The Importance of a Bridal Registry (August, 2003)

OK, let’s be honest here. Although etiquette properly refuses any mention of the giving of gifts on your wedding invitation, people are going to want to give you a present.

Now if you don’t want any gifts at all, be firm about it when people ask. If they insist, then direct them to donate to a favorite charity of yours. This is especially true for Brides that have been married before. In fact it’s quite likely that the previously divorced or widowed Bride and Groom will have duplicates of household items and will have to make decisions regarding what to consolidate, what to give away, or whether they wish to make a fresh start with new items.

However, many first-time Brides and Grooms appreciate receiving gifts in helping them set up their new household together. That’s why it’s important to register otherwise you might end up with six toasters and an untold number of glass sets.

What’s a bridal registry? It’s where various department stores, outlets, and businesses allow a Bride and Groom to pre-select merchandise that someone might wish to purchase as a gift to them. In fact, many companies now offer a special web site or link direct to the happy couple’s registry page that allows one online to view the item, purchase it, have it wrapped and shipped direct. This is a great time saver for busy people who are happy to know that they got you something you wanted.

Here are our hints. Take your time before you register. Browse through the store’s merchandise and get an idea of what they offer to what you need to set up your home. Select items in all price ranges to provide people an opportunity to give you something affordable to their pocketbook. Don’t forget to think of colors and visualize how you want your home to look.

Determine if you want anything monogrammed (towels, silver, etc.) and make sure the store’s representative makes the proper notations. By registering, your home will be practical and beautiful, filled with useful and cherished items given to you by family and friends. What better way is there to start married life off together?

Not too sure where to start? Here are some suggestions.

Linens

• Bed - sheets, pillows, pillowcases, blankets, and comforters for the master bedroom and guest bedroom (or sofa bed).
  
• Bath - towels, washcloths, hand towels, fingertip (guest) towels, bath mats, and shower curtains.
  
• Table – lace, linen or damask tablecloth to fit a table that seats eight, matching dinner napkins, place mats, and napkin ring holders.
  
  

Dishes

• Everyday – cereal bowls, cups, mugs, dinner plates, salad plates, dessert plates, sugar bowl and creamer.
  
• Formal – dinner plate, salad plates, soup bowls, bread and butter plates, dessert plates, cups and saucers, serving bowls, serving platters, gravy boat, salt and pepper shakers, and water pitcher.
  

Glasses

• Juice, ice tea, wine, beer mugs, goblets, champagne flutes, and liqueur.
  

Silver

• Place setting sets (one place setting consists of one of each: large fork, small fork, large knife, butter knife, soup spoon, and teaspoon).
  
• Serving spoons, gravy ladle, extra teaspoons (for sugar, condiments, etc.), shrimp forks, oyster forks, sugar tongs, butter server, jam spoon, cake knife, pie server and steak knives.

Kitchen
We’re not going to list all the pots and pans and cookie sheets and muffin pans and utensils and gadgets that are available for your kitchen but here’s some things that you might not have considered:

• Blender or food processor.
  
• Electric toaster or oven broiler.
  
• Cutting board.
  
• Spice rack.
  
• Canister set.
  
• Coffee maker
  
• Wok
  
• Small folding step ladder (great for reaching items stored in high shelves).