Setting up a bridal registry is a convenient and simple way of informing guests of what items you would like to start your new life as a married couple. Jessica Mansas discovers how to compile the perfect wish list.

Planning your wedding is an exciting experience, and one of the best parts is creating your gift registry. As well as being a fun shopping trip, creating a bridal registry helps your guests buy you a gift you’ll use and also keeps track of who bought each gift – which in the instance of a missing card can be very handy!

A registry also reduces the likelihood of receiving duplicate presents.

Although the bridal registry world can be daunting at first, registries have the added benefit of saving time for both you and your guests. Beginning in America during the early 1920s, they have continued to grow in popularity.

The last few years have seen new variations of the traditional bridal registry emerge. Today versions such as honeymoon and charity registries exist, as well as specialised registries that allow consumer items from multiple stores to be combined into one single registry that saves time and is convenient for both you and your guests – these are known as universal registries.

The growth in the popularity of universal registries has seen a trend toward registry services that allow couples to add almost anything to their registry, such as contributions toward their honeymoon, flights and accommodation, as well as traditional gifts from nearly any store.

Not only are bridal registries convenient, they also have the advantage of being highly accessible, particularly for international wedding guests as they are able to buy online in advance and have the gift sent directly to you, even if they aren’t able to attend the wedding.

WHERE TO START
Some relatives may want to buy you a gift as soon as they hear about your engagement, so it’s a good idea to begin your bridal registry months before your actual wedding – or at least register a few items early on. The biggest misconception is that you have to go on one big shopping spree and register all items at once; you can actually fill and edit your list as many times as you need.

While it is easier to register entirely online and select items in the comfort of your own home, it is a good idea to visit the store and view the items in person as online shopping can distort dimensions and items can look different. In relation to everyday items, such as manchester and bathroom items, consider selecting special pieces as quality does last.

THREE’S A CHARM
It’s important to register at two or three stores at most, as too many stores can lead to confusion and managing multiple registries can become difficult for you and your guests.

Large department stores such as David Jones and Myer have a large selection of household basics so you can easily limit your store number, and they have the added benefit of online registries, so guests can shop from home.

In the case of speciality items, such as vintage pieces not offered by chain department stores, consider visiting a speciality store. They may not be as large or as comprehensive, but some store owners will work with you to tailor a list specifically for you. Just keep in mind convenience on your guests’ behalf.

A LIMITLESS LIST
These days it is possible to register almost anything. From stylish couches and wood cabinets to fine wine, electronics and sporting goods; if you search for a registry it will probably exist.

While it was once considered poor taste to ask for money from relatives and friends, these days there are financial registries which aim to make things easier and the trend is a popular one in contemporary weddings. Couples can now even register their honeymoons and after-wedding expenses through travel agencies and specific online services.

Some banks offer services that allow brides and grooms to establish a special account whereby guests can deposit money earmarked for a down payment on their future home. You can even create a registry that allows guests to send contributions to a charity of your choice if you wish.

If you choose to go down this path, bear in mind that some guests will still want to purchase a more conventional gift for you, so it’s a good idea to have at least one registry at a store with traditional bridal gifts.

INFORMATION STATION
Although previous wedding etiquette dictated that registry information shouldn’t be sent to your guests with the invitation, today this custom has become very popular – some stores even provide printed cards for this purpose. Your chosen method of informing guests about your registry is entirely up to you and your partner and a simple option is to rely on your family and friends to spread the word.

Most guests love the idea of a bridal registry as it is easy and they know exactly what to buy you.

AFTER THE BIG DAY
Policies vary from store to store, however many businesses will keep your registry active for up to one year after your wedding date. This means you will still be able to edit your list online should you need to and people needing to purchase a late gift will be able to do so online. Additionally, some stores offer discounts to couples wanting to purchase any items left-over on their registry.

This can be particularly helpful if you are struggling to decide how to spend any gift cards or cash you received on your wedding day.

COMPILING YOUR LIST
If you are still confused or unsure about what to include on your registry, don’t worry. The most important thing is to think of a bridal registry as a ‘wish list’ not a ‘demand list’. With this frame of mind, you shouldn’t have any guilt or hesitations about suggesting to your guests what you may like as a wedding present. In fact, guests often feel relieved by the convenience of a bridal registry and feel reassured that they are buying a useful present.

Although there are bridal registries for almost anything you can imagine, most people tend to follow the more traditional bridal registry – registering anything you need to start your new life together!

When starting your registry, sit down with your partner and discuss the costs involved and consider your guests. Most guests love the idea of a bridal registry as it is easy and they know exactly what to buy you. With this in mind, brainstorm the items you would like to include in your registry – and remember general household and everyday items are a must.

What to include:
• Bedding, pillows and general household manchester.
• Bath supplies, bath mats, towels, shower curtains and wash cloths.
• Kitchen supplies and cooking utensils – even a coffee machine!
• Silverware and fine china – keep in mind these are often pricey items.
• Cleaning appliances, such as vacuum cleaners and dust busters.

As with all household items, costs vary from product to product. You will probably have some items on your registry that range between $300–$500 and at the other end of the scale items for as little as $5. Guests may opt to select one larger gift or several smaller gifts.

Bridal registries are often flexible and offer your guests a large range of options to choose from. Another important aspect that can be easily misunderstood is that one item does not necessarily mean one purchaser. Family and friends are able to buy one costly item between them – for example, a Mixmaster. By doing this, an item costing $600 can be equally shared between two or three people, allowing guests to stay within their budget and still give you something you want.

Wishing well cards are another approach, along with bridal registry cards, which are a perfect way to let your guests know what you would like as a wedding gift. It is common practice for wishing well cards to have poems on them outlining what it is you would like. Then at your reception your guests place a small gift into your wishing well.

Originally, wishing wells were set up so guests could leave small gifts that were often forgotten on bridal registries, such as recipes, honeymoon necessities and smaller kitchen items. However, today many couples send out wishing well cards suggesting they would prefer to receive money as a gift instead.

MODERN ETIQUETTE
Whether it is a bridal registry or wishing well you choose to have at your wedding, there are a few things to remember to make your special day run as smoothly as possible.

When it comes to listing all your desired items, there aren’t any boundaries. There is, however, a degree of wedding etiquette that should be followed as a basic guideline.

Basic Bridal Registry Guidelines:
• Avoid having too many registries, as this can be confusing for wedding guests.
• Avoid registering similar products. Remember you have to store them somewhere!
• A basic rule of thumb is that most wedding guests will be happy to pay up to $300 for a gift.
• For more costly items, consider suggesting guests share an item’s cost between a small group.
• Avoid the mentality of a ‘demand list’ and think of your registry as a ‘wish list’.
• Wedding guests will only be able to purchase what they can afford, so if costly items are avoided on your registry, do not take it personally.
• If selecting a financial registry, make sure you have at least one traditional gift registry as some guests may prefer to give you a more conventional present.
• Make sure the items you select will be useful in your everyday life.

If you follow these guidelines and keep things simple, you’ll have a successful bridal registry. Ensure you include items that you need and want, and take the opportunity to ask for items that you might not be able to afford as newlyweds.

These are items that you will use throughout your lives together. So compile your dream list and enjoy!