Gift Registry Tips

Ahhh, the Gift Registry…an exciting time for you and your husband to be (yes, he should be involved!), to imagine your home with all new stuff in it! How fun! But before you get ahead of yourselves here are a few tips to starting your registry out right.

• Register Early! Right after you have announced your engagement you should begin registering. That way if you have an engagement party and/or bridal shower you will be able to give your guests a heads up on what you would like.
• Register for WHATEVER YOU WANT! But be realistic. Yes it would be awesome if someone bought you a Sterling Silver Ice Cream Scoop from Tiffany & Co., but will you ever use an Ice Cream scoop that cost $395…we think not! Also be aware of space. Try not to register for things that you don’t have storage or counter space for.
• Be courteous to your guests. Register at 2-3 different stores with at least one being online. This way travelers can have gifts shipped directly to you and locals can browse storefronts and save on shipping. Also, make sure to have a wide range in prices. Starting at $10 and up to whatever you think is reasonable for your guests. Registering for bigger gifts is okay and may encourage guests to go in on it together.
• Wedding etiquette tells us that it is rude to include your wedding registry information on or with your invitations. You’re basically saying, “Hey come to our wedding, but make sure you bring us something!” However, I feel a little differently for 2 reasons. First, you don’t want to end up with a bunch of stuff you will never use, like a kitten throw blanket from your Aunt Edna, or already have; who needs three toasters? And second, you are providing your guests with food and entertainment for a night so why not expect something in return? Here are a couple additional things to note:
  • For travelling guests it may be inappropriate to include your registry information with the invitation because they could be spending hundreds or thousands of dollars to travel and stay for your big day.
  • If you decide to forgo including registry information with your invitation then be sure to tell your Mother, Grooms Mother, and Bridesmaids where you are registered so they can pass along the information to those who ask.
  • If you have a personal wedding website don’t be afraid to list your registry information there. It will let people know that “Yes, you are registered,” but “No, you are not expecting anything.”
• Lastly, for all of us who have lived with our significant other before getting married, chances are, you may not NEED too much “stuff”. Unless perhaps you want to upgrade what you already have. In the case that you don’t really need anything you still have some options. Thanks to the World Wide Web you can now have guests deposit money into an account for you for a Honeymoon Fund, or basically anything you want. Check out www.honeyfund.com, www.travelersjoy.com, www.honeymoonpixie.com, or www.depositagift.com for ideas. Be sure to do your research as there are some fees associated with some of the sites and then pick the one that will work best for you and your guests.

Wondering what to Register for, Download or print out our fillable Gift Registry Checklist for help.

Wedding Favors: Tips & Ideas

Wedding Favors: Tips & Ideas

In other cultures and countries Wedding Favors are/were used to present status of the couple or to wish good fortune to guests. We typically use them as an extra “Thank You” for attending the wedding. Even in the US, Wedding Favors are not as common as you may think but it has been a growing trend and most couples at least consider the idea during their planning and budgeting.
Ideally, you don’t want to spend more than 2-3% of your budget on Wedding Favors. If your budget is $10,000 then $200-$300 would be a good budget for favors. Obviously this can vary depending on budget and how important it is to you, but this is a good starting point. If your budget is $10,000 and you are inviting 200 guests than you are looking at $1.00-$1.50/person. So think within your means.

Try to avoid things that will “clutter” your guests’ homes. Although it is the thought that counts, you don’t want to waste your time and money on gifts that will get thrown away or left at the reception.

If you plan on having a lot of kids at your reception, consider doing separate goodie bags for them. Include things that will keep them entertained but be quiet, like bubbles and then add some candy, bubblegum, etc.

Here are a few different favor ideas at different price points:

$ Lottery Tickets – For as little as $1.00/person if everyone is given one ticket. At the end of the day they won’t have to take something home and find room for it on a shelf or throw it in a drawer, and they may win something!

$ Bags of Candy – Cellophane bags can be as little as $1.00/dozen, buy your candy in bulk and some ribbon to tie them together and Walla! You’ve got an inexpensive favor coming in at less than $1.00/person. *

$$ Bags of Candy Variation – Add custom made candy to the bags. You can get M & M’s specially made to match your wedding colors and be imprinted with your wedding date or something cute on them. *

*You can also print little gift tags to tie on with the ribbon, that have your Wedding Date or a cute poem as well; which would add a little something extra and not stretch your pocketbook.

$ Flip Flops – This is becoming a trend for outdoor receptions especially. Let your guests kick off their heels and dance the night away! We found them for $1.00/pair when bought in bulk.

$ Frames – Double Duty!! You can get small frames and put their Seating Cards inside of them. Add something cute to the card telling them the frame is theirs to keep. We found them for $1.00/pair when bought in bulk.

$$ Cake Pops or Cookies – A sweet treat your guests can enjoy at the reception or take home for later. You can typically get a dozen (maybe ask for a baker’s dozen?) for $10-$15. Check out Mommynac’s Sweets and Snacks.

$$ Homemade Jam – This is a fun DIY idea, especially since we’ve got Palisade Peaches to work with. Buy whatever fruit is in season and in bulk. You can cover the lids with fabric and tie them on with a ribbon. Plus this can be something fun for you and your “Husband to Be” to do together, or a variation of a Bridal Shower or Bachelorette Party.

$$ Custom Koozies – Firstly, know your guests. Is this a gift that they will use? You can get them personalized with something cute, funny or just your wedding date for your guests to enjoy.

$$$ Photo Booth – Double Duty!! Have your guests take pictures in the photo booth, provide costumes, mustaches, etc. for them to pose with. Then have one strip go in a guest book for the Bride and Groom (provide scrapbook paper and different colored pens) and you keep the other strip. A fun memory you can hang on your fridge.

The possibilities are truly endless for those on a budget and those who are not. Be sure to check out our Pinterest Page and follow us for ideas and trends for Wedding Favors and everything else Wedding related.