What should I do about a registry?

Question

We've already been getting people wanting to know where my fiance and I are registered. The thing is, we have been living togther for awhile now and we have everything that we need, except for a few trivial items. I considered making a registry for those few items, but there are so few that it would be pointless. I've also considered registering for things that are nicer than what we already have, since most things are the cheapest we could get, but when I look at popular registry places, their items are so expensive that I'd NEVER ask my guests to spend that much on us! In fact, I don't really want them to spend money at all, but they are insistent. What would you do?

Answer 1

It's good to have a registry at at least one place, so that people who are asking will have a place to buy you a gift. Many people don't want to feel like they're wasting money on a gift you wouldn't necessarily want, and don't feel comfortable, for whatever reason, giving money.

That being said, you can register for a honeymoon with a local travel agency. You can also tell your guests, "We are blessed to have everything we need. In lieu of gifts, please make a donation to the NAME HERE Women's Shelter."

There are many places where items are not too expensive: Target has a registry; many items at Crate and Barrel, Macy's, Bed Bath and Beyond, etc. are not expensive. And Amazon has their own registry, too. So does Home Depot (available only online) and Sears.

Good luck!

Answer 2

You should probably register, just because if you don't, you'll end up getting 3 toasters, 6 coffee makers, and ten different color towels. So, go to a one-stop place that is nation wide and available online so you can easily change it and everyone has access. Try Macy's or JC Penney or Linens and Things. Also, in your circumstance, choose the one with the best return policy. Target's return policy is NOT good.

You don't know it now, but you'll be happy you have those pretty wedding things later. Register for a nice set of dishes that can be bought piece by piece, that way, if they want to buy you dishes, they have the option of getting you anything from a $20 plate, to a complete place setting, to a complete set. You can get about 50-60 registry items just by registering for dishes. And if you don't get enough, you can return them. Register for a few nice serving pieces, like Wilton Armetal for casual and crystal for good. Also, register for some nice wine glasses, you'll use those forever. Get a couple of nicer pots and pans and KNIVES. Good knives are expensive and worth it. But a single knife might be $30-$100 dollars. YOU don't want to spend that, but people gladly will on a wedding gift. Register for new sheets and towels. You'll use those, maybe not right away, but eventually. Then put those other few things you need on there. You could also register for Christmas dishes if you don't have those.

Just make sure to have a nice variety of prices. And put a couple of higher priced things on there, because some people will go in and buy a group gift, like co-workers.

Trust me, you'll be happy you replaced the cheap stuff, especially when the boss comes to dinner and this is your only chance to do it without buying it yourself.

Answer 3

As a guest, I hate it when a couple refuses to register, says surprise me, or we don't need anything. Hate it. It's a lot of pressure on a guest who WANTS to give you a gift. It's our way of contributing a little happiness to your home and your new life together. Don't make it hard on us, or make us feel bad because we want to get you something.

I generally spend around $50 for a shower gift, $75-100 for a wedding gift, and more if we're especially close or it's family. Many people I know do the same, so you might be surprised by people's generosity.

Even if you don't want to, register anyway. Pick things you'd like but can't bring yourself to buy, and yes, replace things with better quality items, especially things like sheets and towels. Remember that you're not telling your guests that they must buy you a gift by registering, you're just making it easier on them.

And if a guest wants to give you something of their own choosing, at least your registry provides them a guideline on your tastes, which will help. I know you think "surprise me" is a good idea, but a lot of times, it's not. We received a few "surprise" gifts for our wedding that were just not our taste, style, or even useful for that matter. Sure, the intentions were good, but now I am in a position that I feel guilty for giving away or getting rid of wedding gifts we will never use. You might think it's the thought that counts until you're staring at an ugly vase year after year that you can't get rid of because Aunt Jane gave it to you.

Answer 4

It's really helpful for guests to have somewhere to start! And I think you'll be surprised at how much people are willing and enjoy spending. Just be sure to have a nice range of gift prices. I'd register for a few things at a store or two (new bedding/towels, household appliances, decorations, even tools or electronics), but then also check out different hotels or travel agencies to see if they have any kind of gift registry. I know that Marriott does. It's great. People can register to buy you a night's reservation, a bottle of wine, dinner, services at their spa, etc.

Answer 5

Most guests are going to insist on giving you something and they are asking about a registry because they want to get you something you really want or they don't have a clue what to get. Most stores have registries so register at a couple different places of varying price ranges. There are always things you could use or replace what you have even if you already have it. Be creative.

Answer 6

I know how it is, people have been asking me too and no matter how many times you say you just want them to come to the wedding and not worry about a gift, some people just insist they buy something. In this case we have been suggesting inexpensive things like towels and sheets, you can never have too many of those and they are not generally expensive. Another thing we have suggested is that people send us the photos they may take at the wedding, either the film or the photos themselves, not only does it save on a photographer if you are on a tight budget, but it also makes the guest feel like they have given you a gift, and you can ease your mind knowing it has not cost them a fortune.

Answer 7

We didn't want to register either, but at the insistance of HIS family we did. We did it at JC Penny, because that was where everyone was wanting it at. We were not the fancy type of people, didn't have much money either and so it was hard for us to do. His family had certain expectations, so went with things they would approve of. Well, we actually did things a little backwards and got married after our daughter was born, so the things we knew we would never use, we exchanged for baby items. Tacky, a little yes, but people were happy that they gave us something they felt worth while. I don't like to buy off of registries personally, but I do follow them for ideas and taste. Go ahead and register for things that wear out, and just keep things for later uses.

Answer 8

Just register for what you need and want... get new towels, sheets, bathroom set, cooking stuff..... if it's too expensive, don't worry about it... people will only spend what they can afford and in most case they will go into together on it. We had the same problem because a new pot and pan set is $500 and a kitchen aid is like $300 but most of my family said, don't worry about it.... we might all go in one big thing if that's what you need.

Answer 9

Don't deny them the ability to give you a nice gift- chances are they're gonna spend money either way...might as well register so you get things that you can actually use. If you don't want excesses then think practical when making your registry

Answer 10

Go to www.walmart.com and start a registry. All you have to do is sit there and look at stuff and add it. I think you can do the same thing through Target. You would be surprised at what people will buy for you. Just register for a variety of things ranging from $10 to about $200.