subject: Tips For Making A Gift Reigistry Without The Guilt [print this page] Gift registries can be a slightly tricky aspect of getting married. While its exciting to think about all the things that you and your partner are going to need for your life together, it can be both a little daunting and make you feel a little guilty. Sometimes we need so many things, or it feels like we need so many things, that it becomes almost impossible to decide on what to ask for. If the two of you are about to buy a house together and have been sharing a little apartment for a year or two, then youre about to have a lot more room to fill. On the other hand, some people feel guilty about asking for things- even when its expected, and they are things you need. Here are some of the ins an outs to help you get past these feelings and tastefully ask for what you really need.
The first thing you need to do is sit down with your partner and figure out a long list of everything you could ever want and need for your life together. At this stage of the game, dont limit yourself, let your imagination run wild. It doesnt matter if you think its practical or not, its important that you just go for it. Youre going to end up with a list that looks like one half necessity and one half wish fulfillment. Half of the list will be of the playstation 3 and widescreen tv variety, the other half will be things like dining room sets.
Once you have this list done, you should sit down and star dividing it into three categories. The first will be Things we absolutely need, the next will be Things we probably will need, and the last will be Things we just want. Be honest with yourselves, as sometimes its hard to feel like something that you really want just isnt that important. You might feel like you really need that widescreen tv, but chances are you dont.
Now that you have your list of gifts prioritized, its time to look over your guest list and figure out whats reasonable. Im not saying you start putting names next to the items you want them to get you, but you need to start thinking about if there really is anyone who can by you a mahogany and crystal china cabinet. You want to start out and get a feel for the financial situation of the people on your guest list, and then you want to go back to your list of gifts and figure out if theres anything that just isnt do-able. Dont completely rule out big ticket items, as sometimes guests can combine resources to get them for you.
After you take off the things that are completely unrealistic, look over the list and take out the more absurd and less justifiable items from your want list. Once youve done this, then there really isnt anything to feel guilty about. Youve been honest about your needs, youve removed items that are insultingly extravagant to your guests, and youve removed items that you obviously have no need for in your life. All that will be left are items that are realistic needs, and theres nothing wrong about pointing out these items to people who want to buy you gifts anyway. Besides, if you feel guilty about taking without giving, then just make sure you have incredible wedding favors. People are happy to give, and will be even happier if they receive some truly unique wedding favors to remember the day that they were able to give you a hand when you needed it.
