Should I Register for Wedding Gifts? A Comprehensive Guide for Future Brides and Grooms

Mar 30, 2023 | Wedding

Weddings are exciting events that bring families and friends together to celebrate love and commitment. While planning a wedding can be stressful, one of the biggest questions on every couple’s mind is whether or not they should register for gifts.

Registering for gifts has its pros and cons, and there are also alternative options to consider. To help you make an informed decision, this blog will provide a comprehensive guide, including FAQs at the end, on everything you need to know about registering for wedding gifts.

 

Pros of Registering for Wedding Gifts

Let’s start with the pros of registering for wedding gifts. See a list of some of the most significant benefits of creating a wedding registry. 

Helps guests know what you need

A gift registry allows guests to see exactly what you need and want, which can be helpful in ensuring that you receive gifts that are both useful and appreciated. It’s never a great feeling to spend $200 on a wedding gift that ends up in storage or, worse, in the trash. Not only does a registry give the wedding guests peace of mind when buying gifts for you, but it can also save them time and money, as they won’t have to spend time trying to figure out what to get you. Win-win!

 

Avoids duplicates

When guests use your registry, they can see what items have already been purchased, which reduces the likelihood of receiving multiple gifts of the same item. Without a registry, you may end up with 14 quilts, 20 crockpots, and 14 knife sets! That’s just not ideal!!

 

Convenient

Gift registries are usually easy to set up and use, and many online registry options provide a wide selection of gifts from different stores, making it convenient for guests to purchase gifts from the comfort of their living room. PJs, wine, and wedding registry night, anyone?

 

Increases the chances of receiving quality gifts

You are essentially buying dinner for a huge guest list; you should also get a nice gift in return! By registering for gifts, you increase the chances of receiving high-quality items that will last. This is because guests are more likely to buy from the registry, where the options have been carefully selected by you, rather than buying something on their own that may not meet your expectations.

 

Saves time and stress

By having a gift registry, you can avoid the stress of trying to figure out what gifts you need or what to do with gifts that are not useful. You also won’t have to spend time returning or exchanging gifts after the event, which can save you time and hassle.

 

Discounts

Some wedding registries will provide you with a discount on the items that were not purchased. This is great because if you really, really wanted that Kitchen Aid mixer, but no one bought it, you may be able to buy it now on sale!

blue wedding gifts

Cons of Registering for Wedding Gifts

There’s always a downfall to things, right? Let’s look at some of the cons of creating a wedding registry. 

Can be seen as greedy

Some people view gift registries as a way for couples to ask for gifts, which can be seen as greedy. This is particularly true if the registry is not discreet and guests feel pressured to buy something from the list. Or if there are only high-cost items on the list. If you only include items that are $200+, it may not be a great look for those folks looking to spend $50-$100. 

 

Limits creativity

When couples create a gift registry, they are essentially limiting the options for their guests. While this can be helpful in terms of making sure you receive items you actually need, it can also take away the element of surprise and the personal touch of a carefully chosen gift. For example, maybe one of your cousins is extremely talented at painting and wanted to gift you a hand-painted portrait of you and your partner. They may not do this in lieu of a wedding registry gift.

 

Not all guests will use the registry

Not all guests may feel comfortable using the registry, or they may prefer to choose a gift that is not on the list. You may put all this work into curating the perfect registry and then have only 50% of your guests use it, which can be frustrating if you have specific plans or needs. 

 

Limited options

Depending on the registry provider, there may be limited options for the types of gifts you can add to your registry. This can restrict the variety of gifts you receive and leave you with a lot of duplicates if done incorrectly.

 

Costly returns

If you receive multiple gifts of the same item, you may have to pay for shipping to return or exchange the item. This can add up quickly, especially if you receive a ton of gifts.

thank you cards

Alternatives to Registering for Wedding Gifts

If you are unsure about registering for gifts, there are several alternatives to consider.

One alternative is to simply ask for money. Hear us out–this can be done by including a note in your invitation asking for monetary gifts or by setting up a honeymoon or home fund. This allows your guests to give you something meaningful and useful while also eliminating the pressure to purchase expensive gifts. It could be as simple as providing a Venmo account to allow guests to simply send money at their convenience. 

Another alternative is to request donations to a charity in your name. This is a great way to make a positive impact on the world and to show your guests that you care about giving back.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about wedding registries

If you’re still unsure or have questions about wedding registries lingering, don’t worry, we’ve got some answers for you. Below you’ll find a few commonly asked questions about registering for wedding gifts.

Q: Is it okay to register for gifts if you already live together and have everything you need?

A: Yes, it is okay to register for gifts even if you already live together and have everything you need. However, be mindful of how it may be perceived by your guests. You may want to consider alternative options, such as asking for donations to a honeymoon fund or donations to a charity, if you are concerned about appearing greedy.

 

Q: What should I do if I get a gift that I do not like or cannot use?

A: If you receive a gift that you do not like or cannot use, it is important to be gracious and thankful. You do not need to keep the gift; you can donate it to a friend or charity or return it if you can.

 

Q: Is it okay to ask for money instead of gifts?

A: Yes, it is becoming increasingly common for couples to ask for money instead of gifts. Some couples prefer to use the money they receive to help fund their honeymoon, pay for home upgrades, or start their life together. Just be sure to be clear and upfront about your preference and provide easy options for guests who would like to contribute. For example, you might want to provide them with a simple way of sending money, like Venmo.

 

Q: How do I go about setting up a gift registry?

A: Setting up a gift registry is usually a straightforward process. You can register with a store in person or online, and you will be provided with a list of items you can include on your registry. You can also add items from multiple stores to create a comprehensive registry. Just be sure to give your guests enough time to purchase gifts before the wedding and provide clear instructions on how to access your registry.

 

Q: What is the best way to let guests know about my gift registry?

A: The best way to let guests know about your gift registry is to include the information in your wedding invitation or on a wedding website. You can also mention it during the shower or engagement party or if guests ask you directly. Just be sure to be respectful and keep the focus on your love and commitment to each other.

 

Q: What should I do if I get duplicate gifts?

A: If you receive multiple gifts of the same item, you can choose to keep one and return or exchange the others for something else you need. Be sure to thank your guests for their thoughtfulness and generosity, regardless of whether you keep or exchange the gift.

 

Q: Is it appropriate to include a gift registry in the wedding invitation?

A: It is becoming increasingly common to include a gift registry in the wedding invitation. However, it has been considered taboo to do this in the past (and these feelings may still linger with some people). Instead, you can opt to include this information in a separate card or on a wedding website. If you choose to include it in the invitation, be sure to keep the wording tasteful and keep the focus on the invitation’s main purpose: inviting guests to celebrate your love.

 

Conclusion

Registering for wedding gifts is a personal choice that should be based on your own preferences and priorities. While there are pros and cons to consider, registering for gifts can make it easier for your guests to find the perfect gift and for you to manage your gifts after the wedding.

However, if you are uncomfortable with the idea of registering for gifts or if you want to avoid appearing greedy, there are alternative options to consider, such as asking for money or making a donation to a charity in your name.

So, should you register for wedding gifts? Only you can answer that question. But with the information and options outlined in this comprehensive article, you can make an informed decision that feels right for you and your partner.

 

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