Bridal Registry

Registering is now just a click away. Technology has spoiled us. I recall about 12 years ago when I had to register at a department store. You were given a pen/pencil and a board with a big list or everything in a store. It took hours... Then we upgraded to big handheld scanner, with just a click of a button you would scan the item you wanted.

Today we can register with just a click away in the convenience of your own home. Wedding registry should be done at least six months to one year prior to the event. This is an exciting time in a couple's life where you can ask for things that you need and want. It's simply a wish list to make it easier for your friends and family to give you what you want.

J.C. Penny's 5 easy steps to register on line:

1. Enter your registrant information
2. Add your shipping address
3. Ask for announcement cards, opt-in for registry emails.
4. There is also in-store kiosk which makes it easier for purchasing and creating registry.
5. Free wedding magazine, gift wrap, engagement portrait, wedding planner & organizer, personal web site.

Bed Bath & Beyond, online registry access for couples and guests from anywhere. They have an enormous selection of merchandise. They also have in-store handheld scanners.   You'll receive complimentary brochure and announcement cards, free gift packaging. They also have a completion program which entitles you to a 10% discount on anything in your registry. In addition to Friends Program if you refer friends to the registry, they will reward you with a Referral Award for $25 off any purchase of $50 or more at any Bed Bath & Beyond store. You first have to have be registered prior to referring a friend. They also have registry life-span. Your registries remain in their system for 24 months following your event date. Great for anniversary and holiday gift giving. The Bridal Toolkit is an amazing electronic assistant that can help you manage and organize all your To-Do. Bridal Planner: Timeline, Task Manager, Personal Wedding Site and Guest List Manager.

Crate & Barrel create register on line. Log online for a free copy of 50 things you wish someone had told you before you register. After your event date, you'll receive a completion certificate and save 10% off any items remaining on your registry. This is a one time which can be used on line and once in the store. You can also request free invitation cards for your shower one year prior to the event.

Pottery Barn has the ability to register on line or at any of their stores. They suggest registration at least 6 months in advance of the event date. They will keep your registry one year after your event. They also have the one-time 10% completion discount on any or all items remaining on your registry. Pottery Barn has two methods for notifying about your gift registry. "Announce Registry" feature which can be email or enclosure card, which are available in their retail locations or their website. Pottery Barn will have an GG icon which is an idea for Giving a Group gift is a great for the larger items on your registry. Pottery Barn has partnered with the Wedding Channel; if you would prefer not to have your registry included on their site you can simply contact them directly.

William Sonoma has a convenient registry on line. The benefits of registering with Williams-Sonoma is the effortless management in add/delete items or changing the quantity it updates immediately. You will receive newsletters with ideas for your event and update on new products. Thank you note manager shows you which registry items have been purchased and by whom. It also keeps track of the notes you've sent. You can also request William Sonoma's The Essential Registry Guide on everything you'll need to know about selecting cookware and dinnerware.

Bloomingdales has a great and easy friendly site. If you register with Bloomingdales you will receive free gifts, bonuses, discounts and great offers. You can also view on line "The New Rules of the Registry. They have an online suite of registry tools by building a wedding website and you can also sign up for a charity registry. They will provide you with enclosure cards and Thank You card Manager for your guest.

Happy shopping!