Choose a Range for Your Wedding Registry
December 26th, 2005 Posted in Wedding Planning and Ideas
Nothing makes a wedding guest feel uncomfortable and out of place as going online to check the couple’s registry only to discover that all the items on the list will cost an entire paycheque. Most times this happens by accident, with the bride and groom being so excited about picking out new things to begin their life together, that the dollar signs begin to disappear.
Casual friends, and those who may not have hundreds of dollars to spend on a wedding gift, should not be expected to give the couple a present on par with immediate family members and head table parties. It’s very important to have a good range of items on your registry list, from the big ticket furniture like couches and bedroom sets, to affordable items like small kitchen appliances, towels and cutlery.
Conventional wisdom tends to state that the going price for gifts is $50-100 per person (and double that if you brought a date) for attendees. For some this can be an awful lot of money, and if a guest can’t afford that kind of financial commitment, remember that old adage: it’s the thought that counts. A carefully chosen, meaningful gift will bring the biggest smile to the face of any material girl.
A nice mix allows people to contribute to the couple and wish them all the best to the extent that they are willing and able. Too much emphasis these days is put on the obligatory part of weddings, and the money spent on both the couple’s and the guests’ side. The focus of the day should be on the joy of the union, not the dent in the pocketbook. Considerate couples can help alleviate pressure on those they’ve chosen to share in this special time, by providing affordable alternatives and as much variety as possible in their gift registry.
Still curious about registries? Check back tomorrow and the Wedding Flowers and Planning blog will roll out a quick list of the Top 10 Registry Items, and provide links to popular registry spots!