While some brides see their gift registry as one of the main perks of getting married, others feel uncomfortable about asking their guests for wedding presents. If you do decide to create a gift registry for your big day, here are seven tips on gift registry etiquette to make present giving a pleasant experience for your guests.
Select gifts in a wide price range
When you are choosing your gifts, make sure there are items that suit a wide range of budgets. It is usually better to choose a larger number of small, inexpensive items, than a few expensive gifts. Guests are more likely to mix and match a few inexpensive items than to team up to buy a pricier gift.
Update your list regularly
The general advice is to make sure there are twice as many items on your gift list as there are guests coming to your wedding so that each guest has plenty of choice. However, if you don’t want to appear greedy you can update your list regularly, adding more items as the original ones get bought. This has the advantage that you can also start with the gifts you really love and there’s more chance someone will buy them.
Announce your list subtly
Printing details of your gift list on your invitation is not acceptable as it suggests that the invitation is dependent on a gift. However, inserting a small discreet card with details of the list, or providing a link to the list on your wedding website is now considered acceptable.
Make family members aware of your list
Traditionally guests would contact your mother to ask whether you had registered for gifts, and many people will still use this method to get details of your gift list. Make sure both of your immediate families have the details of where you have registered in case guests call to ask them.
Make your list accessible
Making it easy for guests to buy from your registry will increase the chances that you will get the presents you want. These days most guests will expect to be able to order gifts online, but older guests may still prefer to order over the phone, or visit a store in person, so make sure all of these options are available. .
Be flexible about the list
Remember that it’s perfectly acceptable for your guests to buy gifts that are not on your list, and you should be grateful that they have put the time and effort into choosing a personal present that they think you will like. If this means you end up with duplicate presents it’s not the end of the world.
Say thank you promptly
Your gift registry should be able to supply you with a list showing which guest bought which present so you can write thank you notes easily. Be sure to mention the gift specifically to make the notes more personal, and make sure they are posted within a month of your return from honeymoon at the very latest.
