Do we have to do a registry?

Well, that's exactly what will happen if you don't have a registry. Some couples prefer to give their guests gift ideas for what they want or need, but it is completely optional.

They're completely optional, but they're helpful to guide guests. Otherwise, you may end up with 5 blenders and some fine china you don't like/want. Honestly though, most guests, at least in my circle, give cash or a check as a gift at the wedding.

If you don’t register, you will get a ton of gifts you don’t want and can’t return. Set up a registry at Bed Bath and Beyond..they have a registry checklist online.

View Quoted Comment How would they know I registered? Do I put it on the invites?

I would never just pick out a random gift for a couple. I’d be afraid I’d be like the 5th person with the idea to gift an ice cream maker or something (that’s an advantage to a registry — it not only helps guests know what you want/like/need, it helps guests know what has already been purchased so you don’t get multiples of the same thing). So while I’d never give a random gift, a registry isn’t strictly necessary. I’d still give a card and cash. If that’s all you want, not registering is a good idea. If you want physical gifts, I’d recommend one because of the above. (If you have a shower, I’d recommend a registry, as people will want to give physical gifts there, so a little guidance is very helpful!)

View Quoted Comment Let’s say we wanted just money how would we go about telling them that?
Or if we did decide to do a registry that can be done anywhere right? How would they know I have one, do I put it on the invites?

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Not on invites. You can list it on your website. But let your parents and bridesmaids/groomsmen know because guests ask them where you are registered.

View Quoted Comment Oh gosh I need a website? Lol I’m sorry for all the dumb questions I really have no idea how to do this

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A website is totally optional and you don’t need one. Just spread the info by word of mouth when guests ask you.

View Quoted Comment If I'm invited to a wedding or baby shower, I'll usually check for the names on Bed, Bath and Beyond, Target, Macy's, etc or Bye Bye Baby.


Oh, and Amazon. I've known a few people who have done Amazon registry's also.

If you dont register, it's very likely that almost everyone will give you cash. Registry info can be on a website if you have one (definitely not necessary) and is typically just spread by word of mouth. Just tell your parents/friends/chatty in-laws and it will get around to people.

My FH and I don't think we will register! We have lived together for two years and literally don't need or want for anything in our home. I think it would be silly to form a registry out of random stuff to clutter up the house. We are thinking about just not registering at all and hoping guests will get us whatever they want/money, or we will do a Lowes gift card registry.

I think it's totally up to you and FH!

Wedding websites have become a popular way to share a registry, but you don't have to have one. You can include a small insert card with your invitations with your registry info. I know a lot of people say not to include it on the invite itself, but I personally think putting it small on the back is fine too. Or you can create a wedding website through Zola, WeddingWire, or several other places, put the website link on your invitations, and put the registry link(s) on there.

Many registries now have options for cash funds, so if you would mostly prefer cash, I would recommend registering for a handful of items you actually want and then adding cash funds for things like your honeymoon, a house down payment, or whatever else it is you are saving for. This will prevent people from buying you random things you don't want, and also lets people feel like they are contributing to a specific thing. We registered at Zola and included a cash fund for our honeymoon.

I will add, a lot of people will get you whatever they want anyway. My MOH and I were talking about showers a few days ago, and she said she got TONS of things, but only a few things off of her registry. She received a lot of personalized gifts.

View Quoted Comment You don’t need a website. But they’re easy to make and free. You can put them on your save the dates. Never on the invitation themselves. You can also tell your family and bridal party to tell other guests where your registered of that you just want cash gifts. You can also include a details card in your invitation suite about where you’re registered.
If you don’t register, you might not get many gifts, and you’ll probably just get cash or checks. Or you’ll get gifts you don’t like.