15. Gift Registration

One of the most exciting aspects of planning a wedding is setting up the gift registration. For this part of the wedding process, you will choose stores selling things you like and need for the marriage. The items listed are the actual gifts that people will buy. By using a gift registration, you eliminate the possibility of receiving three identical clocks, blenders, toasters and so on. Additionally, it guarantees that you get exactly what you want and need.

Another huge benefit of using a gift registration is that the system automatically keeps track of the person buying the gift so that you will know exactly whom to thank for what gift. This process is simple and almost every store offers this service. Therefore, you are not limited to registering with a store just for the sake of registering but for the things that you want. Before registering, the two of you should sit down and take inventory of items you already have and the types of things you will need for your marriage. The following questions should be beneficial:

• Is our style sophisticated and elegant or casual?
• Do we prefer ornate and elaborate things or is our style more that of clean lines?
• What is our style – Country, French, Victorian, Contemporary and so on?
• What are our primary colours?
• Do we prefer things that will make life more convenient or perhaps you prefer whimsical or trendy items?
• Is this a first or second marriage?

In considering the above, you will be amazed at how many ideas you come up with for things needed. For instance, if you prefer contemporary things rather than those with country flair, you might enjoy receiving crystal candlesticks rather than those made of wood with little hearts for decoration.

Most of the items registered include things that are commonly used to set up a house. In other words, the items are things generally needed more than wanted. However, if this is a second marriage for one or both of you, then you could change that to register items you want. Examples would include things to support your favourite pastime.

For instance, if you enjoy the outdoors, then you might register sleeping bags or hiking equipment. If the two of you enjoy movies or computer games, then new DVD equipment and DVDs or computer software would be ideal. Maybe you are both theatre fanatics where receiving dinner theatre tickets would be an incredible gift. If you were just starting out, the following are the standard items that you would list:

Serving Dishes

• Large serving platter.
• Large serving bowl.
• Covered casserole dishes.
• Gravy boat and stand.
• Coffee creamer and sugar container.

Crystal

• Wine glasses.
• Beverage pitcher.

Silver

• Special occasion dishes.
• Serving utensils.
• Pierced tablespoons.
• Sugar spoon.

Small Kitchen Appliances

• Electric skillet.
• Bread maker.
• Toaster.
• Coffee maker.
• Blender.
• Can opener.

Bedding

• Pillow shams.
• Fitted and flat sheets.
• Pillows.
• Rugs.
• Throws.

Bath

• Towels.
• Hand towels.
• Wash cloths.
• Shower curtain, liner, hooks.

Dishes

• Plates.
• Bowls.
• Mixing bowls.
• Salt & pepper shakers.
• Drinking glasses.
• Coffee mugs.
• Daily eating utensils.
• Carving knives.
• Canisters.

Linens

• Tablecloth.
• Napkins.
• Dish towels.

Cookware

• Sauté pan.
• Tea kettle.
• Wok.
• Griddle.
• Muffin pan.
• Roasting pan.
• Baking dishes.
• Bread pan.

The perfect time to register for wedding gifts is between four and six weeks before the wedding. Some companies will require that you meet with a co-ordinator while other companies offer a do-it-yourself online or in-person service. Although the above list will help you get started, to determine a full list of items needed, the best action is to start with one room in your new home and literally write down everything for that specific room.

As you make your way through the house, you would simply build your list as you go. This process is especially helpful if you have two households of “stuff” in that you can cross out items on the list that one of you already has.  Remember that by working within the recommended timeline, you will have a much better chance of getting exactly the things needed. Other suggestions include the following:

• If towels are needed, these should be put on the list right away, especially if you are looking for a specific colour, design, or brand.  Since styles change all of the time, this will almost guarantee you get the right set of towels.
• It is imperative that you remember family and friends have different levels of income, meaning that the price of gift that each person can afford will vary. To make sure all of your family and friends have something that they can afford, you want to register items that spread out over several different price ranges.