Making a wedding gift registry can be a whole lot of fun. Who doesn't love to choose a whole load of gifts for themselves? Many people however, do feel a little awkward about them. What's more, there are so many options available these days, it's hard to know where to start. In this Australian wedding gift registry guide, we offer some helpful information about creating registries, and help you decide how to plan out your wedding gift registry strategy.
To register or not
Let's be honest, no one ever had a bad time registering for gifts. In fact, some people admit that it is actually one of the most enjoyable parts of the wedding planning process. Compiling a list of your must-have items, only for them to be bought for you a few months later - it simply can't be bad!
On the other hand, some couples find gift registries a little awkward. One reason for this is the perception of greed they feel they might give off when sending out the registry. Specifically, some feel that as a wedding registry explicitly states desired gifts, guests will find it presumptuous.
Ultimately, whether or not to register is something you as a couple can decide yourselves. However, what you should know is that there are certainly some benefits to a wedding gift registry.
Ensuring that you actually want and use your gifts, avoiding waste, and giving guests the satisfaction of buying you something you truly need as newly weds, are three important things to remember when deciding whether or not to register for gifts.
You can also think about this: not all gifts on your registry have to be expensive. When considering whether to not to register, you can make yourselves feel a little more comfortable by ensuring that you have some $20-50 items on your list. This can give you some peace of mind and will simultaneously give guests the chance to buy something they can afford without feeling uncomfortable.
At the end of the day, setting up a wedding gift registry is all about you as a couple. Whether or not you decide to use one is your choice, but in order to come to a decision, you'll want to read this article.
What is a wedding gift registry?
A wedding registry is a curated list of gifts an engaged couple creates before their wedding in order to make the wedding gift experience easier and more guided for wedding guests.
Also known as a bridal registry or a wedding gift registry, a registry is typically a service provided by a website or online store. Seamlessly communicating your requests to guests, this registry enables them to select desired items from the store's stock. Once your guest has bought something, it disappears from the list, meaning that no one else will buy the same thing again.
And the bets thing about a registry? These days, there's no real limit to what you can ask for. Wedding registries can include a wide range of items, from home essentials to unique and personalised gifts, charitable donations, honeymoon donations and much more.
More interested in the idea of a wishing well? Learn more about that here.
So what are the benefits of a wedding gift registry?
We've already touched upon a few of the main benefits associated with gift registries. However if you're still not convinced, the following might help:
You'll get the gifts you want
Perhaps the most selfish of points on this list is this; when opting for a registry, you can choose the specific items you desire. This might sound obvious, but in creating a registry, you'll be able to contribute towards something in your life that you actually need a little help with; maybe a honeymoon or a new house.
It's convenient for guests
A wedding registry simplifies the gift-giving process for guests. And this shouldn't be underestimated. As guests can easily browse and purchase items from the registry, they save themselves a lot of time and effort.
You'll avoid duplicate gifts
The registry system also helps prevent duplicate gifts by automatically updating the registry when an item is purchased. As a result, you won't have three toasters to take home!
Completion discounts
Sometimes, registries offer completion discounts, allowing couples to purchase remaining items on their registry at a discounted price after the wedding. That's definitely a bonus!
You offer flexible options
You don't only have to register with one company. Couples can select items from a variety of stores or online platforms, giving your guests the freedom to choose from different brands, styles, and price ranges which match their preferences or even beliefs.
Returns and exchanges
Registries often offer extended return or exchange periods, allowing couples to easily return items if needed.
You might get some perks
Some registries even provide bonus gifts or perks for couples who register with them. This might be discounts on specific items, free shipping, or other special offers.
Where should we register for our gifts?
Unsure which companies in Australia offer the best wedding gift registry services? Here are a few ideas to get you on your way to creating the ultimate registry strategy.
The Wedding Nest
The Wedding Nest is a real haven for interior enthusiasts (so it's perfect if you're moving into a new home together). With its exquisite selection of carefully curated accessories, furniture pieces, and captivating art, you're guaranteed to discover some fabulous that will transform your space into a celebration of your new union. Get some of those wish-list worthy treasures into your registry and watch the items breathe new life into your home.
Hitchd
Hitchd is shaking up the wedding registry world! Boasting a very slick, modern and uncomplicated site, it's a great place if you're looking for only one solid registry option. Specifically, Hitchd focuses on honeymoons and awesome experiences, arguably making it a little less 'materialistic' than other sites. If that's your thing, then on this site, you can get everything from flights to Airbnbs and romantic dinners.
Peter's of Kengsington
Experience the epitome of elegance with a wedding registry at Peters of Kensington. This well-known Australian retailer offers an exquisite selection of timeless and sophisticated treasures, perfect for your wedding registry. You'll find opulent tableware, stunning kitchen appliances, lavish home decor, indulgent bath wares and more here. You can't go far wrong by registering here - whatever your taste.
Travel Registry
Not a fan of the typical registry? You might be the perfect candidate for a travel registry. The Travel Registry offers a super simple way for your loved ones to be a part of your honeymoon (without actually being there of course). Let your guests contribute to your travel fund, whether it's for flights, unforgettable evenings of cocktails, or luxurious accommodation.
David Jones
We all know David Jones, but did you know you can set up a registry here? The renowned premium department store chain, presents you with a great option to set up your wedding gift registry. It's super simple to create yours online, otherwise, you can actually meet with someone at your nearest store for a more luxury and personalised experience. As an added bonus, David Jones also offers couples a generous 10%-20% discount on any unpurchased items from their gift list. So that's definitely a bonus!
My Cause
Have you got everything you need in life? My Cause is a fantastic website where you can raise money for a charity through your wedding gift registry. If you have a cause that’s close to your heart, why not ask your guests to donate to charity instead of buying you gifts? There are around 1500 causes to choose from, so you can personalise the cause to your wedding and your preferences.
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