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| | | Bridal gift registry programs generally are free as it benefits the store to have couples register. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Brides.com offers a list of the top 50 places to sign up for a wedding registry.
- It's helpful to give guests several options without overwhelming them with choices. Experts suggest registering at between two and four stores, and registering for an entire category of gifts -- such as linens, or kitchenware -- at a single store.TheKnot.com has a list of registry tips.
- Tip: Look at how easy it will be for guests to purchase in-store versus online. Some stores' merchandise varies greatly, and not all guests purchase online.
- For those who do not wish to go the traditional gift registry route, I Do Foundation allows couples to register for donations to a favorite charity. Or, I Do Foundation partner stores will donate between 3 percent and 8 percent of guests' gift purchases to charity.
- Niche stores with gift registries include outdoor store REI and GAIAM, which sells environmentally-friendly household items.
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| What should be included: | - Most stores will assign a sales consultant to sit down with a couple and take their basic information -- such as address, phone number and wedding date -- and enter it into a computer system. Then the consultant will either accompany the couple through the store or provide a hand-held scanner they can use to record bar codes of desired gifts. Afterward, the couple usually gets a list of all the items and a password to make changes online. As an alternative, many stores allow a couple to do the whole registration process online.
- Many stores also provide a cards that give the name of the store and tell how to access registry information online. The couple can give the cards to a shower host to include with the invitations -- but they should not be included with the wedding invitations.
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| Additional costs: | - Tip: It is not uncommon, when registering for sets of dinnerware and similar items, to get only a partial set. If that happens, you must choose to return the items you received or purchase the rest of the set. For that reason, it is a good idea to save boxes and gift receipts until all the gifts have arrived.
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| Discounts: | - Some stores offer "completion programs" that give a couple who registered there between 10 and 15 percent off of any items still left on their registry after the wedding. For some stores though, that does not apply to online registries.
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| Shopping for a bridal registry: | - Bed, Bath & Beyond offers a large number of stores across the country, online and in-store completion programs with 10 percent discount, and a registry that remains active for two years. A shipping label is enclosed with each item for easy returns, and all items can be returned in stores. However, a small number of them items available in stores cannot be ordered online.
- Macy's offers online or in-store registering, and a rewards program that lets couples earn a gift card worth 5 percent of the total amount of items purchased from their registry and 10 percent off items purchased before the wedding on a Macy's credit card. There is also a completion program with a 10 percent discount, but remaining items must be purchased within 90 days of the wedding.
- At Target, you can register at in-store kiosks or online. Advantages include the large number of stores, even in smaller towns, and the affordability of most items. However, returns must be made within 90 days of the wedding and be accompanied by a receipt, gift receipt or gift purchase log. And the registry will only remain active for three months from the wedding date.
- Advantages of the Amazon.com registry include a wide variety of items, online shopping and free shipping on items over $25. Disadvantages include no in-store option, possible confusion in dealing with third-party merchants who have their own policies, and a strict 30-day return policy.
- Crate & Barrel offers a registry that can be accessed online or in stores and a completion program with 10 percent off remaining registry items. The registry remains active for 18 months and can be extended further by request. Returns, even of products purchased online, except for furniture, can be done in stores, but require a receipt. Furniture can be returned within seven days only if there is a defect or damage.
- Williams-Sonoma allows you to register in stores or online and offers a gift registry guide. Gifts also can be monogrammed, and registries remain active for one year. Gifts can be returned by mail or in stores, with a gift receipt. But updating the registry can take as long as 24 hours for online purchases and 48 hours for in-store purchases, which could lead to duplicate gifts.
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Article updated July 2007 |
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