The Wedding Planners: Registering for Gifts

Friday, September 12, 2008

Registering for Gifts

My Goddaughter, Kelli, was the first in our family to register for gifts. Excited, I drove to the mall with my sister to buy her something that she really wanted. Before we got to the computer with Kelli's list, I found the most beautiful white shower curtain. It had gorgeous rose buds in a Victorian style that simply touched a place in my heart. I also found towels and wash clothes, soap holders and curtains -- everything you could want for a bathroom -- in this beautiful pattern.

I turned to my sister and said, "You know what? I'm buying her all of this. I know she will love it." Helen said, "It is beautiful, but before we make any decisions let's look at her list and see what she wants."

To my complete surprise the beautiful rose bud bathroom supplies were not on the list. Instead, a green and purple polka-dot shower curtain with matching towels and fixtures were what she had chosen.

Once I got over the shock that our tastes were so different, I had one of those epiphany moments.

Not every one likes the same things!

There are several thoughts to consider when registering for wedding gifts.

1. It's a kindness to your friends and family who really do want to buy you something you will not only use, but also love!

2. Not everyone can spend the same amount on your gift. My niece registered at Macy's, but also at Walmart and Target.

3. Lots of people like to give practical gifts. Don't just pick a silver tea service and china. Do as my niece did. Pick practical items like shower curtains, can openers, baking tins and kitchen towels.

4. Remember you have a groom. Even if you can't get him to help fill out the registration, keep him in mind. Nine chances out of ten, Kelli's husband wouldn't have liked the pick rose bud shower curtain either!

Registering for gifts is probably the kindest thing you can do for your friends and family! So don't hesitate to register and register early. Give every one ample time to get you exactly what you want!

susan

5 Comments:

Onada - Fashion and Photography said...: love this blog! i will definately be refering my brides! I cant wait to get engaged myself!; September 12, 2008 at 7:19 AM
Julie Hilton Steele said...: And please, guests and family, USE the registry. We discovered both with our son's wedding and with the new baby that folks ignore the registry. Why? Not because there weren't things in all price ranges, but because they wanted to give them what they wanted to give them, rather than what they truly needed.

In my case, one of the gifts I got that was NOT on MY registry was a pair of chicken foot ice tongs! I did love the giver but not the gift.

Peace, Julie; September 12, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Brandy said...: We registered and by we, I mean that my (then) future hubs and I went together. And made choices together. Yes, those registers are useful and sometimes fun things! *G*; September 12, 2008 at 1:05 PM
Unknown said...: I will have to say I am one of those people that give what I want to give. I do pick practical items. My nephew is getting married on the 27 of this month and I am giving them a quilt that I made.; September 12, 2008 at 6:14 PM
Eleni Konstantine said...: Susan, I have to admit when I first heard of registries I wasn't a fan. I think because I thought it likely that couples wouldn't consier a range of items to suit everyone's price range. But since then I've become a convert - whenever there has been a registry (and you get in at a reasonable time not leave it too late), you always find what the couple want taking out the guess work and something to suit your budget - couples realised having a number of less expensive items on the list is OK too. It's what they needed for their home. I like your Goddaugher's idea of having a registry in different places.; September 12, 2008 at 9:35 PM