Gifts
Suggestion List for Bridal Registry and Bridal Gift Ideas
Throughout history friends and family of the wedding couple have showered them with gifts. Weddings represent new beginnings, and everyone wants to help the bride and groom begin their life together. For this reason, gifts have always included the practical household items that a couple requires for everyday life. Couples who already have a place together—or have lived on their own separately—probably have a lot of these household items already. Choosing gifts for these couples (or the nontraditional couple) may be more of a challenge.
Many couples make gift selection easier for guests by using a gift registry. Many places, from department stores to local art galleries, are creating bridal registries. Although some couples may be hesitant to register for gifts, this service provides a convenience for the gift-giver, offering a variety of prices and selections that ensure that the couple receives necessary (and wanted!) items. Listed below is a suggestion list for bridal registry items and places to register, as well as other bridal gift ideas.
Traditional:
- Dinnerware (china or “everyday”): place settings (plate, bread plate, soup bowl, dessert plate, saucer, teacup)
- Silverware
- Linens for the bed, bath and kitchen: towels, sheets, tablecloths, napkins, table runners.
- Kitchenware: cookware and cutlery
- Appliances: coffee makers, ice cream makers, blenders, food processors, toasters.
- Serving dishes for entertaining: chip & dip, platters, bowls
- Home Essentials: luggage, furniture, accessories, floor coverings
Register at Macy’s, Crate & Barrel, or Williams-Sonoma.
Simple Choices:
- Practical and elegant: antique linen tablecloth and napkins
- Classic pieces of silver or crystal
- A timepiece for the couple’s mantel
- Gift certificates
- Money
- Vases
- Picture frames or photo albums
Register at Linens & Things or Target
Additional Ideas:
- Home decorating: frames, desk accessories, platters, vases, wall hangings, or lighting, such as candles, unique lamps.
- Art objects or crafts from a local gallery or artisan
- Register at Amazon.com, REI or other sporting goods store, or local art galleries
Cost-Saving Ideas: Frames, crafts such as decoupage, or handmade items
Tradition indicates that you may send gifts to the bride and groom up to a year after the event. Waiting until after the wedding can prevent purchase of an item someone else picks and can allow you to take advantage of sales in different seasons!
Brides and Grooms: Remember when choosing items for Bridal Registry to include items in a range of prices.
