Planning your wedding can definitely take a lot of time and energy, but it’s also important to look beyond your wedding day and plan for your life together. Creating a wedding registry allows you to think about what kind of style will define you as a couple, how your home will look day in and day out, on holidays and when guests are visiting. Putting a registry together can seem complicated or overwhelming, especially in the midst of wedding planning, but it doesn’t have to be. With these tips and tricks from the wedding experts at Griffin’s Weddings, you can register for wedding gifts confidently.
DO choose more items than you’ll need so guests will have a choice, even if they’re the last person to see the registry. Many stores offer completion discounts or will continue your registry for a while after the wedding, giving you a chance to fill in the gaps.
DON’T register only for the big-ticket items. Keep your guests and their budgets in mind and mix up your price points so everyone can choose something meaningful.
DO register early. Give guests time to do some shopping and select their favorite item for you. Four to six months prior to your wedding date is recommended to allow guests ample time to make their choice.
DON’T register in too many or too few places. Two to four stores are enough to add variety without overwhelming guests or spreading yourself too thin. Online stores like Wayfair, Zola, Amazon and The Knot are super convenient, while brick-and-mortar shops like Target offer guests from all over the opportunity to walk inside and see their gift for themselves.
DO select items you’ll use daily as well as occasionally. You may not have plans to host Thanksgiving this year, but that doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. Think long-term and enjoy picturing your future together.
DON’T create your registry all in one day. Take a little time to think through your home room by room. It’s okay to go back and add or delete items on your registry over the course of a week or two before finalizing your decision.
DO add registry information to your wedding website. Guests will love to find all the necessary information in one place. Clickable links to online stores will be helpful as well.
DON’T have your registry information printed on your formal wedding invitations. If you must, include these details on a separate printed sheet in the wedding invitation packet. 
DO think outside the box. If household items aren’t needed, think about a honeymoon registry (check out Honeyfund), contributions to a fun adventure (see If Only) or stock portfolio.
DON’T ask for cash directly. Your wedding guests are seeking to give you a gift- they don’t owe you anything. Let them choose what- and how much- they want to bless you as you start your life together.
While a wedding registry can seem like a lot of work, it can be a great way to share your tastes and style with your guests. Involving friends and family in the start of your life together can be a meaningful act towards surrounding yourself with your “village.” Plus, the sweet nostalgia that comes when you break out the crystal salt and pepper shakers Aunt Linda gave you will bring your home together like nothing else. For more tips on creating a dynamic wedding registry, talk to the professionals at Griffin’s Weddings. We’re here to help you- and your guests- make the most of your big day!