If you’ve ever received a less-than-useful gift, you’ll know all too well the potential benefits of the gift registry. The gift registry offers a practical solution, as well as a point of guidance for the many guests who are not familiar with the taste, style and needs of the marrying couple. As your guests have less free time to shop for that ultimate wedding gift, they may be relieved to discover that you’ve pre-registered at the stores of your choice. It also eliminates a situation where the wedding couple receives six unwanted toaster ovens that cannot be returned.

Many couples begin their registry at major department stores, which cater to the mainstream and offer everything from towels and linens to appliances. By registering a variety of items, guests may select from a variety of prices. For couples who prefer an alternative to mainstream shopping, an increasing number of boutique and specialty stores now offer a bridal registry, affording couples (and their guests) a much wider range of gift options. Many stores have computerized systems allowing their stores to be linked up across Canada, or provide toll free numbers to make shopping convenient for out of town guests.

Use announcement cards with the wedding invitation to let your guests know that you’ve pre-registered. Most guests will appreciate knowing your tastes in advance of their purchase and will feel their dollars were well spent. After the wedding you can review the items selected and make substitutions in order to best complete your sets. Upon opening shower or wedding gifts, ensure that someone is recording who the gift is from so that you can send personalized thank you notes with reference to the gift.