Gift Registries:
If you don’t want to receive four toasters and three crock pots, you have to register for the things you really need.  Be sure to 
have enough things on your registry for everyone to buy.  If you are inviting 200 people and only register for 30 items, you’ll 
still get duplicates and things you don’t really want or need.  The more things you receive from your gift registry, the fewer 
trips you’ll have to make to exchange gifts.

Popular registry sites are large department stores, Target, Williams-Sonoma, Bed Bath and Beyond, Linen and Things, Crate 
and Barrel, The Pottery Barn, etc.  These all have web sites so people don’t even have to go out to purchase gifts.  They can 
be ordered and sent right from the web site.  Check the items available at each store you are considering and then choose the 
store that has the most items you would like to receive. Also keep in mind the financial restraints of your guest.  If your guests 
are unlikely to spend more than $20, Williams Sonoma may not be the ideal registry for you.  Also consider keeping the items 
you most need the most affordable. For instance, if you really need a toaster, you are more likely to receive the $20 model at 
Target than the $120 version at a specialty store.
You also might want to ask if the store offers a discount after the wedding for you to purchase any items still remaining on
your registry.


What should I register for?
Be sure you register for things in a wide price range.  There should be plenty of $10 - $40 items for shower gifts and school 
friends who can’t afford expensive wedding gifts.  Also include a few pricey items that could be a group gift at showers or 
from relatives.  Keep in mind what your guests can afford.  Don’t register at expensive stores.  Many other stores will have 
the same items for half the cost (if the guest is planning to spend $50, she may be able to buy two of your place settings 
instead of only one at the expensive store).
The stores where you will be registering will give you a list of the most common registry items.  This is a good starting 
place, but this is your one and only chance to get things YOU want and will really use.
When selecting your china, flatware, glasses, etc.  be realistic.  If you only get two china dinner plates, will you be able to 
afford to purchase the rest on your own?  Do you really need $200 sheets?  If you are not an experienced cook and don’t 
see yourself having formal dinners, you may decide you don’t really need expensive china, stemware or sterling.  Lemon 
zesters, pizza bricks, ice cream makers, a fondue pot and crepe pan are only useful to a small handful of people.  So think 
outside the box. Think of what you really need.  Will you be buying a small fixer-upper as your first home?  You may want 
to register at Lowe’s, or Home Depot for paint, faucets, hardware, etc. or consider registering at Sears for appliances like 
a refrigerator or microwave.
A tent and sleeping bags may sound romantic and like a good gift for the groom, but do you have the kind of jobs that 
would allow you time to slip away for camping trips? If you don’t really see yourself using them, it would be better to 
register for something else.  
Many brides realize way too late that they will rarely use the gifts they have received.  This feeling is even worse as you 
are making dozens of trips to Target or Home Depot for the things you truly need.  Save yourself a lot of money by 
registering smart.
Many brides find themselves returning or selling on eBay items they realize are impractical.  You may receive a fondue 
pot, but not a toaster.  If you sell the fondue pot on eBay, you most probably won’t get the full value.   
You might want to only register for the things you want the most at first and then when the registry starts filling up, add 
more items. This is more work for you, but it might save you time later when you have to exchange some of the 
unnecessary luxury items for the more practical items .
You might want to look into a registry that allows guests to help you pay for your honeymoon or your photographer.
 
Who should go with me when I register?
Your fiancé may or may not be interested in this aspect of the wedding plans.  Ask him if he would be interested in 
helping you pick your china, flatware, bedding, etc.  When it comes to selecting kitchen utensils, pots and pans, etc. 
bring your mom along.  She will love being a part of the process and can give you some good tips about what you 
will need. A recently married friend can also be a terrific resource to help you put your wants and needs in perspective.
 
How do I let people know where I'm registered?
People will ask your mom whee you are registered.  The best way to get the word out is to create a free website for your wedding and enclose a business size card in your invitations telling your guests to check out your web site.  You can have your registries listed on that site or list your registries at Weddingchannel.com  who will manage your registries for you so you only have to go to one site and check all your registries there (they may not have every store you are interested in, but it is still a great convenience and a good site for other uses as well).  You can add or delete items from that site as well as going to the store to do it.  Personally, I like to view items in the store and see what they look like in person.  But it is nice to know that you can think about it and add it later at home on-line.