7 Simple Wedding Registry Etiquette Rules for Guests
Not just brides and grooms but, guests also have all sorts of questions about a wedding registry. Here is some simple wedding registry etiquette that you, as a guest, need to know before attending a wedding.
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What is a registry and how does it work?
A wedding registry is quite simple: betrothed couples put together a wish list of wedding gifts, such as pots and pans, blenders and toasters, or more specialized items such as a honeymoon trip and art that they would like to receive. You, as a guest, can search their registry and give them a gift before an engagement party, or their big day. These days, there are many websites and online retailers offering registry services that allow gifts to be purchased and shipped directly to the couple.
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Where can I find their wedding registry?
Normally you won’t find it on the wedding invitation. Believe it or not, word-of-mouth is still the best way to know about the registry details. Sometimes, couples also put links to their registry on their wedding website.
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When should I give a wedding gift?
You can start as early as a year from their wedding date, or their engagement party, to a month after their big day to send your gift. Most guests send a gift a month before. That being said, the sooner, the better.
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Is is okay to shop off the registry list?
The answer is yes. It is fine to shop off their wedding registry, but only if you know the couple very well. In that case, you can give the happy couple something more personal, based on your knowledge. That gift should have a special value to them (a custom wedding portrait, or a piece of art that is based on their zodiac signs, etc.).
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What should I do if the registry is out of gifts?
If the couple’s registry is completely out of gifts, you can ask the couple directly whether they want something that’s not on the list. If you don’t want to bother them during the wedding planning, you may need to figure out their style by taking a deep look at the registry, and opt for something matching to what they have already requested. Also, you can go with something more personal, such as a gift certificate to a romantic restaurant, a spa day, or a meaningful and unique piece of art that will be remind them of their special day.
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Is a group gift acceptable?
Let’s be honest, sometimes couples may get a little fancy with their wish lists, and it may go beyond your budgets. Most registries such as Mishkalo (a wedding registry for original art) offers group-gifting for guests to contribute any amount they want.
7. What if the couple already lives together?
Nowadays, it is common for couples to live together before getting married, which means a wedding registry isn’t necessarily pots and pans. If you think the couple already have a full kitchen and furniture, they can either: (1) upgrade; or (2) get art and other fun gifts such as experiences. There is so much more to their house than just kitchen and bedroom. Maybe you can give them a kit of gardening tools, a game collection, or a custom wedding portrait.
