Gifts and Registries

Deciding what to put on your wedding registry can be an exciting task, but it is also one that must be done properly to avoid disappointment. Here are a few tips to help you on making the most of your bridal registry.

As you begin to compose your wedding list it is important to think ahead to your new future together with your partner. What type of place will you be living in? Will it be an apartment, townhouse, unit, house etc.? What kind of colours and themes do you intend to decorate the house with? Will you be entertaining?

You also need to decide whether to place the list at one or more department stores, use an online registry (which may be convenient for interstate or international guests) or arrange to do it yourself.

There are essentials items that you may need like toasters and kettles but you can also put a variety of different items on the list such as dvd’s or cd’s or tools for the home and garden. It is a good idea to give guests a list, which contains inexpensive items, and more expensive items that guests can band together and purchase together. It is also a good idea to put quite a few more items on the list even if you don’t anticipate getting all of them. This gives your guests a good choice when it comes time to buy a gift for you.

When including items on the registry be sure to be specific if you have your heart set on a particular product or item. Include:

    The brand name
    The model number or name
    The colour
    The size
    The quantity required
    And if necessary
    Where it can be found

However if you aren’t too fussed on the brand or model you can help the guests by being a little more descriptive. Instead of putting ‘toaster’ why not put ‘toaster – 4 slice’ and minimize your chance of receiving something you don’t want or need.

Be sure to keep a record of what gifts you receive and from whom so that you can write thank you letters afterwards.

Having the right registry can ensure that the start of your new life together can be a smooth and enjoyable transition into wedded bliss!

A few words from the bride!

What? Surely you mean from the Groom? Traditionally the role of the bride was to arrive, look stunning and allow her man to make the wedding speech. However, the modern bride is not going to sit back without taking an active part in every aspect of her wedding – and that includes saying something at her own wedding.

While the groom traditionally thanks everyone for coming – especially those who have travelled a great distance – the bride can add her personal thanks.

Some people to thank!

Firstly, you want to spend some time thanking your parents. Even if you are the kind of girl who left home when you were eighteen and have never really lived at home again, your parents are the ones who had the greatest effect on making you the woman you are today. Once again stories are a good thing and will probably stop you from being too overcome with emotion. Touch on one or two examples from your childhood or adolescence, especially if they are amusing or light-hearted. Thank them for giving you this special wedding day which you will always remember.
Your bridesmaids deserve a special word of thanks. They have had to be there for you through months of emotional highs and lows as well as through intense decision-making nightmares – and you are still friends! A word in the same vein could also be said here to the groomsmen and the best man for their support of the groom.
Then, you will thank your future in-laws, for producing and supporting this special man; for instilling in him the kind of values and beliefs that make him the one you want to be with for ever.
Lastly, your thanks are to your groom. After all, it is his love for you and his wanting to make a life with you that has made this day possible. A word of caution here: if you cannot handle really intense emotional moments, it is probably best to keep this part of the speech reasonably light-hearted. Talk about how you met. If there is a humorous story about some aspect of your courtship, that makes great speech material. You could also say something about how he proposed. If you are not writing your own vows, you could spend a moment here expressing something like your promise to him as his bride.
What about the practicality of saying a speech? Not everyone is an accomplished public speaker and you may feel that you have taken on a task that is too large.
The most important thing is that you write down what comes from your heart. Then, when you speak, it will flow easily. Whatever you do, don’t learn the speech off by heart. But, do practise. You may make cue cards for yourself that you can hold discretely in your hand or on the table in front of you. Breathe deeply, smile at everyone (remember this is your day and they want you to succeed) and then begin.