[ online registry ]
by Allison Rose
The Tech-Savvy Bride T
he idea of a wedding registry once involved kiosks and long lines in department stores, but those days have swiftly come to an end. Technology has reinvented the way modern brides think of wedding registries forever. The steps that a bride takes, from announcing engagements to choosing a style of china, can now all be done online. Brides now have access to international stores and the convenience of linking all registries into one, central location. Timelines One should start the registry process about 6-12 months prior to the wedding. When beginning, it’s a great idea to send out registry announcement cards. These cards will help your guests to get an idea of what types of gifts you’re expecting, and to better manage their time in choosing one. Below is a registry timeline to help you with organizing and making your registry experience more efficient for everyone. Websites A few websites to help you with the registry process are: myregistry.com, weddingchannel.com, theknot. com, giftregistry360.com and amazon.com. Most of these sites contain options that allow you to create your own wedding page, send registry updates to social networking sites, and consolidate all registered stores into one. When choosing registry locations, be sure to check the exchange/return policy. This important step can save you trouble if you have to return any duplicate or broken items that you receive. Theknot.com offers an interactive checklist, which makes it virtually impossible for you to forget wedding registry essentials. The convenience of these websites is also shared with your guests in that they don’t have to leave the house to purchase a gift. Smart phones now have applications like “Gift Registry 360 Scan & Add,” which has the capability to scan and add items instantly to the bride’s registry.
items, but make it a point to have a wide range of gift options at varying price points—that way, everyone wins! Charity It has been said that it is better to give than to receive. Should you desire to do so, setting up a partnership with a local charity is a great way to start your new life together. Donating your wedding gifts to those who are less fortunate can bring you far more in return than the gifts themselves. This giving is also a great way for your guests to contribute money to an admirable cause of your choosing and possibly continue to give more in the future. Some local charities that have impeccable service records are: www.handsonneworleans.org www.vineyardneworleans.org| 504 467-3257 6-12 months: Begin the process by determining your registry locations and choosing what items you would like. Create a wedding website so that guests are able to keep up with your registry updates. 2-3 months: At this point, be sure that you have chosen items in various categories and price ranges. Send registry announcements and let your family and friends spread the word. 1 month: If you are moving, be sure to update your shipping address at all of your registry locations. Do a final update of your registry. 3-4 weeks post wedding: It’s thank you card time and most registry sites will include a tracker so that you won’t forget anyone.
Organizing Your wedding registry should be comprised of several categories, including: kitchen, bathroom, home improvement, décor, and appliances. Websites will help you narrow down and organize your needs by providing suggestions and subcategories. From these subcategories, it will be easier for you to decide on styles and other specifics. Consult with your fiancé on registry items and decide as a couple on the wants and needs of your future home. It can be tempting to choose only lavish, expensive things to furnish your new life, but it’s important to be considerate of your guests’ budgets. It’s okay to choose some big-ticket
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