You have headed to the department store to register for wedding gifts so that your guests will get you things you actually need (read: want) and your fiancé has the scanning gun in hand, ready to take off. Stop right there! Registering is nothing like it used to be. Let’s reassess the situation and make sure you know the new rules of registering!
Old Rule: Think Traditional
Yes, a beautiful China set is a traditional registry item and keepsake that will last a lifetime — but you’ll really only use it twice a year.
New Rule: Think Fun
If you and the beau are the type to have friends over for a cocktail party, register for a fun set of appetizer dishes and serving ware rather than fancy China. You’ll get more use and enjoyment out of them. Quality bar ware is also a great registry idea for the couple that likes to entertain.
Old Rule: Only House Items
Once married, couples were often moving out of their family’s homes for the first time, and needed all the makings of a home, such as dinnerware, China, cookware, and linens.
New Rule:Times Are Changing
Nowadays, many couples have already lived on their own and will be simply combining their two homes after marriage. It’s perfectly OK to stray outside of the housewares department when registering. Things like home theatre items, cameras and even honeymoons are showing up the modern bride and groom’s registry.
Old Rule: Stick to One Store
Registering used to mean just registering once, and at one place. But that doesn’t leave as many options for you or the guests.
New Rule: More Stores, More Options
Registering at more than one store not only gives you, the couple, more options to choose from, but it also helps your guests out. Registering at only one place might be an inconvenience to guests who don’t have that particular store nearby. Registering at multiple places will ensure that guests have a place to shop nearby and many items to choose from when purchasing a wedding gift.
Old Rule: Only Pick Conservatively Priced Items
Registering for very expensive items used to be considered tacky.
New Rule: “Splurge” On a Few Registry Items
If there are items you want that are a little pricier, go ahead and add them on your list. Some guests might be willing to splurge on you or go together and give a “group” gift for a more expensive item. But make sure you register for items in various price ranges so guests can choose something you want that’s within their budget!
New Rules for Registering (Or How to Get What You Really Want)
You have headed to the department store to register for wedding gifts so that your guests will get you things you actually need (read: want) and your fiancé has the scanning gun in hand, ready to take off. Stop right there! Registering is nothing like it used to be. Let’s reassess the situation and make sure you know the new rules of registering!
Old Rule: Think Traditional
Yes, a beautiful China set is a traditional registry item and keepsake that will last a lifetime — but you’ll really only use it twice a year.
New Rule: Think Fun
If you and the beau are the type to have friends over for a cocktail party, register for a fun set of appetizer dishes and serving ware rather than fancy China. You’ll get more use and enjoyment out of them. Quality bar ware is also a great registry idea for the couple that likes to entertain.
Old Rule: Only House Items
Once married, couples were often moving out of their family’s homes for the first time, and needed all the makings of a home, such as dinnerware, China, cookware, and linens.
New Rule: Times Are Changing
Nowadays, many couples have already lived on their own and will be simply combining their two homes after marriage. It’s perfectly OK to stray outside of the housewares department when registering. Things like home theatre items, cameras and even honeymoons are showing up the modern bride and groom’s registry.
Old Rule: Stick to One Store
Registering used to mean just registering once, and at one place. But that doesn’t leave as many options for you or the guests.
New Rule: More Stores, More Options
Registering at more than one store not only gives you, the couple, more options to choose from, but it also helps your guests out. Registering at only one place might be an inconvenience to guests who don’t have that particular store nearby. Registering at multiple places will ensure that guests have a place to shop nearby and many items to choose from when purchasing a wedding gift.
Old Rule: Only Pick Conservatively Priced Items
Registering for very expensive items used to be considered tacky.
New Rule: “Splurge” On a Few Registry Items
If there are items you want that are a little pricier, go ahead and add them on your list. Some guests might be willing to splurge on you or go together and give a “group” gift for a more expensive item. But make sure you register for items in various price ranges so guests can choose something you want that’s within their budget!
Sources:
7 Simple Bridal Registry Rules
Wedding Registry Myths Busted
Unexpected Items for Your Registry
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