Getting What You Want: Registry Ideas and Group Gifts

Art De Triumph & Artful Framer Studio

When registering for your wedding, you feel powerful. You get that neat little scanner thing -- or even just use your phone -- and can just beep away at anything your heart desires. But, with great power comes great responsibility. While it would be amazing to register for those $400 pillows, sometimes it's best to take a step back and get some perspective.

Try thinking of your registry in three categories: 

1. We need this. -- Arriving back from your honeymoon to your marital home is much less pleasant if you have no pots to cook with and no plates to eat on. These are your necessities. Pick them first.
2. We want this. -- Wouldn't it be nice to have a waffle maker? Think of how much better your lives would be with a waffle maker. These are the things you'd like to have, but maybe wouldn't ever buy yourself.
3. OMGWENEEDTOHAVETHISRIGHTNOWSOMEONEPLEASEBUYIT. -- Yeah, this category is pretty exciting, but keep in mind that some of these gifts can be a little extravagant. It may be a large piece of furniture, those aforementioned $400 pillows, or something smaller that may be out of any single gift-giver's price range.

NOTE: These categories can often overlap -- here is where the concept of group gifting can be really helpful. For instance, a bed is a "need" item. But you may "want" a bed that's a little fancier. That bed may be $4000 ("OMGWENEED..."). 

Here's the thing: your friends and family always want to buy you something that you will love. So, even if it's above that "single-giver" budget, that doesn't mean there's no way you'll get it. 

Here are a couple great group-gifting options to consider as you go through the process of registering. Remember, the sky is the limit (when you have 300 people going in on a gift together)! 

Art is always in all three categories! Art is intellectual and moving. It can carry great meaning or even provide the viewer with wonderful memories. Consider registering with an artist or framer. How special would it be if your bridal party banded together to have an artist paint a custom portrait of your wedding day? And how wonderful would it be if your cousins pooled their money and presented you with a beautifully framed invitation from your wedding. Places like Art De Triumph & Artful Framer Studios offer registries for custom orders. Send your guests the link to ensure that you get the perfect art for your "together" home. 

The sky is the limit! When you have 300 guests going in on a gift together, it's worth it to make sure they're purchasing you the perfect thing. Think about using something like Macy's Dream Fund. Through that program you can register for both hand towels and a new couch. There's a price range for everyone -- and every group. Clinton Kelly had some really great ideas about utilizing this particular tool in his interview with us! Check out our digital magazine to get his thoughts on the perfect registry (click "Go To" and type in pg. 247 -- in the print magazine, it's on pg. S-24)! 

Aloha, honeymoon! Everyone knows your honeymoon is the trip of a lifetime. No friends or family, no commitments, no worries. Just sun, fun and maybe a few amazing adventures. Did you know there are sites that allow your friends to purchase excursions for you to take while on your honeymoon? All you have to do is register for the things you want to do, and voila! All your aunts and uncles can purchase your day-trip to swim with the stingrays. Here's a great review of some of the most popular honeymoon registry sites!

Whether you're into art or you're ready for that trip of a lifetime, your registry is a huge exciting part of the wedding planning process. Do your research. Think about your categories. And really have fun. Your friends and family just want to make you happy!