Bride Guide #25 do you need to hire a wedding planner? Let’s dive into this with SLC wedding photographer Lauren Kay Photography.

 

Remember how wedding registries used to be these pages and pages you had to have printed at the store? I remember sifting through them, finding an item, only to realize it had already been purchased and having to start the hunt all over again. Oh man, I’m so glad there are so many other ways to do your wedding registry now!

 

Choose whatever wedding registry makes sense for you! If you’ve been living alone for a while and have everything you need, maybe a bank account or experiences registry is perfect for you. If you want to have everything all in one place, do a universal registry where you can add items from any site. If you want to have the fun experience of going to the store and scanning each item with your groom, then do a registry that allows you do to that. Choose one, or maybe two, places to register. But keep it simple! Make it together and make it early on.

 

 

Where should you register? That’s totally up to you! Here are my top four picks, but just remember to choose what makes the most sense for you:

Zola:

Zola is a universal registry where you can register for funds as well as experiences. You can also make a custom wedding site and there is a discount on items that are not purchased.

 

Amazon:

Amazon is a universal registry and is probably one of the most common ones I see. There is a discount on items not purchased, you get fast and free shipping, and returns are easy.

 

My Registry:

My Registry is a universal registry. You create it online but then you can also scan barcodes in any store with your phone using their app. You can also register for funds and experiences, however, I believe there is a processing fee for those.

 

Target:

Target is a universal registry. You can register for items in the store or online, add items from any store, register for funds and experiences, there is a discount on items not purchased, and returns are easy.

 

Bank Accounts:

There are quite a few bank accounts that allow you to set up a wedding registry account that people can just transfer money to. That way you can spend it on whatever you need. Talk to your bank if you’re interested in this option.

 

 

Now, what on earth do you need to register for, right? There are so many things you need, plus a million different varieties of each item! It can be overwhelming, but here are seven tips to keep registering efficient and fun:

 

1. Have fun with it.

You and your groom get to choose all the things you want to start your home together! Let it be fun. Take a weekend and have a blast finding and adding the items you know you’ll love.

 

2. You don’t need it all.

There are so many fancy things that people recommend registering for. Resist the temptation to add things you’ll never use. Stick to what you know and love. Choose high quality items that will last you for years. And remember that the less you acquire now, the less you have to get rid of later. Keep life simple from the start by only registering for things you’ll love.

 

3. If you’d use it, put it on there. 

Even if it’s the $500 blender you’ve been dreaming of but feel like it’s too expensive, put it on there! No one has to buy it just because it’s on your registry. It doesn’t hurt to add things you want even if you think no one will buy them.

 

4. Keep it timeless.

The items you’re registering for will likely be the same items you’re using in 10, 20, maybe even 30 years. Keep in mind that styles change. Fads come and go. Stick with simple, timeless styles and items that you can see yourself loving in 20 years.

 

5. Register at different price points.

Don’t limit people by only putting cheap or expensive items on your registry. Try to include items at all sorts of price points so that people buying you gifts can find what works for their budget.

 

6. Remember the fun stuff.

Remember to register for things that are fun and personal to you guys! Movies, games, books, all the things you two enjoy. You can even register for things for holidays and special traditions.

 

7. People will buy you things you don’t want.

Embrace it. People will buy you junk you don’t want or need. No matter what, it will happen. If it’s something you don’t want or need, get rid of it. Return it, regift it, sell it, or take it to a thrift store. But don’t hold onto it out of guilt or for “someday”. Keep life simple.

 

8. It’s not about the gifts.

I’ve heard couples, myself included, say that they needed to have a reception or no one would get them gifts. That may sound materialistic, but I get it! If you’re poor when you get married, like we were, getting gifts is a huge help to starting your lives out together. And the idea of doing a smaller scale celebration is scary because you don’t want to start out with nothing. But the truth is, you’ll be okay. Your wedding is NOT about the gifts. Be grateful for whatever you receive, make due with what you end up with, and please don’t make your wedding and celebration about getting gifts.

 

Homework:

Think about: Where we are going to register?

 

Recommended read: “The Simplified Life” by Emily Ley

 

Not sure what to register for? No worries! Download my Master Wedding Registry list here!