A wedding registry seems like one of the easiest tasks in preparation for a wedding. You go to a store, pick the items you think you need (or want) and have the store create a list with your name on it. It may, however, not be as simple as you think.

There are a few common mistakes that couples make when it comes to the registry. These slip-ups could have your guests criticising and will have you cringing! Ensure that you steer clear of any awkward situations by avoiding these common registry mistakes.

– Waiting too long to register 

Once you get engaged, putting together a wedding registry should be on the top of your list of things to do! Ensure that you have this done within a month of your engagement. You’ll be receiving engagement gifts soon, and the registry will help people to get you a gift for the engagement too. Don’t worry about looking greedy, the registry is simply to help your guests, not to demand things from them.

– Including the registry on the wedding invitation 

This could make it seem as though you’re demanding a gift. After all, it isn’t compulsory for guests to give gifts.

When you put the registry on the invitation it feels like you’re asking for a gift in exchange for entrance into the wedding. Many people will find it rude that you’ve added it.

Instead, you could direct people to the registry via your wedding website or the save the date.

– Only registering in one place 

While registering at only one store is probably the easiest option for you, it probably will be inconvenient for your guests. Some guests will want to buy gifts at real stores instead of online and some may be too far away from the one physical store you’ve chosen.

Be sure to have one or two online stores and one or two physical stores with your registry. Limit the amount of stores to three or four. Too many stores could also be a bad idea, as this may make you look greedy or self-indulgent.

– Asking directly for cash 

Here, it’s more about tact than anything else. These days it’s okay to ask for money if you do it in the right way. You shouldn’t directly say that you want money.  However, you can indicate that you will be happy to receive contributions to a down payment on your new home or to your dream honeymoon.

The trick is to choose your words wisely and ensure that you’re showing people that their money will go to good use.

– Not varying the prices of gifts 

Putting only expensive, dream items on your list may be a bit presumptuous. Remember that some people may not be within the means to buy you an expensive gift, and some simply may not want to. A colleague, for example, wouldn’t want to splurge on a wedding gift for you.

Similarly, don’t assume that nobody will buy you one of those dream items on your list. Add a few! Maybe a few people will come together and get one big gift, or maybe your siblings are so happy for you that they decide to go all out.

Add a good variety of gifts to the registry, with prices from very low to quite high.

– Not writing thank you notes

While this is not registry related, it is gift related and failing to send out thank you notes is a big no-no!

Keep track of who gives you what, to make the thank you note process easier. After the wedding, you have no more than three months to get your thank you notes sent out. Don’t put it off!

Also read: Wedding gifts for every budget

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