Registering headaches...

I have to register for how many gifts?!?!

Rule 1 of registering- its your stuff that you and your fiancé are going to live with so pick what YOU WANT! Lots of people want to give lots of opinions,  but guess what it doesn’t matter.

Diversify- I would suggest registering at few places, especially if you have guests from different areas. Not every city has a Bloomingdales or Crate and Barrel, and while our generation is computer literate, our grandparents’ generation is not. So, being able to go to the store is a good thing if you have a lot of elders invited, stores like Macy and Bed Bath and Beyond may be more universal. Plus they all run sales, which everyone would rather buy a gift on sale because hopefully it means they will get you something even nicer.   

Price point- Unless you are Prince William and Kate, there is no reason everything on your registries should be very expensive. While for wedding presents the pricier things may be bought, for your shower and engagement the gifts are not as expensive. There is actually an etiquette book that’s says engagement gifts are not necessary, I don’t know what I think of this but I am not an expert on etiquette. My motto is if you’re invited to something you should be bringing something even if its little, it’s the thought that counts.

China- Jury is out on this one. Some people say you have to register some say you don’t. This is up to you, if you are planning on hosting dinners China is smart. My theory is register for 12-14 settings, and add more  if its all bought before the wedding. (keep in mind the size of your family if small no need to add) If you pick a reasonable simple five-piece setting you can always add a funky charger or dessert plate. Remember you aren’t registering for your grandmother’s china so pick what you like…remember to ask if it is dishwasher safe, if you are lazy like me.

Tips

• ·      Make sure they have a good return policy!!
• ·      Check each stores return policies

o   Crate & Barrel- hands you a check if you ask them.

o   Williams and Sonoma DOES NOT give money back, they only give store credit!!!

o   Bloomingdales- will credit your Bloomingdales card, I have heard rumors if you wait and don't use the credit you get a check in the mail…

• ·      You can go green to save the environment. 
•     There is also a way to show everything on the registries has been bought or take them down if you are inundated with crap and just want money for the wedding. (it’s a recession money is more useful than mixing bowls)
•      You also get a lot of great promos by registering with the bigger stores and can use the discounts on anything.
•      Sell your fiance on the concept that he gets to use a gun to register. As we all know boys do not love to shop so any incentive to get him to focus for 2 hours is a good thing.