We often talk about wedding planning following engagement, yet there are also other related projects that are part of this transition period. An exciting aspect of being engaged is planning what you need in your new home. Unpacking and seeing a well-coordinated room come together with beautiful new items that are uniquely and always yours is fulfilling. Warmly remembering the gift giver as you put your new items in place makes it even more special.

     One of the ways guests can best learn what your tastes and desires are for your new home are wedding registries. These registries offer a way to list a diverse array of the types of items you need from kitchen items to bed and bath to shelving to tools and more. Most registries can be done online so guests can pull up your wish list on the spot. Some local stores also offer the ability to print a registry in the store. In addition to brick and mortar stores, there are places such as Amazon where you can create registries.

     What should you put on your registry? What about high ticket items? Generally it is best to have a good mix of items that you need with a range of prices. Having some low priced items allows people on a limited budget to have several options. Sometimes friends and family want to go in together to purchase a gift so higher ticket items gives them choices. Having a variety of available and affordable items helps people know your style and color preferences. Gift registries also help guests with knowing what has been purchased and a general timeline of when they need to purchase an item.

    Signing up for a registry is usually straight forward and simple. Go to the online address for a particular store. Search “Registry” and in most cases wedding or bridal registries will pop up. If not, the header or footer of the site should contain a link for it. Next find the “Create a registry” option. This will take you step-by-step as to how to set up and add or delete items from your registry. If you are signing up for a registry in a brick and mortar store, a customer service representative can help you with the process or enter your information. There is often a bar code scanner you can use to select your items as you walk around a store. TIP: Some stores require a gift receipt to return duplicate items so you may want to check their return policies.

     We recommend you add items to your registry with your spouse-to-be so you can be in agreement on the essential decor. Make it a fun date: eat a bite together before tackling a couple of stores. Plan for a few hours of scanning. It takes a little time, but it’s so fun to go around adding things to your wish list! A word of caution, though: try to limit items to the ones you really like and would use and not go super happy with the scanner. At the end of the day, schedule in some time to rest, put your feet up, and enjoy a treat. You’ll be grateful you did.
    
     Take advantage of Engagement Parties, Open Houses, and Bridal Events at local stores that are specifically designed for couples to sign up for registries.  Often there are gift bags with great swag or free prizes. One such event that is coming up is the Belk’s Engagement Party on September 10, 2017 from 2-4 at West Town Mall. If you haven’t created your registry yet, it’s a festive time to do it and you’ll be entered for excellent drawings at Belks. Munch delicious food and scan bar codes while gaining wedding inspiration from industry professionals such as a DJ, a planner, hairstylist, cruiseline, and more! Since it is smaller and less overwhelming than many other bridal shows, this type of event is perfect for those who want to have time to ask questions from wedding professionals in a fun, low key environment. We’ll be there ourselves so make sure to stop by our table to sign up for a chance to win a free prize and learn about our special offers. We would love to meet you and answer any questions you may have!

     Get your registries in place early in your planning process. Some people like to shop for you as soon as they learn you are engaged. While not all of your items will be purchased from the store where you signed up, knowing your tastes and having plenty of time to to shop allows for the best chance of your friends finding that perfect item.

Happy Planning!