While we dish about the hottest trends and latest designs, we also know how stressful prepping for the big day can be. Meet Etta, our expert in all things etiquette. She’s ready to delve into your every dilemma.
Melissa Asks…
I am not sure which route to go for my wedding registry. Should I do a gift registry or cash registry? And can I list this information on my wedding invitation?
Etta Says…
It is definitely up to you on what type of wedding gift registry you should choose and what your situation is with your hubby-to-be. We find that most people who are already living together before the wedding have most of the household items they need, such as the toaster and espresso machine, and prefer cash instead. Asking for a cash via a registry is very practical and many couples enjoy this option because they can use the money for the honeymoon, paying off the wedding bills, or even towards a house payment. Many cash registries also give you the chance to ask for specific items such as activities on your honeymoon (couples massage on the beach) or down payment for the new condo. Most guests feel happy to contribute to a certain activity or event (not to mention it is more meaningful) and like the ease of sending the cash online.
We also recommend you still include a gift registry for the guests who still do not feel comfortable gifting cash. This allows them to still purchase some household options or other items you might need.
Another advantage of the online cash registry is the worry free aspect of losing the cash at the wedding. Everyone knows how hard it is to guard the card box at the wedding and in some very sad cases these boxes have gone missing due to theft. Using an online cash registry solves this problem for sure.
Your other option is of course the traditional gift registry (Bed Bath & Beyond, Macy’s, Crate & Barrel, etc). This is a great option if you are not living together yet and will be moving in after the wedding or purchasing a home soon. You can definitely register at more than one place but do not register at more than three.
Once you decide on your registry you will need to follow etiquette on how to tell your guests. It can be a little tricky so here it is!
Emily Post Etiquette: Do not include your wedding registry information on your wedding invitations-it is considered tacky.
You should use good old fashioned word of mouth and let the bridal party and parents inform your guests of your registry. You could even email the registry information to your maid of honor so she has it handy. The bridal party is often the first people your guests will approach for information, and having it available via email means they can forward it along on your behalf.
Another great option is to include your registry information on your wedding website as many guests come here for helpful information anyways-such as travel info and hotel options.
One other option (which is not highly recommended) is including your wedding website on your enclosure card for guests to learn more.
After chatting with your fiance (and mother) and deciding what is the best the decision for your wedding and the type of guests that are attending (younger guests or more conservative) you can decide which route you want to take. The last thing you want to do of course is offend anyone at the wedding. Hopefully this helps with deciding where to register and how to tell your guests. Good luck with your wedding planning!
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Have an etiquette question for Etta? Email us at etta@wordpress.com and she’ll post an answer for you.
Posted by Brittany Welby
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