Registries: What's your style?

Okay, this is me returning from a long hiatus to "finish" my blog - these things are permanent! Kind of like an online diary, so I want it to be complete! :) Here are just a few collages from some of the main "registry" stores... but also check out other places, like Amazon.com, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa.com), or myregistry.com (make your own registry from a bunch of different sites, even Etsy!). My registry was a mix of BBB & Macy's.

Pottery Barn - clean and classic



Williams-Sonoma - Refined and sophisticated

Crate & Barrel - Chic and modern

Wedding Advice: Registry

My favorite registry items from Macy's & BBB

Planning timeline

You cannot get this up early enough! I put mine up so incredibly late. I shouldn't even say how late (okay, I will... like a month before - gasp! I was so. busy.). In retrospect, for my June wedding I should have had my registry up in late November/early December. Sometimes grandparents and other relatives want to know about the registry that far in advance because they can get you a christmas (or birthday depending on your timeline) present off your registry -- double duty! Especially if you have something like luggage listed on your registry.

Suggestions

-I would recommend registering at two places. I had always thought about doing three but I really couldn't think of enough items I needed or wanted to fill three registries. If you have 200+ people on your list though... you may want to consider 3 places!

-MACY'S. MACY'S. MACY'S. It is an absolute must! They have great completion sales after the wedding (10%, 20% in July/August!!) and such a good selection. Guests also like buying things from here because the quality is super nice but fairly affordable. They keep a record of everything guests purchase so if you lose track then they have all the info backed up (not that you would ever...)! Interesting fact: I couldn't figure out who got me one of the items, and I also never received it. I felt so bad! I had them print out the list -- turns out someone bought me something, the registry updated, and then they returned it and bought something else. The registry did not update! I am going to assume that is a system-wide problem... and something to be aware of. Oh, and the bride & groom will know who bought and returned stuff too (just something to keep in mind!).

-Now that you have chosen Macy's ;), what to select as your second registry? It really depends on your personality and style, and what you already have as a couple. I chose Bed Bath and Beyond because I had invited a lot of Charlottesville guests and I wanted them to have a near-by option since guests sometimes like to see the items in person. Turns out this registry did not get as much attention... I think that people preferred to pick things off the Macy's registry because they thought it would be a nicer gift. Hey, they sell Le Creuset at both BBB & Macy's! I will make little photo collages from all the top registries I can think of and you can take a little quiz of where you think you'd want to register!

-Make sure all your items go together harmoniously. My kitchen colors are crimson and ivory (AKA red and off-white :). I love vintage romantic styles with just a hint of modern lines. My cooking style is all about presentation (I'm still working on the making it taste good part!).

-Not everyone will get you a gift. It may be a little disappointing but you need to remember it is NOT REQUIRED and that those people should still get a thank you card (send out no later than 3 months post-wedding, although guests may get you a gift up to a year after, according to the wedding authorities, whoever they may be)!! *Advised: I ended up being too lazy/busy/I don't know what... I only ended up writing cards to those who gave me a gift. I am glad everyone else came, though!! Be thankful for what you got and remember there are always completion sales :) Also, I totally believe the wedding party shouldn't have to get you anything. Think of what they have already spent on your wedding... and their presence up there at the altar with you is the best gift of all.

Best registries

When signing up for registries, be sure to give guests ample time to make their purchases. This is great information to include on a wedding website (mine is under construction, hopefully I'll get it out before school starts! :), which can be shared with friends on a save-the-date card sent out anywhere from 6 months to a year in advance. 

Top 5 Registry Tips

1. Hit all price points: under 50, under 75, under 100, above 100, etc. Guests tend to purchase gifts two weeks before the wedding til two weeks after the wedding, so two weeks before check to see if you need to add anything to give guests more options.

2. Look for perks. Some registries allow you to enroll in a completion program in which you can buy the remaining items on your registry at a 10-15% up to a year after the wedding.

3. Know what you own. See what both of you have together and only ask for what you really need. More into an outdoor grill out than hosting swanky soirees? Maybe those crystal goblets aren't for you. However, still make sure you have all the basics as your style might change with time.

4. The ideal number of registries is 2 to 4. Give your guests options, and consider which stores are available everywhere. Nowadays, online registries seem to be the best option, and the most user friendly with real time updates of what has and hasn't been purchased.

5. Write nice thank you notes no later than a month after the wedding!

Best registries...

for the stepford wife

for the future soccer mom

for the practical one

for the power couple

for the recessionista

www.thebigday.com

have guests sponsor part of your honeymoon!

also see www.honeyluna.com

for the quirky one

for the gift that keeps on giving

for the handy (wo)man

WWCAJD?? (What would Caroline and Jon do?)

We haven't decided, but seeing as we have lived together for the past two years we have collected a bit of stuff, of course no nice china but nonetheless. I want to pick 3 or 4 places and so far I am leaning toward...