Creating a gift registry for your guests to purchase from can be almost as daunting as the wedding planning.  Where do you begin?  Here are a few tips to help with the gift registry process…

When should you register?
Once you begin announcing the wedding date to friends and family, they will start to inquire where you are registered.  Early in the wedding planning process, create your gift registries so guests will have the information available.  You can begin with registering for the basics and then go back to add additional or seasonal items later.

How many stores should I register with?
You don't want to overwhelm your guests with many options but you should have at least 3-4 choices from which they can pick.  Most stores have convenient on-line purchasing so guests can select gifts through a website.  Choose a combination of both traditional department stores and web-based stores.  Make sure you include a national store for out of town guests.  You can also provide them with pattern names of things that you like and they can purchase at the location of their choice.

What should I register for?
With many couples getting married after having lived on their own, couples are not limited to traditional registries.  While it is important to register at department stores if you need china, flatware, crystal and linens, there are many other options available to you.  Home Improvement stores, honeymoon locations, sporting good stores, and even financial companies offer bridal registries.  You can register for books, music, art, electronics, stationery, wine and almost anything you may need.  Be creative and have fun!

Register for many different categories and many items to fit every budget.  While you may think that no one will buy a $300 food processor for you, your co-worker's may join together to purchase it.  However, be aware that some guests will be on a stricter budget and register for several lower priced items.  If you know that you will be having many showers prior to the wedding, register for numerous items so that even last minute shoppers will have many items to choose from.  If you are not a formal person and think you might not use fine china, register for items that are more practical.  Most importantly, select items that you will use and really want.

Other tips

• Choose at least one store that has bridal registry staff to help you.  They can give you suggestions and explain items about which you may need more information.
• Know the return policy.  Some stores will only give store credit while other actually return the funds spent back to the charge card it was purchased on.  If possible, get the policy in writing.
• Ask about a "Completion Program".  There are retailers who will give you a discount after the wedding on any remaining items not purchased from your list.
• Find out about the shipping policies of the store.  It will be more convenient for your guests if they can have the store ship items to you.
• Check your registries prior to the wedding to ensure that there are still plenty of items left to choose from and that none of your items have been discontinued.
• Asking for cash is considered bad etiquette.  However, some guest registries do allow you the option of requesting gift cards.
• If you really aren't in need of gifts, suggest that your guests donate to a charity of your choice or refrain from bringing gifts.

How do I let my guests know where I am registered?
Spreading the word through family and friends is the best way to let guests know.  Have a small card typed and ready to hand out if guests ask (and only if they ask).  This will be helpful for them.  Do not include this information with the wedding invitation.  It is acceptable to include this information on a wedding website that you have created. (© LXM)