FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS IN BRIDAL REGISTRATION ETIQUETTE

A few common questions come up when discussing bridal registration. The answers are not complicated, but are often forgotten during times of jittery wedding nerves. (But not cold feet, right?) Consider the answers to such pressing questions.

Question: When Should I Start Registering?
Answer: Not long after you say, "I do." Though maybe give it a few days to let the loving feeling soak in completely. It is a wise move to register in at least one store after your engagement is official, and then add more stores as time goes on. The total time period for registration should be from the engagement up until one year after the wedding. This gives plenty of time for early arrivals and latecomers.



Question: How Do I Make the Wish List?
Answer: It's a good idea to make a personal list long before you set foot in the store. This allows you to become familiar with what it is you really want. After registration it's simply a matter of walking through the store with your mate (relatives are not recommended) and choosing what would be nice, as compared to the original list of what you need. It is also advisable to select more items on the list than you expect to receive. This gives wedding guests more options.

Question: When Do I Send Invitations For My Bridal Registry?
Answer: Actually, you don't. It's never polite to solicit gifts from family and friends. The way this sticky situation is handled is that friends and family simply spread the word about the arrangement. However, it is also permissible to allow third parties to solicit gifts for you on bridal shower invitations and the like. The bride and groom are simply too polite to directly ask anyone for gifts.




Question: How Do I Go About Thanking a Person?
Answer: You sort of mumble the word "thank" and "you" as you shift your eyes upwards to meet theirs. Seriously, sending thank you notes after receiving a gift is important. After bridal showers and pre-wedding events, it is customary to send thank you notes at least within two weeks of receiving your gift. After the wedding a little more leeway is expected. You can take up to a month to send thank you notes after returning from your honeymoon. After that time period expires however, you are starting to look a little ungrateful.