So many choices are available to the modern bride when it comes to bridal registries. One way to help make your decision is to see what other couples are choosing and discussing in our members’ forum.
The following article is an example of the content we have in our online wedding planning membership site HappyWeddings.ca under the heading of Bridal Registry. To learn more and get useful wedding planning tools for FREE, click here!
Almost all chain stores have gift registries, and so do some of the finer independent stores. You can find gift registries and online wish lists in WalMart, Sears, London Drugs, Home Depot, Target, Amazon, Pottery Barn, and almost any other store you can think of.
But there are some other gift registries that are not so well known. For example, did you know that some travel agencies have a gift registry? Yes, your guests can contribute to your honeymoon, buy you a dinner, or even purchase a room upgrade on a cruise for you. Traveller’s Joy is a well known on-line registry specializing in honeymoons, but many local travel agencies do have this service available. Ask your favourite travel agency if they have a registry available.
Some banks also have bridal registries, which is great if you are saving for a down payment on a house, or for some other special purpose. Ask at your local branch to see what is available to you. These are not quite as popular as other gift registries, but they do exist.
Another option is gift certificates. Almost every business has gift certificates available, and some couples who have all the household goods they can envision, opt for suggesting gift certificates for movies, dinner, and so forth. One mature couple chose this, and spent the next year going on weekly “dates” that they didn’t have to pay for, and tried out everything from Go Cart racing, to fine dining that they would have never treated themselves to.
Some couples are quite adamant that they want no gifts at all. Well, a gift is the choice of the giver, not the receiver, but if you fall into the category of not wanting gifts, you could inform your family and bridal party that you would prefer your guests give to your favourite charity.
If you aren’t quite so charitable, but like the idea of giving to a charity, you might consider an organization like the I Do Foundation in which you can register your gift choices, and a percentage of the purchases go towards the charity of your choice.
The key thing is to choose one store that sells the majority of what you desire as a gift, so your guests don’t get confused or overwhelmed by choices. As always, wait for your guests to ask before telling them where you are registered or what you want for your wedding. Always be gracious and thank the giver of any gifts that you do receive.