Depending on who you ask, building a wedding registry can be the most fun or the most difficult part of the wedding planning process.  To help make the process a little easier for you I am sharing 8 tips that will answer your questions about when, what and how to register.

1. When Should You Register

   I suggest registering for gifts starting as early as nine months before your wedding, but no later than six months before unless you are planning a wedding in a shorter time frame.

2. What Should You Register For
   

   First and foremost, pick things you love!  Try to avoid filling your list with things you are never going to use.  A registry is a “wish list,” based on your real needs and lifestyle.  If your style is casual, you may not be interested in fine china and silver.  On the other hand, you may look forward to the time when your life is more formal and want to register for more traditional gifts.  Whatever you select, be sure that you and your spouse-to-be agree on the choices.

3. What Price Points Should You Register For
   

   Be sure to register for items in a wide range of price points: under $50, under $75, under $100, under $200 and beyond.  That way, all of your guests can choose a gift that fits into their budget.  It’s simply the courteous thing to do.

4. Be Considerate of Your Guests
   

   At least one (and preferably all) of your registries should be available online.  Guests should also be able to place their orders in person or over the phone.  If you love a local boutique that does not offer online registries, still register there too – just as long as that’s not the only place you’ve registered at.

5. Don’t Include Any Lists of Registries in Your Wedding Invitation

   It’s never appropriate to list your registry on your save the date or wedding invitation.  Guests report being turned off by receiving wedding invitations that include “what-to-buy-us” lists.  However, it’s okay for shower hosts to include your registry information in invitations, because gift giving is the highlight of the shower.

6. Do Politely Inform Guests Of Your Registries

   The tried-and-true way of telling people about your gift registry is word of mouth.  Wait until someone asks either you or one of your family members or maid of honor.  Then, it’s okay to say where you are registered.
   You can list your wedding registries on your wedding website.

7. Do Monitor Your Registry

   When a guest buys a gift for you, your registry should update automatically, allowing others to see what has been purchased.  Most guests select gifts in the week or two just before the wedding day.  As your day approaches, revisit your registries to make sure that items remain on the lists.  Add choices in varying price ranges, as necessary, so that your guests who shop at the last minute have something to choose from.

8. Say Thank You

   Be gracious and let your guests know their gifts have arrived – promptly.  Thank you notes for gifts received before the wedding should be sent within two weeks of their arrival.  Thank you notes for gifts received on or after the wedding day should be sent within a month of your return from the honeymoon.  Be sure to mention the gift by name in all notes.

   xo,
   Terrica