Create Your Dream Wedding Registry And We’ll Reveal How Long Your Marriage Will Last
Wedding registries are perhaps the most tedious, and not fun, part of a wedding. If you’re not sure what it is, this is the the epically-long list you make by going to multiple stores and marking down what you do, or do not, have for your newlywed house. It helps if you stockpile and go through what you both have. For instance, if he has a really good couch - keep it. If you have an espresso machine: KEEP IT! (Who in their right mind would give that up?)
But for real, this is the list that your wedding guests will take a look at, and hopefully, buy some of the items from for you. A lot of couples use this as a way to get super expensive gifts they’d never buy for themselves (whether you think that’s right or wrong, it actually does happen).
Now, you might be wondering HOW this can help us figure out how long your marriage will last. Let me tell you how: the items that you pick, reveal how materialistic you are (shocker, eh?), and materialism, being status-oriented and overall more worried with the appearance rather than substance, can take its toll on a marriage if you’re both not like that.
First of all, will you even have a registry?
Perhaps you are one of those magical couples that already has everything, and you’re debating on whether or not you’re going to even HAVE a registry (lucky you). While this could be good, or bad, (it’s too early to tell), it’s good to know where you stand.
What kind of linens will you ask for?
Linens (aka bed sheets, towels, that kind of thing) can be quite expensive (some bedspreads are over $500 - say what?!), but again, this will show where your priorities are. If you ask for a good bed linen, that means you’re already making sure your house looks picture perfect.
What is the china pattern you would pick?
China patterns, to many of us, sounds like something our grandmother would ask us. But it actually defines a lot more than you’d think. The pattern you pick will fundamentally decide when you’re going to use the good china, even if that isn’t your intention. It also shows what you as a couple like.
What kind of cutlery will you put on it?
Believe it or not, there’s more than one-type of cutlery to choose from (it’s absolutely mind-boggling). You can go with standard-good-silver (minimal pattern), Victorian (looks super old), etc. Which will you pick?
What type of crystal will you choose?
Crystal (aka wine glasses, champagne flutes, even special mugs) often come with the dish sets you buy, however things such as alcoholic glasses come in their own sets (sometimes even with fancy accessories). Now, I love a good wine glass (they’re just so pretty), but how many do you really need?
How often will you use the good silver and china?
Using the good silver and china, traditionally, was meant for when guests (specifically your parents, or hosting Christmas) was used. But that can actually be problematic, because it can tell your partner and family that you don’t think they’re as special as guests.
What kind of kitchen appliances will you ask for?
A lot of couples ask for kitchen appliances, whether that’s because they can’t afford them, plan on baking/cooking more, or because they just want it, it’s a HUGE “crowd-pleaser”. What will you ask for? Practical, or expensive?
Will you ask for kitchen decorations?
Kitchen decorations on your registry probably seems a tad out of order, but here’s the thing, it shows that you’re willing to make this place a home (and being budget friendly to some of your friends). See anything at your Crate & Barrel or Home Sense that you absolutely loved but didn’t buy?
Will you ask for a couch?
Couches can be a lot more expensive than you think. And really, they’re a good investment. But the problem is that not only is it a bit expensive for ONE gift, but that’s an item that you really should not get until you have an apartment.
Describe an end-table for your living room
Your living room is probably the one room that REALLY needs to look good (it’s where a lot of your entertaining will be), so picking a consistent theme and idea is important. But will you be able to pick that theme before you get married and decorate your own/new home?
Will you put rugs on your list?
Area rugs are wonderful touches to rooms that could come off as “cold”, or minimalistic. They also allow you to put an eclectic flair in a perhaps “normal”, minimalistic, or “blah” colour scheme/theme. However, not only are they difficult to package, but they can cost a lot more than you think.
Will you put luggage on the list?
Luggage is EXPENSIVE, and I mean, it’s already assumed that you guys will be traveling somewhere after your wedding, and several times afterwards, right? And I mean, it’ll be a PERFECT way for you guys to remember the thoughtful giver of this gift.
What about closet storage?
Closet storage is the base for a lot of couple arguments (for instance, how to make certain things fit, where you’ll put certain things, etc.). And for most, the first apartment is small and not entirely storage-friendly. Would you ask your family and friends to help you solve that?
Would you ask for a wine fridge?
For wine-lovers this may seem like the absolute PERFECT idea for a gift. I mean, a place to keep your wine, and you don’t have to buy it: win-win, right? There is, however, that small issue about your apartment, and if you’re creating a wine cellar….
Ever think about picture frames?
Picture frames - again - are a LOT more expensive than you think. Especially if it’s custom made with museum-quality glass. Plus, if you already pick the frames and dimensions at certain stores, your family and friends can just walk in and pay for it!
Will you ask for art?
Artwork is one of those things where you love them on sight, but more often than not, cannot let yourself buy it. Especially when you’re planning (and most likely, paying, or helping pay) for the wedding. Plus, depending on WHAT you ask for - completely respectable.
Is patio furniture on there?
If your new home has patio furniture, this could be a great way to let your friends and family buy you a group gift. Since it’s not “actual” furniture a lot of them won’t balk at the idea of buying it (even though it’s just as expensive).
Would you ask for an outdoor firepit?
Outdoor fire pits are one of those items that you have no idea where it truly belongs, but probably absolutely love. On almost the same back-yard level as having a hot tub, they add a wonderful charm to your outdoor retreat literally a step away from your home.
Would you ask for holiday stuff?
Christmas stuff, especially if you’re getting married around the holidays, is perhaps a good plan, as then you can ask for specific ornaments/decorations, and still have your house decorated in time for the holiday’s and multiple family/friend visits!
What about household favours?
I saw a neat idea once - obviously done by a couple who already had all the furniture, appliances and place settings they needed - who asked the guests to write down favours they would be willing to help the couple with (with expiration dates, of course). An example would be cleaning.
Would you ask for camping gear?
Let’s be honest, family vacations would not be complete, without at least ONE summer where your parents/dad/mom insisted you guys camp out in the middle of nowhere for a wee or so (cue all the nostalgic family moments). What better way to start that tradition then on your wedding?
Would you make your registry into sections?
Putting your registry into different sections helps your attendee’s figure out what they want to buy you, without having to scan through the incredibly long list. This also allows you to literally make it room by room (much easier that way).
Will you both make the list?
Depending on the couple, the wedding registry is a couple wish-list (meaning they go shopping together, and think/collaborate over the entire list together, making sure everything meshes). Or, to some (and this is normal too), just leave it to the bride and her family/friends.
Would you ask for cash?
Instead of gifts, some couples just ask for cash. This could be because they’re moving far away, already have the majority of the things they need, or could just simply not yet know what they want/need in their new home.
Would you consider asking for charitable donations?
Again, some couples (usually those who already have what they need/want), ask for people to donate to their favourite charity instead of getting more gifts/house hold items. It is certainly a noble idea, and if you already have the majority of the things you want, something to consider.
