To register or not to register, that is the question. The answer: register. And if you are a guest, stay loyal to the registry. Bridal showers are stressful enough without getting stuck with three blenders and an arsenal of picture frames. Department stores and online boutiques make it easy for the bride to coordinate what she wants, and also relieves the guest of the stress from having to choose a gift that is not only appropriate but also desirable.
The Registry
Dozens of online and in-store registries are available; online registries are most advantageous as they allow your guest to see your listed items simultaneously, and allows for those who are out of the area or unable to make it to the shower to buy you a gift. There are three types of online bridal shower registries: department store, specialty store and registry networks. Large department store registries such as Macy's, Nordstrom, Target and Bloomingdale's offer the ability to add a range of items from kitchen to bath to personal care. However, some large stores are limited in their online choices for each category. Specialty stores such Williams Sonoma, Crate Barrel, Pottery Barn, etc., have a greater variety of each item. Macy's might have one potato peeler option while Williams Sonoma has seven. Another possible shower registry includes through an online network such as www.myregistry.com which allows for a registry that connects to dozens of stores.
Gifts
Though technically there is a difference between a wedding gift registry and a bridal shower registry, it is seldom the case in reality. Most couples (all right, brides) register the shower and wedding gifts at the same time, making sure to keep a wide range of prices so that a guest coming to both events is able to purchase both a lesser and more expensive item.
When creating your registry, avoid listing things such as furniture or large appliances. Likewise avoid listing small over-specific items such as music or movie titles or grapefruit soap; small specifics can be tacky. Intimate and erotic gifts should be left to your guests' own creativity as grandma, grandpa and your boss will all be using the same registry. There's a reason for why Victoria's Secret only has a wedding gift card and not a registry.
Personalize the Registry
For the guest, gift registries can sometimes seem a little dull as they lack in personal creativity from the giver. However, there are many ways to spice up and personalize something found in a registry to make it shout, This is from me. Consider making creative gift baskets; for a bride who registers kitchen appliances such as a coffeemaker, add thematic extras to it such as coffee cups, gourmet coffee roasts or tea-time snack such as biscotti or scone mixes. In the case of registered glassware such as wine or cocktail glasses, add a bottle of wine or a classy liqueur or margarita mix. Bath towels often pop up on shower registries; add a spark by tying in scented bath soaps, oils, brushes or sponges. The possibilities are endless, though keep in mind if considering bedroom items such as bed sheets or linens to avoid including creative thematic additions; leave those for the bachelorette party.
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