In all the hustle and bustle leading up to the wedding day, it’s dangerously
easy to forget what it’s all really about: you and your true love starting a new
life together. Well, you’re going to need a few new things for that new life,
aren’t you? That’s where a gift registry comes in. Not sure where to start?
Intimidated by (surprise!) more decision-making? Don’t fret. We’ve got the
basics on registering, with some tips from local experts.
Time to Shop
One of the refreshing things about setting up a gift registry is that there
isn’t a strict timeline. You can begin a registry the day after you get engaged
and continue adding to it right up until the big day. To help gauge timing, keep
in mind any events for which guests may want to consult the registry. Are you
having an engagement party or wedding shower? Allow ample time for your guests
to shop before these events, but also remember how frequently stock turns over
in stores.
Tell Them Without Telling Them
While it has become a social norm to receive gifts in celebration of a
wedding, couples should never expect them. Therefore, mentioning a registry on
any form of invitation that the bride and groom personally send out is
definitely a “don’t.”
Many stores have begun to address this etiquette dilemma by creating more
ways to share registries. Ryan North, co-owner with his wife, Tina, of
eco-conscious home goods shop Moss Envy in Minneapolis, simply suggests going
social. “A good registry will be capable of being easily shared via social
networking,” he says.
One of the easiest (and time-tested) ways to let your guests know where
you’re registered is simply word of mouth. Make sure your wedding party and your
immediate families are aware of the stores you have chosen. Guests rely on the
couple’s family and friends as a resource for this type of information.
Keep Things Convenient
While the number of shops where you register is a personal preference, a good
rule of thumb is generally two to three places. Registering at too many shops
will increase your chances of getting duplicate gifts, while too few make it a
bit harder for those buying the gifts. Making things convenient for your guests
is something you should consider throughout your wedding planning, and your
registry is no different.
“Your wedding guests will have different shopping habits,” says North. “Some
will want to go to the shop and use your paper registry, some will want to call
in the order, and many will want to shop online. And even though you’re telling
them what you want, some will want an easy out, so make sure a gift certificate
is an option.”
The 'Needs' and the 'Wants'
Wedding gifts have progressed from simple wishes of good health and
prosperity for the couple to blenders, gold-plated flatware and kayaking
expeditions in Colorado. Gift registries, just like weddings, are becoming more
about the couple and less about tradition. Adding a healthy mix of traditional
and non-traditional items to your registry will satisfy both your grandma and
your college roommate.
“Most couples today have already collected a fair amount of home goods, so
take stock and register for what you really need,” says Grant Sorenson of the
Foundry Home Goods in Minneapolis. “Secondly, and conversely, don’t be afraid to
register for what you want,” he says. “If there’s something special you’ve had
your eye on, go ahead and register for it. Don’t feel restricted to registering
for the traditional items.”
Price range is also a key factor to consider. Just as your guests have varied
shopping preferences, they also have differing budgets. North suggests your
registry should stick to this rule: 35 percent small (less expensive) gifts, 50
percent medium and 15 percent large (high-end/expensive).
“Most guests will be targeting that $50 to $100 price range,” says North.
“But don’t neglect the little ‘add-ons’ and the ‘big dreams.’ ”
And don’t forget this cardinal rule: Think long-term. Will you be hosting
holidays at your house? How large is each of your families? How big do you plan
to grow your own family? For this reason, Carly Winslow, vice president and
general manager of Edina-based home accessories boutique Ampersand Shops,
advises couples to register in quantities of 12 in dinnerware.
“This is the beginning of a long and happy life with your partner,” reminds
Winslow. “Consider how you will be entertaining and what you want those special
occasions to look like.”
Where to Shop
It’s important to register at a variety of places to satisfy both the bride’s
and the groom’s tastes and give your guests plenty of options. Large go-to
stores, such as Target and Crate & Barrel, serve as great places to find the
items you’ll need for your day-to-day life; their national presence will make it
easy for your out-of-town guests to shop, too.
Look to local shops to personalize your registry. Businesses such as the
Foundry offer special, one-of-a-kind pieces that are not available in chain
stores. “It’s the perfect place to register for all those special hand-crafted
items that add charm and unique taste to a home, and also support local
craftspeople,” says Sorenson.
Shops like Ampersand can personalize the process and help create a
hassle-free experience. “We have developed our own custom wedding registry,”
explains Winslow. “Our site provides an elegant and easy experience for the
registrants and their guests. Registrants can upload photos, update items and
manage gifts received with our custom thank-you-note manager.”
The most important piece of advice about this exciting activity is very
simple: Have fun. “Enjoy this season in your life,” advises Winslow. “There will
never be another time like it.”
Registeries Galore
A go-to list of local and national retailers that promise a sensible and
tailored gift registry
Ampersand This boutique features some of the most sought-after brands in tableware, as
well as their own custom wedding registry program. Edina
Bed Bath & Beyond Easily accessible for your guests, this store offers kitchen necessities,
home accents and more. Nationwide
Cooks of Crocus Hill With a firm belief that “life happens in the kitchen,” this store offers
everything from pans to James Beard Award-winning books. Stillwater, St. Paul and Edina
Crate & Barrel You can find all the basic kitchenware and home décor items, plus everything
you need to host a holiday feast. Nationwide
FinnStyle This Twin Cities shop is full of Finnish-designed home goods and specialty
glassware in timeless, classic designs. Minneapolis
The Foundry Here, you’ll find home goods and one-of-a-kind artisan-crafted pieces in a
boutique atmosphere. Minneapolis
Gather This quaint shop specializes in unique décor pieces to personalize your home. Edina
Kitchen Window For those with a passion for cooking and entertaining, this store allows
registrants to test-drive products in a demonstration kitchen before registering
for them. Minneapolis
Kitchens This local shop is full of nifty kitchen gadgets (many made by local
companies) and gourmet cookware at reasonable prices. Eden Prairie, 952.943.0281
Macy's From bedding to bath, kitchen tools to luggage, this is a one-stop shop for
registering. Nationwide
Moss Envy This eco-friendly home goods store stocks quality products meant to stand the
test of time. Minneapolis
Restoration Hardware You’ll find upscale hardware and home furnishings that turn any home into a
work of art. Nationwide
Target Offering everything from home luxuries to electronics in a wide price range,
this is a perfect place to begin your registry. Nationwide
