Happy Spring and you know what that means, Showers! Not the kind where you get out the galoshes and umbrellas but the ones where your girlfriends ooh and aah over your new Kitchen Aid Mixer in Pantone’s color of the year, emerald    But before you get to the silly games and sincere thank you notes you and your fiance have to register for gifts.

Though this sounds like a fun process it is actually quite draining and frustrating unless you have a good game plan.  Hopefully these tips will ensure your registering experience is a fun, bonding experience for you and your fiance.

1)      Put together a list of stores/websites that you want to register with. Start with where you love to shop.  Did you know that local stores with more unique items offer registries? Right here in Coeur d’Alene, ID you can register at The Dinner Party, a great store with beautiful items for your new home.  If you love a particular local store ask if they will do a registry for you, most likely they will.  If you are looking to register at a national chain such as Bed, Bath and Beyond, be aware that while their registry is easy for your out of town guests to use, sometimes they discontinue items making it difficult to get the 8 sets of china you like.  However they do offer perks like 15% off coupons to finish off your registry after your wedding.

2)      Think outside of the box, if you already have everything you need for a new kitchen or bath consider going with a registry like Wed & Wish.  Guests are allowed to contribute what they would like toward any category like a romantic dinner for two on your honeymoon or a home improvement fund. You choose the categories and the money is deposited directly into a paypal account for you to use.  Another one to consider is Amazon, they offer everything from tools (for the guys) to lawn furniture (for your first barbeque) that you can register for.

3)      If you are going to register at a brick and mortar store then set aside 2-3 days to do so, don’t expect to get it done on one Saturday.  When registering look for items in multiple price categories so your guests have choices on what they would like to spend. If you get cranky around lunchtime bring along water and snacks and finish the day doing a non registry thing like a movie or special dinner out this should be a fun!

4)      Spread the word (tactfully). It is not ok to insert registry information into your wedding invitations. There I said it, done. However, you can put the information into shower invitations, so that guests have an idea where you would like items from. It is also ok to add links to your wedding website.  You can get a free website at WedBuddy.com and add any registry to your website, whether it is a national chain or a small local store. ( let them know Red Letter Event Planning recommended you.)

5)      Thank everyone for every gift. You may not have registered for the wine glasses with the hand painted birds but you have to thank the giver.  Weddings are a time of celebration and gifts are from the heart to celebrate your union. A personal hand written thank you note is a MUST. And to help you write those beautiful thank you notes Red Letter Event Planning is giving to 2 lucky winners a copy of the Brides Thank You Note Handbook. To win just write in the comments what item you are most excited about registering for and why.  A winner will be chosen randomly on April 1 (really no April fools)

Good luck registering and have fun at your wedding showers!

Till Next time I hope your next special event (or wedding shower) is a Red Letter Day!