Are Wedding Registries Tacky? [Should You Even Have One?]

When it comes to weddings nowadays, it seems as though the idea of wedding registries or gift lists has been slowly falling out of fashion. Less of us get married early on in our relationships, and many of us have already set up our home and may have even begun to start families, so the need for a silver set, toaster, or even a set of fancy linens isn’t as high up on our needs lists. But are they now considered tacky? Here is all you need to consider. 

So, are wedding registries tacky? Wedding registries are generally not considered tacky but can be depending on how they are done. Your guests will no doubt want to get you a gift or settle for a cash gift to celebrate your big day, but if you would like to set up a wedding registry, there are a few things you’ll want to avoid if you don’t want to be seen as ‘that’ tacky couple. Such as the types of gifts you ask for, the shops they must be bought in, and even the cost of these gifts. 

Nobody likes to feel under pressure to purchase a gift that will impress these days, and they just want to celebrate your day with you without a massive chunk of change, leaving their probably already sparse pockets. 

So read on to find all about wedding registries and how to do it right.

What Is The Point Of A Wedding Registry?

To understand the point of wedding registries, you need to look back at weddings 40 or 50 years ago. These gift lists were used by the wedding couple to help them begin their lives together. Gift suggestions like a kettle, pots, pans, and bed linen were always popular as these things could cost a fair bit for a very young couple.

Nowadays, most of us are already fairly well set up when it comes to our marital homes, and the wedding registry isn’t really something of a necessity anymore. 

However, guests still give gifts and money to the newly wedded couple, and sometimes a wedding registry is the best way to go so you don’t end up with three fondue sets that you will probably never use. 

So now, the wedding registry is just a way for the couple to ensure that their guests don’t waste their money on gifts they don’t want or need. 

It also allows these couples to ask for something they perhaps can’t stretch to themselves.

Although, if you are creating a wedding registry for this purpose, don’t be surprised if that brand new Xbox still doesn’t make the gift table; some gifts are still a total no-no to ask for. 

Are Wedding Registries Outdated?

Generally, no wedding registries aren’t outdated. They are just organized in a completely different way to the physical store’s registries our parents and grandparents may be more familiar with.

The couple used to set up multiple wedding registries in a variety of different shops, and their guests would physically purchase these gifts in store. 

However, now thanks to the wonders of the internet, it’s as easy as a click of a button to set up one single registry that includes a wide variety of stores – both online and bricks and mortar stores.

Because we are no longer merging two people into a single household the minute the wedding is over, many do view the idea of a wedding registry to be far outdated. 

Consider this, if the couple has been living together for over a decade, their asking for a new kettle seems a little absurd. 

Like I said, though, it really just depends on the couple, their circumstances, and their own opinions as to whether a wedding registry is outdated and something to be avoided.

Why You May Want To Have A Wedding Registry

I know, so far, the wedding registry isn’t getting a very good rep, but there are many benefits to setting up a wedding registry that may mean it could be the best decision you’ll ever make for your wedding. 

I’m going to be honest here, there are far more benefits for the couple than the guests when it comes to setting up a gift registry. 

Benefits To The Couple

Get What You Want/Need

The biggest benefit that cinches the registry deal for many couples is the opportunity to ask for what you actually want or need. 

There’s nothing quite like the sinking feeling of opening up a gift and knowing that whoever bought it will be disappointed when they find out you’ve been storing it in your attic since the day after the wedding. 

We all have incredibly varied tastes, and a wedding registry can sidestep that awkward moment of the faux ‘I love it’ moments. 

Reduced Chances Of Getting The Same Gift

The next best thing about setting up a wedding registry is reducing the risk of getting two, or even sometimes three, of the same gift. 

Not only is it disappointing for your guests to find out their special gift was the same as Granny Anne and Uncle Frank’s gifts. 

This also means you don’t have to find somewhere to store all the duplicates or, if you decide you must re-gift or donate, you can avoid the embarrassment of your guest finding out. 

As I said, people have a weird thing about buying fondue sets for newly married couples, and unless you are loving the 70s vibe of a fondue party, this can be a gift that gathers dust at the back of your cupboard.

Gifts Are Helpful 

Although many of us live with our partner for at least a few years before getting married, some still love the tradition of the move after the wedding day. 

So, the wedding registry serves the traditional purpose of helping the new couple set up their home. 

Weddings are expensive, there’s no doubt about that, so the wedding gift list can be an absolute lifesaver in these situations.

Saves Time

Lastly, it just saves time. 

The couple won’t have to fend off phone calls, texts, and emails from guests trying to find out what they would like. 

Less stress for both the couple and their wedding guests.

Benefits To The Guests

There are fewer benefits for the guests when it comes to the setup of a wedding gift list, especially if the couple has fine tastes and misses out on a wide budget gift range. 

Easier Purchasing Decisions 

In most cases, the wedding registry can reduce the stress of trying to find a gift that will impress and delight the couple. 

It’s all in black and white what the couple wants, so you really can’t go wrong. 

Stay In Budget

For guests who are a little iffy when it comes to money discussion, this can also take away the need for them to discuss their gift budget with the couple. 

What Should You Include In A Wedding Registry?

What is essential for your wedding gift list will be different for the next couple, but things like physical homewares, experience vouchers, and even cash are completely reasonable gift additions to your wedding registry. 

Consider who you are as a couple, what you enjoy doing, any things you may actually need in your home, and as a last resort, add cash. 

Perhaps you need a brand new dishwater set as half of the matching dishes have been smashed over time, or you would both love to try sky diving, and a voucher would be that push you both need to give it a go. Wedding registries are incredibly personal, and each one will look different.

Now contemplating having a Wedding Gift Registry? Why not set one up with Amazon?

What Should You Not Put On A Wedding Registry?

The no-no list for your wedding registry will include extravagant items like diamond jewelry, gaming systems, and vehicles. Many people also recommend avoiding single-use kitchen items like popcorn makers, crepe pans, and waffles makers unless you intend on using these items very regularly. 

When creating your wedding registry, it’s best to keep in mind the potential budget of all of your guests by ensuring you have a wide variety of priced items to suit all budgets; you don’t want your guests to feel pressured to purchase something they can’t afford. 

Also, avoid adding items from stores that turn over their stock very quickly. 

What you put on your list 3 months before your wedding may not even be in the store when your guests go to purchase it. 

What Can You Do Instead Of A Wedding Registry?

There are many alternatives if a wedding registry isn’t your thing, like asking for a donation towards your honeymoon or a charitable donation to a charity you love. You can ask for a good bottle of wine or even whiskey. Experiences are also another alternative to asking for another set of cookware if your guests still want to give you something.

If you don’t want a wedding gift list and there’s nothing you need or want, you can add a note to your wedding invitation that states no gifts – physical or cash – are required and that you are just looking forward to the company of your guests on the best day of your lives.

Lastly

The great thing about wedding registries, whether you think they are tacky or not, is they aren’t something you need to have. 

Your wedding will be just as exciting and enjoyable if you decide to scrap the tradition altogether. 

And if you do decide to go with a wedding registry, after all – doing so over at Amazon is easy, practical, and ideal!