Oct 10
15
Wedding registries
After a couple gets engaged, it is usually customary that there will be an engagement party or a bridal shower of some sort. Friends and family of the couple want to send a message of congratulations, and the most common way to do so is by buying them a gift. Setting up a wedding registry is a convenient way to give your friends and family an accurate list of things that you may want or need.
The tradition of showering the bride and groom with gifts is as old as marriage. Modern technology has made a science out of wedding and shower gifts with the creation of the computerized registry. This gives your guests the opportunity to view the items on your wish list as well as the prices on their computer. This method is ideal especially for out of town friends and family who will not be able to make it to the actual events.
Before you actually register, a couple should discuss what kind of gifts they desire. Take into consideration your personalities, preferences, and lifestyles. Think about the style and colors of the items that you both want. Do you both prefer a casual or elegant style? What do you want your home to look like? Discussing these topics with each other will make the process a lot easier and give you both exactly what you are looking for.
Items in a wedding registry are entirely up to the couple. Some of the more traditional gifts include kitchenware, linens, or china. Other couples are looking for recreational items, such as camping gear, computer equipment, or even a bottle of their favorite wine. The items on your list should reflect your personalities. Just remember to register for items in a wide range of prices to ensure that all of your guests will be able to stay in their budget when purchasing your gift.
It is recommended that a couple register five to six months before the actual wedding. This can vary depending on how many showers or parties you have. Just remember to give your guests, especially the procrastinators, enough time to go through your registry and pick out a gift!
Your wedding day will bring you a great amount of joy and is the beginning of your future together. The gifts that you register for will help you in developing your new life, and your guests will feel honored that they were able to assist. 
By Emily Kantrowitz, Assistant Wedding & Event Planner
October 15, 2010