Weddingbee Blog

I go back and forth about registry in general. My FH and I have been living together for three-ish years (we live in an IKEA showroom, don’t know how I existed pre-IKEA) and aren’t sure we should register at all. My family has expressed resistance to several of our alternative ideas, but I think if we register, it will be for things we need.

I think you might want to try to incorporate non-traditional items in—we’re registering at REI because we’re cyclers and campers, but there are an awful lot of things there that are great to have, but relatively cheap–there are also things that I think people are more willing to go in together on, like a tent, or a couple of paddles. It’s more fun for the friend crowd I think to give something a bit off the regular registry list. Other ideas for reasonable gifts:
Board games
favorite restaurant gift certificates
charities
cloth napkins/table cloths
Movie passes

I know some of these are hard to register for, but if you’ve got a blog (which you must, since you’re a bee), acknowledge that the bloomingdale’s stuff is traditional or something and then direct people to other places.

In short, I guess I do think it’s important to register for all price levels—but I think it’s ok to register for more random, but ultimately useful, items.

I agree with misschickie! Register for things at a range of prices, and then take those less expensive items back and exchange them for the things you really want. And you can also ask those people you can be really direct with (like your mom and BMs) to spread the word about what you really want and encourage people to buy gifts as a group.

That was my first response too when we started. I have a perfectly good collection of mugs and glasses and plates. And a collection of cooking utensils. But my sister and mom kept reminding me that most of what your register for is for the llooonnnggg run. Beyond just hubby + me… our hypothetical children and their pals, casual dinners with new neighbors. We still aren’t adding fancy china or crystal or sterling silver, but I’m more willing to choose a whole new set of everyday plates (with enough to have a full dishwasher plus extra) that I’ll be happy to use for EVERY occasion and a few “fancy” accessories like candle sticks and nice serving utensils and serving bowls. That’s also why we’re registered for more than 3 sets of sheets and extra pillow cases. If *I* were to buy sheets we’d just get the daily special at Costco but this is the chance to lightly stock up on higher quality bedding/linens that actually coordinate. My parents were still using sheets they received as wedding gifts in 1974 till recently… they had PACKAGES of sheets still unopened even but then bought a new size bed.

I think a lot depends on who are your guests and what are traditions in your circle of family and friends. If a lot of your guests are parents’ friends who are well established and accustomed to these prices there shouldn’t be a problem. Also, people may want to pull together for bigger ticket items or give you money/gift cards. I don’t think there is anything wrong with registering for what you want.

then again, you can register for a few cheaper items even at nice stores like W&S or C&B, eg smaller size LeCreusets, Emile Henry bakers or small electric appliances are in 50-100 ranger, which I think is reasonable

Miss Penguin! No shame in the Kate Spade china! I’m a huge KS fan…so when/if I ever get engaged..that’ll be the first thing on my registry list!