Gift Registries: Dos & Don'ts
by Shelley Waugh

Kim Kardashian poster bride for what not to do

Kim Kardasian and then fiancée Kris Humphries

Kim and Kris chose items in their gift registry at Gearys ranging from $43 to $6,500 and I am sure enjoyed every step of the way for her reality wedding show filmed on August 20, 2011.

Some of the items the couple picked as camera rolled include:

Set of Four Gold Napkin Rings with Crystal, a new interpretation of the classic accessory, L’Objet set of four napkin rings plated with 14kt gold and Swarovski crystals, pictured right. $150.00

A Baccarat Missouri Mustard Jar, above left, measures 4 1/2". Price: $175.00

Ingrid Black Vase from Lalique, pictured left, hand crafted in France by skilled artisans, measures 10 ½” H. $4,625.00

For gift registry ideas click here for the Kim's complete gift list

KEEP REGISTRIES SIMPLE

ridal gift registry services are free and are usually available at department and specialty stores. If there are other places you would like to add to your lot of registries, approach the owner or manager of the location and ask if one can be set up for you.

You might want to include a home-improvement or computer store, gourmet food emporiums, antique shops, art galleries, a beauty salon or a health spa. Use your imagination, register anything you want where you want … and don't forget your honeymoon. When you are shopping for your honeymoon site, ask the travel agent if you can register your honeymoon. Be sure to add it to your list of registry locations. You'll be glad you did!

Once you have made your choice, your gift selection(s) will be on record in the store's computer under your name and wedding date. There's no duplication because with each purchase the computer updates your list. 

The location of stores where you are registered can be noted on informal shower invitations, but not on formal wedding invitations.

When guests ask what you would like, email, fax or send your list. 

Stores with branches can coordinate their computer listings and can deliver or ship the gifts to the address on your registration. 

You may register at more than one specialty store, but don't register the same items at more than one retailer.

HONEYMOONS REGISTRIES
Before you select a travel agent, make sure the company will allow you to register your honeymoon with their agency. If you are dealing with an agency that is part of a chain, establish where their locations are and include this information in your out-of-town guest information that includes their hotel and maps, etc. Then add the travel agency and the agent's name, address, etc., to your wedding gift registries list. If you have a wedding website make sure it's updated too.

If you are booking your travel online, remember this is a special day for the both of you therefore be prepared to do your research and book only when both of you are confident in the destination and what you are paying for.

There are also other places you can register for travel items you might need on your for your destination wedding and / or honeymoon - such as luggage, swimwear, eveningwear, camera, sports equipment and so forth.
 
Travel Insurance
A policy from a travel insurance company usually covers major illness, a death in the family or if the travel agency or agent goes out of business. Read the agency's conditions to make sure that everything is covered such as default and failure to produce your trip, medical problems, or injuries.

WINE REGISTRIES
Couples are adding wine suggestions to their registries for guests who wish to contribute to their reception (depending on your arrangements with the venue you are using) or for their home.

Wine clubs are an alternative and most have a wine gift registry online or locally that will allow brides and grooms to select bottles of wine, gift packs, pre-selected wine cellars, or wine club memberships as wedding gifts. Registries usually includes some of the best boutique and estate wines from around the world, plus stemware and decanters.

Most wine clubs include a free, customized taste profile that is created based upon the members' personal preferences. Recommendations are offered with tasting notes, a history of the wine, and how well the wine matches one's taste.

For couples looking to create a wine cellar, but not sure of which wines to include, again, most wine clubs suggest a "Starter Cellars" section that includes a comprehensive list of wines of assorted varieties from many regions.

To find wine registries and membership clubs Google wine gift registries and / or wine clubs (for your area add your location after the subjects. To check out a wine gift registry club visit www.bottlenotes.com. - SW

WeddingsHoneymoons.com | Wedding Gift Registries | December 3, 2011