10 Dos and Don’ts for Creating Your Wedding Registry

2. Don’t Forget To Think of the Future

Adding a personal feel to your gift list, doesn’t mean it can’t be future-proof too. The team at The Wedding Shop told me that the most common mistake couples make, is only adding things they need now.

So while you might already have some crockery in your kitchen cupboard, and your mis-matched wine glasses are good enough to do the trick when your friend comes over with a bottle of Malbec, you shouldn’t just consider what you need for your current home or lifestyle.

Think about when you get a bigger place, maybe have a family, or start to host guests. Choosing ‘grown-up’ pieces like a dinner service, gorgeous glassware, or luxurious bed linen doesn’t have to mean you’re ready to settle down in your forever home just yet. But they will be pretty fabulous to have to hand, when you are.

4. Don’t Think It’s Rude to Ask for Cash

If you’re buying your first home, working on a renovation project, planning a big trip or saving up to start a family, it makes sense to receive cash gifts for your wedding.

Some couples feel awkward about requesting money, and while in reality, it’s the same thing as asking for ‘stuff’, I know there is a tricky etiquette around how to do it in a polite way.

Luckily, choosing a service like The Wedding Shop means it’s all done for you, in a way that’s subtle and classy. By setting up a fund for your home, garden or honeymoon, guests will feel like they’re really investing in something bigger, rather than simply handing over cash in an envelope.

Plus, you can pair your fund with a selection of homewares to give your guests the choice of combining both a cash gift and a present, or simply buying a gift instead.

6. Don’t Forget to Look for Inspiration

We all have an idea in our head of what our gift registry should look like, (for some reason I never think to look past the kitchen and dining sections!), but the options really are endless.

When you start to compile your registry, keep an open mind, and look out for inspiration for items you’d never have considered including.

The Wedding Shop have some great curated edits on their site from their own staff and industry experts, while we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourites in our dedicated gift registry hub.

Whether it’s looking to sound-systems and furniture or barbecues and board games, thinking outside the box means you’ll receive gifts for all elements of your life, not just your kitchen cupboards or dining table.

8. Don’t Do It Alone

For some couples this goes without saying, but you’d be surprised how many brides take a wedding registry and run with it!

Make sure you sit down with your other half, whether it’s in-store or online and compile your gift registry together.

Talk about what you need for your current home, or might like for a future one, chat about your tastes, preferred colours, and homeware styles, and plan out your experience gifts together.

If you find your gift registry is leaning more in the direction of one your styles, add a few favourites of the other’s to correct the balance.

Even if your other half is indifferent, chances are they’ll get excited about some cool barware, nifty electronics, or a fun weekend getaway.

10. Don’t Be Disappointed

Whether it’s your birthday, Christmas, or indeed a few days after your wedding, there are times when you don’t get quite the gift you were looking for.

You may want to complete dining or cookware sets, or get a second lamp to match the one given to you by your auntie. That’s no problem.

The Wedding Shop allow customers to change their minds after their big day, and swap gifts for the most-wanted items on their registry.

Alternatively, if there’s something you really wanted that nobody purchased, you can decide to buy it yourself with a 10% lifetime discount.

Your list can stay open for up to 12 months after your wedding date and your advisor will help you with any changes you’d like to make among The Wedding Shop’s branded products.