Everybody loves gifts. We are conditioned to expect gifts on holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and many many other occasions. Expecting a gift on a wedding day is not an exception. Half of the time what is given is a surprise. Talking about surprises, you can minimize the veracity of surprises in the gifts you receive for your wedding by registering a list of items you would like to receive. With the internet upon us we get to curl up on a sofa and register online without treading through bad weather to a store. Besides, your out-of-town guests will have instant access to your bridal registry.
There are two ways to register bridal gifts. The most popular way these days is of course online. You go to your favorite store’s website and look up their wedding gift registry. Some devoted wedding sites have links to stores’ wedding gift registry, for example; The Wedding Channel has links to Amazon.com, Cloud 9, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Tiffany Co., and Crate and Barrel. The Knot.com offers similar service. The second option to register your bridal gift list is the old fashion way of physically stopping at a store. You will be given a scanner to walk around the store and scan items that you would like to have on your wedding registry.
Registering your bridal gifts can be fun or at times overwhelming depending on your preparation level. Build your gift list before you start registering, be it online or at the store. To simplify the process start with five categories: bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, dining room, and miscellaneous items; like picture frames, vases, luggage, and etc. Once you have identified your major groups list items you are interested in receiving under each category. If that lends itself to be too tedious look for a personal registry consultant, some stores offer this service.
As you create your gift registry, make sure you find items that are on your guests pricing point. For the must have items a website like Myregistry (www.myregistry.com) accumulates cash gifts toward a large purchase. Some items that you may choose can be seasonal, plan to update your list regularly. Always check the stores’ shipping and return policies. If you do register at multiple stores, try to avoid duplication. Do not sign up for a second blender if you already have one on your list for you just might get it!
In some instances you may start receiving gifts ahead of your wedding day. Keep track of who sent what and always send a thank you note as soon as possible.
For the brides who do not prefer to receive bridal gifts and yet have guests who would love to shower them with gifts, you have a choice of directing your guest’s giving to your favorite charity as donation. Visit both the I Do Foundation (www.idofoundation.org) and Just Give (www.justgive.org). If your heart is in stocks try www.registerstock.com.
Last but not least sign up for things that are of value to you and your husband to be.
As always work hard and stay well, your Austin Wedding Videographer
