START WITH...
SPREADING THE WORD
While including registry information at the bottom of your invitation is a surefire way to ensure all guests know about your registry, doing so is generally seen as poor etiquette. It implies that receiving a gift is just as important as your guests’ presence at the wedding, which of course is not the case. One easy way of dodging the etiquette minefield is by arming your family, bridal party and other close friends with the registry information, and allowing them to spread the word. Trust us – word will spread as guests gradually consult each other. Alternatively, consider setting up a wedding website that details any useful information such as accommodation, venue directions and, yes, your registry information. Safeguard against featherruffling by wording it carefully. See suggestions to the right. Keep it tasteful, sincere and to-the-point. “Your attendance at our wedding is the best present we could ask for. If you did wish to bring a gif t, however, and you’re struggling for an idea...” Then, insert your registry information:
FOR THE TRADITIONAL
...we have set up a registry at Stevens.
FOR THE HONEYMOON FUND
...you can contribute to our honeymoon at Flight Centre.
FOR THE CASH FUND
...a voucher or cash contribution to help us get our kitchen in working order would be truly appreciated.
FOR AN ART WORK
...we have set up a registry at Artbay Gallery, where you can contribute to an artwork that will commemorate our big day.
FOR A WEDDING SUPPLIER
...we would love to keep our wedding memories vivid. You can contribute to our wedding film fund at wanakaweddingfilms. co.nz.
AFTER THE EVENT
Send thank-you cards within three months of “I do”. Personalise the messages i.e. if someone gave you a mug set then mention how you’re enjoying using them for your morning coffee. In the case of a cash gift, give the guest an idea of what the money went towards. Even if someone didn’t buy you a gift, send a card thanking them for their attendance.