WHEN YOU DECIDE TO SET UP YOUR BRIDAL REGISTRY

No matter what type of wedding you are planning, your age or your budget, your friends and family want to give you a wedding gift.  They want to give you a gift that is something you want and need.  You know how good it feels to give someone the perfect gift that fits just what they wanted.

If you are marrying for the first time, or the last time, there are going to be items that you really need, and items that you do not.  Developing a Personalized Bridal Registry List will help you get started on the creation of your new life together. And, after the stress and rushing around of the pre-wedding, wedding, reception and honeymoon, it is just great to come home to the things that will make you comfortable and relaxed and not have to sit down and plan a garage sale or figure out what to do with the naked figurine with the clock in the tummy that has been passed to every couple since the beginning of time.   

In order to make this easy for both you and your guests, here are some tips that put a new spin on a very old tradition.  

1. Sit down with your significant other and figure out what you really need.  If you have silver, or china, you certainly don’t need a new set of either.  But, if you have a hundred year old iron, that definitely goes on the list.  Make sure your list includes everything you need, including:

• New towels maybe, new linen, new bedding, list all of the things that will may each of your houses one comfortable home.;  

• Your color choices;  

• What type of cookware you want (Don’t make anyone guess what you want);  

• The size of your bed  

• Anything really special that you might want  

2.  Of course some of these items won’t go on the “public” list.  They are the items that you, as a couple will get along the way.  You need a little time to save some money, so unless an item listed is something like an oxygen tank, it can wait a couple of months.  That’s YOUR LIST.

REGISTERING - After developing the public list—  

Register 5 to 8 months before the wedding.  You do this as a couple and for those stores you have to go to, you will need to  make an appointment. 

Most companies will maintain your registry at least one year following your wedding date.

1.  Get on the Internet and find the stores that carry the merchandise you desire and then register with them.  You will be asked the same questions as though you were in the store.  Same details in colors, items, etc. and you will be put on the bridal registry.  Be sure to register at, not only exclusive Internet stores, but also, stores that offer the same items at a reasonable price.  In this way, everyone will feel much less pressured to spend their last sent on something that you really want and they won’t eat for a week if they get it for you.  Be sure that you fax a copy of you list to each place you register, attention: Bridal Registrar.  Also make sure to include your shipping address.  That way you won’t get stuck for shipping.

2.  Next register at a couple of local stores that your friends and families frequent in their area.  Again, you want to speak to the Bridal Registrar and give her a copy of the list of items you want.

3.  No matter where you register be sure you:  

• Are not charged a service fee.  Bridal Registry is a free service.  If there is a fee, go somewhere else.  They are there to assist you and your family and friends in getting you the perfect gift.  

• Can see that there is good customer service to everyone they deal with (Ask for a reference list of customers, then contact them to see how the service was);  

• That they are accessible and user friendly (both Internet and Local)  

• Have items in price ranges that friends and family will be able to get you a gift in the price range they can afford.  (For instance, $15-$20; $20-$50, etc);  

• Make sure friends and family can purchase a gift certificate for you;