Where to Start When Creating Your Wedding Registry

Excited for your upcoming wedding? It’s time to dial that enthusiasm up even more! Creating your wedding registry can be such an exciting part of planning for your big day. If you’ve never created a registry before, don’t worry. We’re here to help with these tips to get you started. This is a great opportunity for you and your future partner to consider who you are as a couple and what you’re dreaming about for your life together. There are also some great ways to be inclusive and thoughtful for your guests as well.

Start Somewhere

You don’t have to rush to create a registry as soon as you’re engaged, but you won’t want to wait too long either. Usually, the ideal time to create your registry is somewhere between announcing the engagement and when you send out the Save-the-date cards for the big day. That way you’ll give your guests enough time to plan and you’ll have enough time to create a thoughtful, practical registry you’ll fall hard for.

Choosing the Stores

Engaged couples have such a wide range of choices when it comes to choosing what stores to pick for registries. It’s a helpful idea to keep in mind that online shopping may be easier for some of your guests. On the other hand, a brick-and-mortar store is just as appealing to many people, too. Keep your guest list in mind when you start sourcing registry items. You may want to offer at least one option at a traditional shop, hopefully one that has both brick-and-mortar locations as well as online shopping available.

Price Range

Each guest will have a different budget for your wedding gifts. Registering an equal proportion of items in the lower, mid and high ranges helps to ensure everyone can pick out something you’ll love. In addition, you may also want to consider the guests’ budgets in general and set a maximum price for gifts before starting the registry. For example, if you’re selecting items for the bathroom, select some lower-priced items like bath towels. For the mid-price range, consider robes or serveware. For the high-end items, something like a wall cabinet, a large area rug or sturdy pots and pans are also nice to include.

Unique Options

There are plenty of traditional registry items to consider, and there are just as many nontraditional options you might love! Are you already set when it comes to glassware or bath linens? Rather than a typical registry, maybe you want to opt for a honeymoon registry or for other experience-based gifts. A honeymoon registry lets guests contribute what they wish towards the vacation of your dreams as a newly married couple, and some guests love gifting these memories-in-the-making. Another great idea is to request a gift card. If you might not know exactly what you want yet, this is a stress-free way for guests to let you think a bit longer about that new chair for the living room or the sheet set you’ve been eyeing.

Define Your Vision

Before you start scanning items for the registry, think about what you might want as a couple. You may decide to focus on traditional items that you’ll need for a new home, like outdoor dinnerware or rugs. Or perhaps you’re more interested in gathering gear for specific hobbies that you share as a couple. Having a vision before you begin can help the process be even smoother.

See Products in Person

If the option is available, take the time to visit a store to check out the products you’re requesting to get a better feel for them. Although it may seem easier to do it all online, this extra step can inspire new ideas and give you a better idea of what you both love.

What Do You Really Want?

Another thing to keep in mind is what you both really want as a couple. This doesn’t mean that you need to make any immediate decisions, but it helps to take a moment to consider things outside of the box. Even if you choose items that guests might not expect, it’s a smart idea to ask for things you plan to use and need. For example, if you both travel a lot as a couple, asking for toiletry totes is a creative option.

Show Your Thanks

Even before you choose the first item, it’s always nice to be prepared. A handwritten thank you note speaks volumes and is a great way to thank someone for their thoughtfulness. You can also let them know in your own way how much it means that they thought of you, whether that’s by sending an email, having flowers delivered or chatting on the phone. They’ll love knowing how much you appreciate their gift!