In theory, creating a wedding registry is a fun day trip to the stores. But, if you are as clueless as most couples are – who knew you needed to register for more than four place settings in a household of two – it helps to have all the help available to walk you through the process. Below are tips for navigating your wedding registry like a pro.
Quantity is important
Remember when I mentioned above needing to register for more than four place settings? Your wedding china, flatware, and glassware will hold sentimental value and meaning for a lifetime. Plates break, they get loaned and never returned or patterns become discontinued. This may be the only time you receive the patterns you’ve selected. Make sure you have enough. It comes in handy when you host a big dinner party like your first Christmas. For this register for a dinner set for at least 12, but 16 is ideal.
Streamline your registry
These days you are all about expressing your personal style in your home. You may find that many of the big box registries are a little too “one size fits all” for your taste. As a result, many couples are hitting Pinterest for ideas and registering via third-party sites. The upside of these vendors is that they pull from multiple vendors, but sort everything in one portal, making it an easy, one-stop shop for guests to purchase gifts from. Eliminating the nuisance of visiting multiple sites and having to submit billing information more than once. Be sure to visit and update your registry regularly to avoid out-of-season items.
Pick items that are pretty and practical
Modern couples are saying hello to everyday fine china. Register for high-quality, high-end and timeless enough ceramics that they can still be special family heirlooms. For a fancy dinner party, dress them up with festive linens, placemats, and silverware. However, make sure they are versatile and durable enough to be used daily, meaning, they are dishwasher safe!
Register for experiences
Since many people are getting married later in life, it is possible they already live together and have already furnished home. If you fall in that category, register for activities to do your honeymoon. There are plenty of websites that offer options for guests to gift couples with everything from rafting trips to car rentals. Not going on your honeymoon immediately after the wedding and still prefer an activity versus a product? Register for a cooking class in your city.
image source: Green Wedding Shoes
