With so many things to attend to as you begin to plan your wedding, it’s important to also remember what comes after the wedding- the marriage itself! As you prepare for a new life together, a wedding registry just makes sense. Wedding guests are often happy to shower you with gifts they’ll know you’ll need and love, plus it’s wonderful to give your guests a glimpse of your new home’s style. But be careful- you don’t want to offend guests or step outside the lines of protocol when it comes to a wedding registry.
Fortunately, the wedding experts at Rose Hill Weddings have created a list of Do’s and Don’ts to help you navigate the world of wedding registries! Check out some of these best practices… and which ones to leave behind.
DO choose more items than you’ll need so guests will have a choice, even if they’re the last person to see the registry. Remember that many stores offer completion discounts or continue your registry for a while after the wedding, giving you a chance to fill in the gaps.
DON’T register only for the big-ticket items. Keep your guests and their budgets in mind and mix up your price points so everyone can choose something meaningful.
DO register early, before guests have time to wonder what to get you. Four to six months prior to your wedding date is the recommended time frame for registering for gifts.
DON’T register for all of your gifts in one day. Let your choices sink in, go back and take a second look, choose items room by room. After a week or two of thinking about your choices, finalize your list and make it available to guests. 
DO register in multiple stores and online sites. Give your guests a few options for shopping, including the convenience of online shopping like Wayfair, Zola, Amazon and The Knot, as well as the ability to walk into a brick-and-mortar store like Target to see their purchase for themselves.
DON’T overdo it or get too specific. While you may love the cute local boutique in your hometown, out-of-state guests will have a hard time shopping beforehand. Only choose three to four stores to include in your registry, adding variety but not spreading yourself (or your guests) too thin.
DO post your registry information on your wedding website once you’ve established your registry and finalized the details.
DON’T include registry information in the print on your formal invitations. Save this for a separate piece of paper to be included in the invitation packet, along with directions to the ceremony and reception and any other important information. 
DO get creative when it comes to your registry. This is your life- let guests have a glimpse of what’s to come when they find camping gear, new luggage or beach towels and coolers on your registry. Likewise, if you have the day-to-day household items you need, consider registering for your honeymoon (check out Honeyfund), contributions to a fun adventure (see If Only) or stock portfolio.
DON’T ask for cash directly. It’s still not tasteful, no matter how many etiquette rules we’ve thrown by the wayside. Remember these are gifts and your friends and loved ones want to choose what they hope you’ll love. 
While a wedding registry can seem like a lot of work, it can be a great way to share your tastes and style with your guests. Involving guests in the start of your life together can be a meaningful act towards surrounding yourself with your “village.” Plus, the sweet nostalgia that comes when you break out the crystal salt and pepper shakers Aunt Susan gave you will bring your home together like nothing else. For more tips on creating a dynamic wedding registry, talk to the professionals at Rose Hill Weddings. We’re here to help you- and your guests- make the most of your big day!