates from Crate and Barrel AND Pottery Barn), or pieces that don't complement each other.
4. As far as basics go, you will need everyday china, flatware, and glassware, and fine/special occasion china, silver, and stemware. Don't forget things like serving platters and dishes. Be careful not to select anything with a pattern that is too trendy for your finer pieces...you want something that will be classic and in style 30 years from now. I always tell Brides to register for a minumum of 12 pieces of everything. That way, when you have a dinner party, you have enough for everyone, and if anything breaks, it won't be the end of the world. If you entertain for larger groups often, go with 16 pieces. Don't forget things like pots and pans, utensils, and a quality knife set.
5. I recommend going with plain pieces, such as white plates. You can always get accent plates, napkins, table linens, and napkin rings to change up your decor, but having a basic white as a starting piece is ideal for any occasion.
6. For towels and bed linens, I ALWAYS go with white. I know some people like to add a pop of color, and I do too, but personally my sheets and bath towels are not where that color comes from. My reason is simple...you can bleach white items, so they stay clean and last longer. You can't bleach ivory, or any other color! If you MUST have color in these items, stick to dark colors. That way, when you sleep on your sheets after a spray tan, you won't have to replace them. (Another reason I love bleach....can't live without spray tans!) Plus is there anything better than crisp, white sheets, or a fluffy white bath towel when you get out of the shower? I think not! You can get your color in things like rugs, duvet covers, or throw pillows.
7. Another thing-if you're going to be registering for sheets, register for 2 sets for each bed. Why? You'll thank me on laundry day when you can just switch out the sheets and wash them at your leisure. Ever been exhausted after a long day and realized you forgot to put your sheets in the dryer? Yeah....avoid that.
8. Appliances. Now is your chance to get quality kitchen items that you can enjoy for years. You may think your $10 blender from k-mart does the trick just fine....once you replace it with a quality model, you will wonder what took you so long. Also, think smart when it comes to choosing appliance colors. Sure, that bright yellow Kitchenaid stand mixer looks cool now, but in a few years you might wish that it didn't stand out against your newly decorated kitchen. Stick with basic colors...black, white, gray, chrome, even dark blue. Just make sure you pick something you will love forever...my mom has had her Kitchenaid for over 20 years! And it's a classic white :)
9. Don't forget to add things like napkins, placemats, napkin rings and tablecloths to your registry. And have fun with this stuff! This is where you can go wild with colors, patterns, and textures. Now that you have a blank canvas with your place settings, jazz it up with accessories! It's kind of like your closet...you need to shop for classic pieces that will stand the test of time, and change the look season after season with fun accessories and jewelry.
Love them so much I think I'll have to buy myself a set!
10. There are conflicting etiquette rules on WHEN to register. Some say not before your engagement party, some say before the engagement party is fine. I personally think that doing it before your engagement party is more helpful. Guests want to give you something- it makes it much easier on them if they can just pick something off a list that they know you will like!
11. Don't forget to update your registry often. There is nothing worse than being a guest who is a last minute shopper and all they have to choose from are 2 wash cloths and a spatula. Remember-you will be getting gifts off your registry for your engagement party, bridal shower, AND wedding. That's a lot!
