by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: April 09, 2007   Last Updated: April 23, 2007

A 12-step program for wedding gift registry

As the bride and groom, please remember that gift registries are intended to offer time-savings, convenience, and constructive ideas for your guests. They are not obligated to purchase items on your lists, although they are most likely to do so. Have fun with your registry, as you plan your new life together!

1. Register before you send out your wedding invitations. Eager guests may jump right in and begin shopping immediately!

2. If possible, visit gift registries together with your fianc. Compare your tastes. You may learn something about each other. Also, you will find household items that please both of you.

3. Double-check the registry information. Make sure both your names are spelled correctly. Gift-givers may choose to personalize certain items.

4. Try to register at multiple stores, but not for the same items. Think outside of the kitchen and dining room. Do you need tools? Bedding and linens?

5. Avoid personal care items, apparel, sporting equipment, and hobby supplies. These are generally not considered appropriate wedding gifts.

6. Consider online gift registries for long-distance guests' convenience. Several online services enable users to consolidate and coordinate registries at multiple stores through a single website.

7. Think about your desired color schemes for your home, and select items accordingly. Crafty guests and do-it-yourselfers may ask for your bedroom, bath, or kitchen colors.

8. Aim for variety, particularly in terms of pricing. For example, try to select kitchen utensils individually, instead of as a single set. Guests may pick and choose, and some may add such items to round out a modest gift.

9.Include compact items for easy shipping. Local folks may give you the barbecue grill, while out-of towners might choose to send a sheet set.

10. Check gift statuses periodically. Of course, this may ruin your surprises at showers, but it's the only way to know what items you still need the most. (Occasionally, people do ask.)

11. Be sure to update gift registries, if you receive gifts from other sources. Often, guests will obtain your registry list and then purchase the same items elsewhere. It's up to you to update the registry, so you don't receive duplicate items.

12. Don't forget to thank those who send gifts, even if they send something for which you did NOT register. (Some online gift registries allow recipients to send online thank-you e-mails directly from their websites. This is considered poor form, however, as hand-written thank-you notes are still the gold standard of etiquette.)

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