Not sure whether you really need a gift registry for your wedding? Sure, you may already have a toaster and a bunch of towels – but a wedding registry is about more than just stuff. It’s a way for your loved ones to celebrate this exciting milestone with you!
In our opinion, creating a gift registry for your wedding is definitely worth the effort. From preventing duplicate gifts to scoring exclusive discounts, read on as we explain 8 practical reasons to create a wedding registry below (even if you think you don’t need one).
What is a Wedding Gift Registry?
A gift registry (also known as a wedding registry) is a curated list of items created by an engaged couple to help guide their friends and family in choosing gifts for their wedding.
Traditionally, gift registries would include a range of items for the home, such as appliances, kitchenware, and linen. But in modern years, gift registries have evolved to include cash funds, experiences, and charitable donations, too.
Wedding registries can be managed both online or in-store, with many large retailers offering gift registry services. The process typically involves compiling a wish list of items through your chosen retailer (or retailers), and then sharing the details with your guests.
Of course, there’s no obligation to create a gift registry – but it can definitely make the gift-giving experience more convenient and enjoyable for your loved ones!
Still not convinced? Here are 8 practical reasons to create a gift registry for your wedding.
1. Provide Guidance to Guests
One of the biggest advantages of creating a gift registry is to eliminate the guesswork for your guests. The pressure to find the perfect gift for a special occasion can be stressful, but a gift registry helps to point your loved ones in the right direction. They don’t need to worry about choosing a gift you’ll actually like, because they have your wish list right in front of them!
Many couples worry that creating a gift registry for their wedding may seem indulgent, but this definitely isn’t the case. In our experience, your guests will appreciate you simplifying the process for them.
2. Avoid Duplicate Gifts
Receiving the same gift multiple times can make things more than a little awkward for you and the gift-giver. Creating a wedding registry helps you avoid doubling up on gifts, as your loved ones will be able to see in real-time which items have already been purchased.
Not only does this eliminate any potential awkwardness, it also saves you the hassle of trying to return duplicate items. You won’t need to worry about chasing down guests for their gift receipt after the big day!
3. Get Gifts You Actually Want (and Need)
A thoughtfully curated gift registry ensures you’ll receive items that align with your tastes and needs – whether it’s a fancy new coffee machine, practical items to help build your new life together, or a voucher to your favorite restaurant.
Again, your guests will likely appreciate knowing their gift will be well-received and actually used. Looking for gift registry ideas?
Check out our ultimate wedding registry checklist for modern couples here.
4. Fund Your Honeymoon
In today’s modern world, many couples already live together and have everything they need for their home. If this is the case, you may prefer cash contributions in lieu of traditional gifts to prevent you from cluttering up your household with items that are likely to go to waste!
Online platforms like Hitchd make it easy for guests to contribute to your honeymoon, whether that’s through monetary donations or purchasing experiences like tours, accommodation and activities. Guests are able to make a cash contribution safely and securely online in the click of a button.
Check out the best registry websites for cash gifts and honeymoon funds here!
5. Provide Budget-Friendly Options
Gift registries can cater to a wide range of budgets, making it more convenient for your loved ones to choose a gift that suits their financial situation. While some guests will want to splurge on an expensive gift, other guests may prefer more affordable alternatives.
Creating a gift registry allows you to include a variety of items at different price points, ensuring everyone who wants to contribute has suitable options to choose from.
6. Use it For Other Wedding Events
Remember, your wedding isn’t just a single event – it often involves a series of celebrations leading up to the big day. From engagement parties to bridal showers, your wedding registry can also be helpful for guests who want to provide gifts for other occasions.
If this is the case, make sure you check on your gift registry regularly and add new items as needed.
Check out 5 wedding events you should know about here!
7. Receive Exclusive Discounts and Offers
Many retailers and online platforms will offer exclusive discounts and perks for gift registry participants. These perks can range from storewide discounts to free shipping, free gift wrapping or even bonus gifts. Some platforms such as Amazon will even offer discounts on any registry items that don’t get purchased for a limited time after your wedding.
By creating a gift registry, you not only simplify the gift-giving process for your guests but also unlock the best prices – making it more affordable to purchase essential items or splurge on something special that you’ve had your eye on.
8. It Saves You Time
If you don’t create a wedding gift registry, prepare to be bombarded with questions from guests asking for ideas and suggestions. Not only does this take up precious wedding planning time, it can also feel like an awkward conversation!
A gift registry removes this hassle by giving you a convenient place to direct these guests. Simply include your gift registry details on your wedding website, and your guests can be taken there in the click of a button. With so much involved in planning a wedding, this is one thing that can be taken off your plate.
Wedding Gift Registry Etiquette and FAQs
While gift registries offer several benefits for both you and your guests, it’s important to approach them with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. Here are some etiquette guidelines and frequently asked questions to consider when creating your wedding registry:
- When should you create a gift registry? It’s a good idea to have your gift registry ready before any save-the-dates or invitations are sent out. This gives your guests ample time to choose a gift, and means they can utilize your registry for any pre-wedding events.
- Can you have multiple registries? Yes, you can have multiple registries from different retailers. To make it easier for your guests, consider using a “universal” online registry that allows you to include gifts from multiple sources in one place.
- What kind of registry should I choose? This is entirely up to you! Choosing the right registry will really depend on your needs and preferences. If you would prefer physical gifts, a traditional gift registry from a large retailer may be the best fit – but if you’d prefer cash contributions, a honeymoon fund would be better suited to your needs.
- Is it appropriate to include gift registry information on your wedding invitations? It’s considered impolite to include gift registry details on your wedding invitations. Instead, we’d recommend including this information on your wedding website.
- How many gifts should we register for? Remember, you want to provide plenty of options for your guests at different price points. With this in mind, a good rule of thumb is to include 2-3 gifts per guest, with the expectation that not all gifts will be purchased.
- Should you send thank you notes for registry gifts? Absolutely! We’d suggest sending personalized thank you cards to show your appreciation, ideally within 3 months of your wedding date.
Check out our tips for what to write in a wedding thank you card here. - Is it acceptable to request cash gifts? While it’s becoming more common, requesting cash gifts directly can still be considered a bit sensitive. If you would prefer monetary contributions, it’s important to ensure your wording is tactful, and not to place any pressure upon your guests.
Read our wedding gift registry wording examples here for some guidance.
Sharing Your Gift Registry With Guests
We’ve made it easy to share your gift registry details with guests here at WedSites. Our wedding website builder allows you to create a custom wedding website and fill it out with helpful information for your loved ones, including your gift registry link. Explore our range of customizable templates here, or sign up for your free account to get started.
Need some help pulling your registry together? Don’t miss these 8 tips for creating the best wedding registry here!
