Gift Registry Advice and Etiquette

 

We address some of the myths and mysteries around Gift Registries.

 

Q - What will my guests think about me having a bridal registry - is it rude to tell people what we want?

 

For wedding and civil ceremony guests, having a bridal registry is expected.  A bridal registry makes gift giving a convenient and enjoyable process for all guests.  It is especially convenient for loved ones living abroad.

 

There is nothing worse than giving (or receiving) an unwanted gift.  In the past, sticky moments have arisen when newly weds have reluctantly had to ask for sales receipts to return unwanted goods.  With a Just the Thing Gift Registry, these awkward moments are a thing of the past.  Not only do you pick exactly what you want, should you later change your mind, you will have the cash to buy exactly what you want at your convenience.

 

Through Just the Thing, your guests can purchase a gift online over a secure website or over the telephone and be sure that it exactly what you want.  With the added convenience of 24 online access, your guests can make a purchase from your gift list no matter what time zone they live in.

 

Q - What should I put on my list?

 

It's always good to have a variety of price points. Don't worry about including some high prices. People will often want to club together, or someone may want to give you something really special. As a rough guide, for 100 guests you would want to include around 50 gifts to an average value of £60 each, as most guests will buy as couples or families.  However, it is always a good idea to include a range of different priced goods from £10 upward.

Do not pick things for the sake of it - only put down things you really love and need.   Although, with Just the Thing, you have the added flexibility of being able to change your mind about goods before they are purchased.  Remember, the value of your gifts is delivered to you so that you have the final say on all wedding or civil ceremony purchases.

Some couples also like to request charity contributions to be made in their names.  With Just the Thing, you can add any charity or cause you believe in, not just those who have their own websites.  You have complete flexibility and control.

 

Q – What do guests like to buy?

Crystal and silver were traditionally the wedding gifts of choice but in today’s modern world, few couples have the space or décor for dated items.  While there may still be the odd stubborn Great Aunt Maude with her silver candy tray, the modern guest would rather know that their gift has gone toward making your future lives together that much more special.

 

That means that you call the shots.  If, like many twenty-first century couples, you’ve already been living together for a while, guests will not expect to buy you the traditional place settings or cutlery.  Today’s couples are only limited by their imagination.  Many guests are thrilled to be asked to contribute toward a couple’s honeymoon, home extension or garden renovation.  Don’t forget that your gift list can cover a range of needs from things for the home, a romantic honeymoon break, home improvements or even the traditional toaster. 

 

Above all else, your guests will appreciate a personal and meaningful list.  That’s why with Just the Thing Gift Registries, you can include personal messages or descriptions with each of the gifts on your gift list.

 

Q – When should I set up my Gift Registry?

Most couples set up their gift registry approximately 4 weeks before the wedding invitations go out. This allows plenty of time for editing your list.  With a Just the Thing Gift Registry, couples can also access their lists anytime 24hrs a day to make changes and additions right up until the day of the wedding!

 

Q - Should I include notification cards with my invitations?

Most guests would rather be advised if you do have a gift registry set up.  We offer our customers tastefully designed registry cards which can be inserted into wedding invitations.  In addition, you can send group emails linking your guests directly to your celebration website.  Just visit our Member’s Area to find out how.

 

If you’d rather not include registry cards, you can always add a few details to your “Save the Date” cards or  invitations.  Wording that we think works best includes:

 

For your convenience we’ve registered our gift list with www.justthething.co.uk

 

Some family and friends have been requesting gift suggestions. We have placed our registry at www.justthething.co.uk/yourname  for your consideration.

 

Q - What advice do you have for prospective brides and grooms?

As most couples these days are getting married after having already established a home, they prefer more special and unique gifts that are not always available in a department store - rather than the traditional wedding gifts of toasters & towels.

 

Just the Thing Gift Registries gives couples the freedom and flexibility to put exactly what they want on their gift list, from that traditional toaster to a piece of artwork from your favourite gallery, from a honeymoon to a loft extension.  It is entirely up to you.

  

Because we know that you don’t want to spend hours trying to create a gift list out of thin air, we have ready made gift packages to get you started.   Just add our “Romantic Honeymoon” and “Kitchen Essentials” packages, and with two clicks you’re already halfway there.  All packages are updated regularly and tailor made to suit our customers.  Best of all, each item can be edited individually to suit your needs.

Click here to begin building your own Unique Gift Registry