While some wedding guests revel in shopping for a present for the bridal couple, others have difficult, anxious times wondering what they will give the couple.
Taking away this problem are wedding gift registries. These are great for the worriers, as well as for the many couples who have already set up house together or who combine the effects of two households when they marry.
The concept of a wedding gift registry is simple. The couple go to a gift shop or department store of their preference and, with a member of staff, compile a list of gifts they would like. The retail outlet then prints the list and gives out special cards that can be sent with the wedding invitations, announcing where the register is held.
ONLINE REGISTERS
Some retail stores run parallel online registries, which are particularly handy for guests and well-wishers living in different towns or countries. Through the website, arrangements can be made to order and pay for the gift as well as have it sent directly to the bride and groom or the buyer.
Sometimes the situation arises that guests just do not feel comfortable about buying any of the list's items. They may be in the wrong price bracket or are felt to be too practical. In this case experienced retail staff can assist by making suggestions.
The list is preferably drawn up not too far from the time the invitations are sent, as this cuts down the risk of a particular item selling in the meantime. Once an item from the list has been purchased as a gift it is removed from the register to avoid double buying.
COUPLES SET UP THEIR OWN
Some couples set up their own gift registries that are organised free by special online service providers, some having the option for couples to add gifts from any store anywhere in the world. There are also online-specific New Zealand-based department stores that work by giving couples the ability to share a wedding gift list with friends and family.
TIP: Whether the couple receives a monetary gift, large or small, for their honeymoon or a gift through a department store, it is only courteous to acknowledge this by a thankyou note, letter or an email.
