Your Wedding Gift List
Why set up a gift registry for your wedding? It’s simple: everybody loves to give a gift that will be appreciated and wanted – a gift registry helps your friends and family choose something they know will be special to you. And you’ll start your married life with gifts that you can treasure for years to come…
Do create your gift list together.
Your registry is a reflection of you as a couple, so discuss what you really want and need together, and enjoy the process of browsing the stores or websites. Make compromises if need be.
Don’t delay registering for gifts.
Allow yourself plenty of time to decide on a registry that suits you, and have your list ready when you send your invitations out, around 6-8 weeks before your wedding.
Do include more items than you expect to receive.
Have more items on your list than you have guests, as they’ll appreciate to offered a choice. As well as showing your personal style, guests really appreciate being able to choose something that they can relate to personally. It helps to keep your list fresh by adding new items in the lead-up to your event, too.
Do keep your guests’ budgets in mind.
Always select gifts of varying prices to suit all budgets. Some guests may like to pool together to contribute towards a higher priced item, and many companies offer this.
Don’t print registry details on your invitation.
It’s traditional for your family and wedding party to spread the word about your gift list, but today many couples include a separate card with all of the information required, or guests can find out the details on your wedding website.
Do think about alternative registries.
Don’t feel restricted by tradition; add items that offer sentimental value and that you’ll treasure forever. With many couples getting married after having already lived together, they usually have their pots and pans. But the non-essentials are often missing, and these are the things that really make our house a home. Consider plants for your garden, custom framing, art, wine, or donations to your favourite charity if you’re after something a little different and altruistic.
Don’t eliminate time-honoured items.
Nest-building necessities are something to treasure always and will last you for years to come. Fine china, crystal, silverware, linen, glassware, art and home décor, cookware, cutlery and appliances are favourite wedding gifts, and are sometimes things you wouldn’t buy yourself.
Do think of the things you enjoy as a couple.
Look to create a home filled with items you love. Think about adding gifts to help you spend quality time together, such as cookbooks, a wine decanter and varietal-specific glasses. Add quality items that will last a lifetime, some luxury items that you covet but wouldn't purchase yourself, and be sure to include some items that will act as mementos of your wedding day.
Don’t ask for money only.
If you decide to create a wishing well where guests can make a monetary contribution towards a dream gift, make sure you also have a gift registry for those that prefer to give a more specific gift. And when it comes time to thank your guests, be sure to tell them what you put the money towards.
Do focus on gifts that will last a lifetime.
Your wedding gifts are meant to stand the test of time in married life, so choose items that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Steer away from electronics and anything else that will date.
Don’t be limited by your lifestyle as it is today.
Think about what you have planned for the future, keeping special occasions in mind – for example, elegant serving bowls for Christmas lunch or crystal Champagne glasses for toasts. Receiving these gifts is a wonderful way to remember loved ones and your wedding day as you celebrate these milestones, and they can even be handed down the generations.
Do check what is included in your registry.
Shop around when you’re choosing where to register, and pick a reputable company with features such as an online and phone ordering option, a broad range of quality gifts, no additional fees, free shipping and wrapping, a detailed list of gift-givers, and a discount for purchasing remaining items after the wedding.
Don’t procrastinate writing to your guests.
Be prompt sending out your thank-you cards – one month after your wedding is a general rule (unless you’re jetting off on honeymoon). It’s a nice touch to mention the specific gift they have chosen for you.
