How to set up a wedding gift registry like Priyanka Chopra’s

As exciting as it is to receive a wedding gift, odds are, unwrapping it may have you coming to the realisation that some gifts are seriously dull, some feature items you’ve already purchased, and some others are things you may never use or even re-gift. In fact, it’s a common impasse most newly-weds seem to reach post their big day. They are primed to receive that archetypical crockery set or silverware, or random knick-knacks that are most likely to be relegated in the storage unit. But what if you could get a solution to these woes with stand-out gifts that strike the perfect note? Enter, the wedding registry.

What is a wedding registry?

In a nutshell, a wedding registry, also known as bridal registry or wedding list, is a wish list of gifts you and your betrothed can put together. This service is provided by a website or retail store to assist engaged couples to communicate their gift preferences to wedding guests. Once the items are shortlisted by the couple on the vendor’s website or store, the registry is made available to guests to choose the gift of their choice and budget. In addition to providing valuable information for the gift buyer, this system helps prevent the receipt of duplicate or unwanted gifts. On purchase, the gifts are directly shipped to the couple’s desired address. It also gives couples the perfect opportunity to stock up the right arsenal.

Ever since it was instituted by Chicago-based departmental store Marshall Field’s in 1924, the wedding registry has come a long way. In 1993, US-based Target stores pioneered the electronic self-service gift registry. Since the turn of the 21st century, the traditional concept of the bridal registry has evolved even further. Specialised versions such as the honeymoon registry, baby registry, house registry and charity registry are also now available, along with registries that also allow couples to curate gifts from various vendors on one platform.

When should you curate the wedding registry?

Wedding etiquette dictates that you should register within two to three weeks of getting engaged, for a few gifts at least—there may be friends and family who might want to gift you right away. Prior to the big day, be sure to be registered at least two to three weeks in advance for the guests to comfortably buy the option they’d like to gift you. In case of a destination wedding, consider a month’s window.

How couples can shortlist the perfect gifts?

“When creating a wedding registry, the options are limitless,” advices Enda Noone, co-founder of lifestyle brand, Ikka Dukka. “This is why it’s hardly surprising that wedding registries can pose as grounds for strife between couples. Jostling over gifts with frills may float your boat, but it may not work for [your partner]. Similarly, he may like to get his hands on those golf clubs, but you may not be as keen on them. Thus, it’s imperative for couples to find a middle path and pick gifts that work for them as a couple.”

The simplest solution to this is picking gifts you need versus ones you want—“look to gifts that don’t just look fantastic, but also are a reason to celebrate for their functionality. I suggest designing a three-fold list: the crucial list, the desirable list and the indulgence list. When you get cracking on the lists, pick gifts room-wise, starting from kitchen, bedroom to living room. Zero it down to allow for thoughtful provisions that can accommodate individual habits, lifestyles and preferences. From pots and pans to quirky experiences, you can pick all you’d like to receive,” he elaborates.

“Another practical way to find a common point of agreement lies in splitting the wedding registry down the middle with the number of items and the budget. Amicably and honestly segregate what you’d like to get into His and Her zones, and don’t cross the line.”

How many gifts should you register for?

Aim for three to four gifts per guest, with the understanding that not all gifts will be purchased. Most importantly, be sure to have a variety of gifts across several budgets. Every guest has a different budget, so while one guest may wish to give you a photo frame, another may want to go all out and get you a microwave.

Where should you register in India?

Pick stores that match your requirements and preferences. You can also register at more than two stores at once. Most guests shop online these days—in fact, it is the most fuss-free way for them to buy a gift for you. In India, stores like Good Earth provide a wedding registry service. New Delhi-based gifting brand IkkaDukka.com’s online registry portal helps couples curate gifts of their choice at a click of a button, plus helps share ‘Thank You’ notes on their behalf. You can also consider Bengaluru-based WeddingWishlist.com.

How should you communicate your wedding registry to your guests?

“It can be considered rude to share details of your wedding gift registry with the invitation card. Ideal case is sharing the details on your wedding website. If you may not have one, feel free to share the details via a URL through communication apps or emails,” says Noone.

Celebrity wedding registries: Priyanka Chopra and Meghan Markle

From Priyanka Chopra to Meghan Markle, celebrities haven’t shied away from embracing this contemporary gift trend either. Chopra, for one, collaborated with Amazon to create her very own wedding registry ahead of her big day. Running the gamut of categories like cooking, travel, fitness, decor, pet accessories and hosting, the elaborate registry comprised everything from Dorotea dinner plates to a Blueberry Pet bed and an Alessi cocktail shaker. The e-commerce giant also contributed a handsome sum to UNICEF (an organisation that Chopra is closely associated with). “I’m very excited to begin this new chapter in my life and I’ve selected some of my favourite items to inspire you during yours. I am also so happy that Amazon is making a $1,00,000 donation to UNICEF, an organisation I hold close to my heart,” she quoted back in November 2018.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex asked friends, family and well-wishes from across the world to spare them the wedding gifts by setting up a charity registry that asked for donations to seven different organisations instead. They also reportedly set up a super-discreet gift registry with the exclusive Soho House members’ club.

Also read:

Priyanka Chopra unveils her wedding registry ahead of her big day

How to pick the perfect wedding gift

How to find the perfect wedding gift for every kind of couple