Wedding wise: Five registry tips to keep in mind
Filed under: Negotiating Speed Bumps, Do-It-Yourself, Etiquette
One of the perks of tying the knot -- other than all eyes focused adoringly on you and the free reign of the cake table -- is the ability to register for things you need (or just really want) and then having them magically appear on your doorstep or on your gift table at no charge to you. But if you aren't careful and you don't put a little thought into what you're asking for, you may get a coffee pot when you don't drink coffee or three full sets of red wine glasses because they were all too pretty to pass up (I may have some personal experience with that last one). Here are a few tips to consider when you set out to put together the perfect wedding registry:
- First -- and most obviously -- what do you already have? Now, I know this may seem a little too obvious but if you already have a full set of dinner plates or a very workable microwave, just scratch those items off the to-register-for list right away. There is plenty you will need -- and plenty you may just plain want -- to ask for another crock pot when the one you have works just fine. Don't get too overzealous with the registry gun and the easiest way to prevent that is to take inventory of what you actually own.
- Get rid of everything that doesn't work. If you've been using a mixer that hardly mixes for months now because you just can't bring yourself to fork over the money for a new one, well, here's your chance to upgrade. Toss everything from your kitchen, garage, bathroom, etc, that doesn't actually work or no longer serves its purpose. Make a list of what you toss, decide what you really want to replace and add those items to your registry first.
- Decide what you will really use. I know it's tempting to purchase fancy champagne flutes or that gravy boat you saw, but will you really use it? Do you ever make waffles to put that waffle maker to use? Don't let the shiny items blind you from your lifestyle. Be honest with yourself and leave the sugar bowl off your registry if you haven't said to yourself at least once, "I could really use a sugar bowl."
- Poll your married friends. Don't be afraid to ask your newly married friends what they really use (and what they immediately returned) from their own wedding registry. Pick their brains for the items they love, the items they lust after and the items they never took out of the box.
- And, finally, research. Once you know you want (and will use) an ice-cream maker, research -- through Amazon reviews, Consumer Reports, blog reviews, etc -- what make and model is the most favored. You don't want to add an item just because it comes in your favorite color if it's especially known for breaking after a few short uses. Do your homework and your house can only benefit!
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