If you’re hoping to a) save some money and b) get what you need as well as you want, here are five ideas to help you maximise the amazing gift bonanza that are wedding gift registries.

Unless you’re planning to be the next Liz Taylor, you’ll only have this one chance to ask for what you’d really like. Using a wedding gift registry that allows you the flexibility to add a variety of items and gift certificates from different retailers will pay off.

1. Honeymoon. Well, since I put this one first it gives away my preferences! Why not add in a request for a gift certificate for two for a beautiful dinner for two, a snorkelling class, a hot air balloon ride or a local cooking class at your destination? Many people would rather say they paid for some amazing experience on your honeymoon than receive a stock-standard thank-you note for say, a stainless steel rubbish bin.

2. Good household stuff vs bad household stuff.  I love a good homewares shop like any girl but there are some silly things you can waste your one-in-a-lifetime opportunity (ie your wedding prezzies) on. Remember, most household stuff is on sale twice a year (if not more often at Victoria’s Basement). This includes dinnerware, glassware, towels, sheets, bathroom accessories and so on. And if you’ve married the right one, your sheets should get enough of a workout that they need replacing anyway within a couple of years. So don’ t waste this golden opportunity by stocking up on Sheridan, use it for something better. If you really think you’ll use cut-crystal stemware and you’re not just having a Mad Men fantasy, then go ahead… But it would be better spent on stuff you’ll keep such as furniture (ie a bookcase, coffee table, outdoor dining setting), power tools or appliances. If you know you want to renovate, Aunt Agatha might be tickled pink that she’s paid for your nice new bathroom taps, for example.

3. Save on wedding decor. If the wedding of your dreams is more important than “stuff”, why not add items to your gift registry that you can use for your wedding? There are countless wedding favour websites that sell everything from disposable cameras to cute candle place-holders meant as little thank-you gifts for the guests. The cost of these is reasonable, but when you add them all to the cost of the reception, dress, limousines etc it really adds up. However, since they don’t cost too much, they can make a clever, practical gift idea that a wedding guest might be willing to pay for. And a lot of these websites sell gift certificates. Why not ask someone to pay for the wedding favours? You want ‘em and there’s one less thing you have to pay for.

4. Oh my goodness, I forgot to have kids! Most people who get engaged get asked, “When are you getting married?”. Then when they’re married, “When are you having kids?”. Then after the first child, “When are you having your second?” And so on. Pip these guys at the post by adding nursery equipment, a monster pram, a cot and god-knows-what-else baby-related to your gift registry. Then you can make it clear that you’ll be getting straight onto it on your honeymoon and they might leave you alone for a bit.

5. Yes, we like to eat. After the thrill of the wedding and honeymoon comes the thumping great shock of your credit card bill. So it’s more than possible that you might not have any money to eat out after your wedding. So plan ahead. Add some restaurant gift certificates to your gift registry so you can have a break from Law & Order and leftovers in front of the TV.

Tags: baby gifts, baby shower gifts, bargain-hunting, gift certificates, gift registry, gift shopping, planning ahead, wedding gifts

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 at 1:28 am and is filed under baby gifts, gift ideas, gift registry, gifts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.