Do I Really Need
A Wedding Registry?
By Staff Writer
Q: My wedding is coming up in a few
months and I’m wondering whether or not I really need to create a
registry. I’m not really comfortable with the idea of asking my friends
and family for what will amount to upgraded stuff. (After all, my fiancé
and I already have pretty much everything we need, it’s just not
super-nice.) Can I get away without having a wedding registry?
A: Absolutely, you can. But I’m going to try to convince you to create a
registry anyway. Don’t get me wrong—I love your unselfish attitude. I
think it’s wonderful that you don’t consider your wedding a prime chance
to score expensive gifts and envy-inducing swag. However, creating a
registry is often the opposite of being greedy. For many, starting a
wedding registry can be an act of kindness.
Confused? Don’t worry. Think about it this
way: most of your family and friends don’t have the contents of your home
memorized. They really want to get you something you’ll love and use, but
they’re not sure whether you need a toaster or a new hose. By offering
them some ideas through a gift registry, you give your guests the
opportunity to give a gift that won’t end up returned or stored in a
closet. Plus, they’ll save the time and hassle of trying to come up with
the perfect wedding gift for the niece they haven’t seen in few years or
the roommate who moved out in 1998.
Also, keep in mind that by creating a wedding registry, you’re not
demanding that anybody buys off of it. Those who want to are more than
welcome, and those that would rather give cash, a unique gift, or nothing
at all are 100% able to. It’s simply a convenience for those who want it,
and you should think of it just like that.
And as a final courtesy to guests who like
to shop off of your registry, be sure to add items at a variety of price
points, from $5 to $50 and over. That way, those who really want to spoil
you will have some options, but those who can’t afford to or don’t want to
can still find you something you’d like to have.