Expert advice
Registry gifts
What to register for
Local finds. Use a registry that allows you to shop local, fill your home with products from your region, and even register for local experiences like dinner for two or a concert in your area
Travel funds. Having a honeymoon registry is a great way to ensure you have a great getaway. But register for specific activities, like a day of scuba diving, a nice meal, or a tour of a local landmark so that guests feel like they are contributing a tangible gift and a special memory that's a bit more personal than asking for cash.
Family heirlooms. Begin your own traditions and start collecting family heirlooms to share with future generations. You may not see a need for that fine china or crystal stemware in your everyday life, but you're building a bit of your family history, so don't leave it off your list!
Charity. If you have a cause that is important to you, this is a great time to spread awareness with your guests and help out where you feel it's needed most. Instead of piling up more products in your home, use your wedding to spread the love to those less fortunate. Organizations like the Rescue Train (See: http://thegiftofloveshop.org) have registry and gifting programs to make this easy for you and your wedding guests!
Wine! Nice bottles of wine or another one-time use extravagance that you wouldn't normally spring for make a great (and fun!) option. These are the gifts of future memories together.
Bridal shower registry for gifts
Did you know that you can register for your wedding shower? When you register, consider gifts appropriate for this time too! Or send out a separate registry specific to this ladies (and/or gents) day. It's even appropriate to include this information on these invitations since traditionally the bride and/or groom is not the host.
If you plan on playing games at this shower, small gifts or prizes for the winners are appropriate. These can range from small value gift certificates to spa products, to items themed for the shower or wedding day's theme. If you're hosting a destination wedding, consider gifts that guests can use on location!
Since the wedding shower is typically two months before the wedding, be sure to send out thank yous promptly - best within two weeks of the event. Not only is this the polite thing to do but it also helps you avoid getting behind on those cards as the wedding gifts really start to roll in and more thank yous must go out.
Don't forget to gift the hosts! Your hostess (or hostesses) should know how much you appreciate them and their efforts. Bring a heartfelt gift (small or large) to the shower that says thanks!
Bridal shower favors should be included, just like the wedding day. Friends and family invested time and money to shower you with love and a small token of gratitude should be given. If the shower is co-ed, be sure the gifts are appropriate for both (or select his and hers gifts)!
If your wedding registry is already being bought up and you can't think of what else you could possibly want, consider a themed gift shower. Like his and her tools, an around-the-clock shower, or a lingerie event where each guest is asked to bring a gift reflective of the theme so you get exactly what it is you need and want and not more of the same from your registry.