1- Think about what you don’t have and what you need.

If you and your fiance already live together, then you may not need many of the household items that top most registries. In this case, it’s perfectly OK to register for fun gifts like sporting equipment or a cool kitchen appliance like an ice cream maker.

2- Consider the future.

It’s a good idea to think about after the wedding and beyond. Do you and your fiance travel on a frequent basis? You should register for a quality set of luggage. Do you plan on hosting a lot of parties or inviting guests for frequent stay-overs?  Stock up on extra dinnerware and bedding.

3- Don’t forget items you really want.

A wedding registry brings the perfect opportunity for you to request gifts that you (and your fiance) really want. So go ahead and scan that fancy espresso maker, silk sheet set, wine cooler, or big screen television set. You may not get what you want, but many retailers offer a decent discount when you purchase the remaining items on your registry. Be sure to ask the sales associate or consultant about it before you register.

1- Bowling Night

Head to the bowling alley for a little friendly competition! This plan works best for smaller parties (4 to 8 people) which will enable you to divide the party into smaller groups to have a bowling tournament against each other. Try to find a fun bowling alley that has a lounge or restaurant so everyone can enjoy a meal before the big event. To make it even more fun, come up with silly team names and have every group pick one color so they can wear a t-shirt in that color to show team spirit.

2- Spa Day

Why not make the bridal shower a day long (or at least a half-day) event? Invite all your closet gal pals and unwind while getting manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages. When you book your event at the spa, be sure to ask if they offer discount rates for groups or bridal shower events.

3- Picnic in the Park

If you are on a tight budget or you want a party that is more low-key, host a picnic bridal shower in the park or in a backyard. All you need is some delicious food, wine, and a table.  Even better, make it a pot-luck and ask your guests to bring something to the picnic like sandwiches, salads, cakes, or cookies. Enhance the party’s festivities by bringing  some fun games like bocce ball or volleyball. This party is casual enough to turn it into a Jack-and-Jill bridal shower, so be sure to invite your fiance and his friends!

Should You Register For Gifts?

Most engaged couples make a gift registry to ensure that they get gifts they really want and prevent duplicates from being sent (like 3 toasters). If this is your first wedding or you want to set up your home as a haven to entertain friends, a gift registry is a wonderful thing! If this is your second (or third) marriage or you already live together and thus have set up your home, you might have no need for a registry. If this is the case, you might want to sign up for an alternative registry or have guests send you money instead.

When Should You Register For Gifts?

You should register at least six months in advance or at least right after you send out the invites.

How Do I Let My Guests Know Where I’m Registered

Word of mouth is the preferred way. But remember never to solicit the registry info and always wait until a guests ask you about it. The same rule of thumb applies to monetary gifts. It’s never polite to bring up the subject without being asked first.

How Long Should I Wait Until Sending The Thank-You Notes?

You should send each note as you get each gift. If you must wait, do not  send the thank-you notes more than a month after the wedding.

What Gifts Should You Choose For The Registry?

This depends on what the couple wants. If you dream of going to on long camping trips and experiencing adventure treks, you should register for camping gear, bikes, and hiking gear. If you want to create a home for a future family, then you will want to register for furniture and picture frames.

What you and your fiance choose on your registry list is up to you, but don’t forget these few essential items that you should not forget no matter what the goals of your registry is or your personal taste.  Here is the list.

A Set Of Quality Luggage

A  set of coordinating luggage is an essential that you’ll probably use at least once a year if not more. Try to choose something neutral that is classic enough to last for years.

Vacuum Cleaner

Everyone wants a clean floor so make sure that you add a good vacuum cleaner to your list. Check Consumer Reports to find the best models and add one to your registry list.

Solid Stoneware Dishes

Make meal times a more enjoyable event with a complete set of classic dishes. You can make it easier on your guests by selecting one complete set of dishes that has everything.

Microwave

There will be days that you don’t feel like or can’t cook a full meal, that is where a microwave will come in use.

Picture Frames

Even in an age of digital photos, you’ll still want preserve all your memories in stylish frames, so make sure you register for quite a few in varying sizes and styles.

1. Ask Them to Chip in for Honeymoon Expenses
The whole wedding is pricey, and so is the honeymoon. Why not let them help pay for the romantic getaway of your dreams? With website like Buy Our Honeymoon, you easily can make a list of experiences, accommodations and more. Then your family and friends can select what they want to pay for, which saves you more money in the long run.

2. Have Them Donate to a Meaningful Charity
Perhaps you and your fiance are involved in a charity that means a lot to both of you. Why not politely ask guests to donate money to your preferred charity in your honor? This is truly a gift that keeps on giving, plus they can donate a little or a lot. The I Do Foundation is just one website specializing in charity registries.

3. Ask Them to Purchase the Big Picture
If what you really want is a new couch, who says that a new piece of furniture or maybe a new kitchen appliance doesn’t make a great gift? Now, since these are probably the most expensive and largest of gift idea, you might ask for everyone to pitch in together to purchase that big screen television or new china hutch.

4. Money Is Always Welcome
If you really need financial assistance or just would like to start a saving account, then make sure the word gets out that you would like financial gifts.  One method includes mentioning this on your wedding website, but word of mouth is always best!

Engagement Party- For most parents, finding out that their daughter is engaged is a call for celebration, and thus the engagement party was born. These days, though, the engaged couple can throw their own engagement party. Often these are small get-togethers, but this party can be as big as you’d like. Remember it is wise to only invite the people you plan on inviting to the actual wedding. It also would be a good idea to register for gifts ahead of time, even before the engagement party.

Bridal Shower- This is a party that the bridesmaids plan for the bride. The party usually consists of a meal, games and entertainment, and, of course, gifts. Bridal showers can be traditional, themed, or even coed (invite the groom and his friends). There are generally not a lot of rules when it comes to planning the party, but it would be a good idea to have a bridesmaid keep a record of the gifts received at the shower to make it easier to write thank you notes to the gift givers.

Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties- Like the bridal shower, this party has evolved throughout the decades. What used to be the one last night for a groom to go out and party with his friends, has now evolved to a coed celebration for men and women -party ideas can include almost anything from bowling to even rock-climbing expeditions.

Rehearsal Dinner- This party is traditionally thrown by the groom’s family and is often on the night before the wedding. While it’s usually held as an actual rehearsal for the big day, this party is usually a fancy fete and includes lots of toasts for the bride and groom.

• Before you choose a registry, it’s a good idea to sit with your fiancé and make a list of what you need and what you want. Make the list based on your needs and lifestyle, like if you or your fiancé enjoys cooking, then it would be a terrific idea to add lots of cookware and small kitchen appliances. Remember to add seasonal items that you might otherwise forget, like warm chenille blankets for the winter and colorful tableware for the summer.

• Most couples sign up for several wedding registries. Aside from the usual department and discount chain options, you also can create registries for your honeymoon, mortgage, sporting goods, and even charities.

• How many you create is up to you as a couple. It is a good idea to have several different registries and list gifts at different prices, as not everyone lives in the same area, has Internet access, or the same amount of money. Register for whatever your heart desires, but remember to make sure you keep plenty of options open for everyone.

• It’s probably a good idea to register at least nine or eight months before your wedding day, simply because it gives you time to receive gifts for your bridal showers and other pre-wedding events where most of your gifts will arrive.
• When you finally register with a store or company, it’s now time to tell everyone. The best route is mentioning your registries on your bridal shower invitations. But you should never mention your registries on your wedding invitations.