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By Lei Lydle, Founder and Editor
Last Updated: 11/3/2005 11:31:00 AM |
Registering for gifts is a very important part of the wedding planning process. Guests want you to register so that they will know exactly what to buy - they want to buy what you want!
Keep In Mind...
Keep in mind that the key to the wedding registry is to choose classic patterns that are not likely to go out of style. You should also choose patterns that you both like. When my fiancé and I were registering for gifts, we hardly agreed on anything. I leaned toward floral prints while he leaned towards darker colors and patterns - more masculine looking items. Remember, marriage is full of compromises and this is a great place to start. Find patterns that you can both agree on. Don't go out and choose something very feminine and just expect for him to like it because you do!
When Should You Register?
You should register at least six months before your wedding day or any engagement parties. Of course sometimes you may not have that much time. My advice is to register as soon as possible. You will probably be registering in at least three different stores, so I would try to do one a week - and on a weeknight if possible. Don't try to do it all in one day - it can be very overwhelming! And, you can always go back and update your registry.
Make An Appointment
One piece of advice, make an appointment before you go. Although an appointment is not usually required, it often helps speed up the process.
Where Should You Register?
There are many places to register for gifts in Atlanta - some local specialty shops as well as national stores. It is important to register at national stores for out-of-town guests. Rich's department stores are a great place to register in Atlanta because they have 12 locations in Atlanta, a variety of registry categories, and they automatically register you with other stores such as Macy's, Lazarus, Goldsmith's, Burdines and The Bon Marche.
Other national chains include Bed, Bath & Beyond, Crate & Barrel, Home Depot, HomePlace, JC Penney, Service Merchandise, Target, Tiffany & Co., and Williams Sonoma.
What Should You Register For?
Generally, you should register for items in the home department of the store. Some stores may let you register for other items such as furniture and lingerie but this varies.
Most brides register for items in the following categories:
How Long Will The Store Keep Your Registry?
Generally, stores keep the registry for one year after your wedding. This way you may still receive gifts for holidays, birthdays and your first anniversary.
Will The Stores Accept Returns?
Yes, generally they will. Just be sure to keep any gifts that you may return in their original wrapping and hold onto your gift receipt (if there is one).
What are Completion and Club Programs?
Completion Programs are set up so that you can complete your set at a discount. Let's say you registered for 12 place settings but you only received 6. In a completion program you may purchase the remaining 6 place settings at a discount. This type of program varies from store to store and is more common in department stores.
Club Programs are special interest-free charge accounts that are just for china, crystal and silver. Again these programs vary from store to store.
| Posted by: TP from dothan on 11/3/2005 11:31:00 AM |
We are an older couple in our early 50's ...we dont want to register with a store ....how can have a registery where they simply give us money as a wedding gift as we have everything else we need?
Wedding Date: november 26, 2005
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