Wedding Registry Etiquette

It can get a bit lost in the haze of confusion with organising your wedding sometimes, but clearly, everyone involved in your wedding wants to have a great time and they all want you to have a great time too. So if you're worried about what's right and what's wrong then relax a little - your friends and family won't get their noses out of joint if you don't follow the traditional wedding etiquette line exactly. Having said that, there are some things that can be a little prickly and if you want to avoid so much as a raised eyebrow then keep these things in mind:

First things first, having a gift registry: It is helpful for everyone involved if you have a wedding registry. By creating a wedding registry you avoid all sorts of uncomfortable decisions for your guests as they try to decide which colour you like, what colours you have in your home, even whether you still go bike riding or if you gave that up last year. The etiquette queens generally agree, a gift registry saves money, time, and embarrassment for both the couple and guests.

What if you don't really want any gifts: It's unlikely that your friends and family will let you get away with this one. For one thing it seems unappreciative. Sure, you know it's not but that's how it will seem to your guests. One way to get around this is to suggest a donation to charity. Add one or more charities that you respect to your gift registry. If you think your friends might still feel a little cheated then make it a charity where it's obvious that you'll get something out of it as well like the World Vision program or sponsoring a zoo animal.

Cash gifts: In many cultures giving money as a wedding gift is perfectly acceptable. In others it's frowned upon. You would know your situation better than me so I'm not going to tell you what's right and wrong. If you ask for cash it often helps to say what you're planning to use it for, whether it's the honeymoon, house, or your children's education. That way your guests will know how you've benefitted. And be very careful about how you word your request! A poem is a great way to make a request for money seem more palatable.

Gifts not on your registry: Let your guests know that anything they give will be appreciated, whether it comes from your wedding registry or not. The gifts your family and friends give you are their choice. Some presents are carefully chosen surprises that you would never have thought of or expected, and may become the most cherished gifts you receive.