1. Plan Ahead
Before going to town with “the gun,” make a list of what you and your future husband already have. If the toaster you received as a college graduation present is still in great condition, you may want to leave it off the registry. After you have your list of what you and your fiance already own, a second list is important: your needs list. This will be list of items essential to your newly wed life. Lastly, make a list of your WANTS. This list will detail those things that you see yourself using once or twice a year, but will be fun for your guests to gift you.

2. Choosing Your Registries

  1. Choose wisely- When choosing which stores to host your registry, shop around! If two stores have relatively the same inventory and price points, look at the registry benefits. Will you receive 10% off when you shop for registry completion verses 5%? Or does the store have a rewards program, where 10% of everything guests buy off your registry comes back to you on a gift card? These benefits will add up!
  2. Choose 2 or 3 Stores- By choosing two to three store your guests will have a choice, but won’t be overwhelmed by the decision. Also, you are sure to register for every thing on your lists if you choose two to three stores.
  3. Pick a Well-Known Store- Make sure at least one of your registries is with a main-stream retailer so that if you have guests across the country will be able to choose a gift for you with ease. Supporting local business is great, but may not make gift shopping convenient for everyone on your guest list.
  4. Think Outside the Box- If you and your fiance’s registry lists are sparse, think outside of the box! Your guests will still want to get you a gift, but consider a honeymoon registry, having your guests donate to a charity in your name, or even a down payment for your first home!

3. Choosing your Gifts

  1. Quality- Choose registry items of quality, ones that will last with your marriage. Read reviews and choose gifts that will have your guests thinking they are getting a deal.
  2. Quantity- It’s not hard to understand that the bigger your guest list is the more things that should be on your registry. General rule of thumb is to take your guest list and multiply by two: 90 guests = 180 items on your registry.
  3. Price- Picking different price points for your guests to choose from is key to a successful registry. This will give guests the chance to stay within their budget whether that’s $30 or $300.

4. Use Your Registries Online Features
A retailers registry online features makes modifying and updating your registry so simple. If you decide on blue bath towels instead of the green bath towels you previously registered for, you can make the change with ease online. You can also check on your registry in real time to see how many of your gifts have yet to be purchased. It’s a great tool to aid in your wedding registry process.

5. Write a “Thank You”
After you receive gifts, don’t let your thank you list pile up. It’s best to get your thank yous out as soon as possible. It’s a gesture that people will appreciate.

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