If you’re wondering what the heck a wedding registry is, then you’ve come to the right place. Like pretty much any other wedding tradition, the registry is deeply rooted in historical traditions. In this article we’ll discuss how the whole tradition began. Then we’ll talk about how you can expect a modern registry to look, and some unique ideas for wedding registry gifts.
The Definition of A Wedding Registry
In short, a wedding registry is a wish list for couples to give their guests an idea of gifts they would like to receive as wedding presents. It’s supposed to make it easier for people to decide what to purchase for the couple. It also reduces the risk of money being spent on “useless” gifts.
What is the History of The Wedding Registry?
It all began one day back in 1924 at a Marshall Fields department store in Chicago. The store, now known as Macy’s, offered a service where couples could request products like a set of china, or linens to be put on a special registry. As word spread and people bought items, clerks would remove them from the list. Slowly stores across America started to implement this idea into their own model and the tradition took off!
What Does A Modern Wedding Registry Look Like?
These days, it’s rare for a brick and mortar location to still have a wedding registry. However, the tradition has just taken on a different form – online wedding registries. These days there are whole online shops that are specifically set up as wedding registries. Here, couples can create a virtual shopping list and guests can sign up to buy gifts.
These days it’s quite popular for couples to choose experiences like a Honeymoon in Europe or a weekend in Disneyland to add to their wish list. Some couples will also ask for cash funds for married life goals like getting a puppy or making a downpayment on a new house.
What Are Some Unique Registry Gifts?
In recent years couples have gotten really creative, even a little bit silly with the wedding registry. One lady on Reddit boasted about putting the ugliest fanny pack she could find on the registry, while another couple requested a “weird wooden bird sculpture.” Imagine just asking for a bidet for fun and actually receiving it! Adding ridiculous items can be a great way of loosening up the whole gift giving experience.
Should I Have A Wedding Registry?
We get it. Asking for gifts can be a bit awkward. Here’s the thing, though. People love giving gifts especially if they don’t have to hum and haw about what to buy for your special day. Your guests were probably going to buy a wedding present anyway. Why not make it easy for them and give them a shopping list?
It’s a good idea to have things at different price ranges. There will be people who will be happy to pick up the more expensive items and those who would like to show their love but just can’t afford to drop $1,000 on a coffee table.
-Bernard Paul