If you tuned into the Today show this morning, you got to meet Jessica and Cody, our charming bride- and groom-to-be; they’re even sweeter in person! Matt and Ann had two surprises for them: First, Matt announced their wedding reception will be held at Tiffany (Jessica was so excited she burst into tears!), then Martha called from Italy to wish Jessica and Cody well. Now that they have their wedding date (just a few weeks away—yikes!), it’s time for them to register. As soon as you have your date, you should start, too. It’s never too early!
Rather than including your registry information with your invitation or engagement announcement (an etiquette no-no!), let your family members and wedding party know where you’re registered, and have them spread the word.
In the past, couples generally registered for heirloom items, since the gifts were meant to help them start their new life together. But now couples are registering for more than just china and crystal: art, entertainment equipment, even contributions to their honeymoon or mortgage. The couple that truly has it all can ask their guests to donate to charity instead of sending a traditional gift.
For people buying off of registries, here are some great ways to personalize the gifts on couples’ wish lists:
If the couple has asked for cake stands, package them with a calligraphed list (by Deborah Delaney) of all of their family members’ birthdays, a hand-written recipe card with your favorite cake recipe, a classic cake server, and a box of birthday cake candles.
A sporty groom—or bride—might add golf clubs to the registry. Why not get his (or her) better half a gift certificate for golf lessons or book of golf rules? Tuck a set of personalized golf balls in a matching ball basket for an extra-special touch. (Personalized golf balls are also a great groomsmen gift. I think it’s cute to use nicknames!)
Every newlywed couple will need plenty of wineglasses for entertaining. For pretty presentation, pack them in a wooden crate with bottles of wine; personally, I’d love to get wine-of-the-month club as a gift! Some other fun accessories for wine lovers: a corkscrew, wine journal (I’m crazy about the one Francis-Orr makes!), and monogrammed leather coasters.
If a couple does register for charitable donations (Cody seemed to love this idea!), you can still send them a token gift. Animal-loving couples might donate to a rescue organization (I promise to blog about one of my favorites soon!); stop by your favorite pet store and pick up new collars for their four-legged friends. A pair that hikes could ask for donations to the Arbor Day Foundation; send them a small tree in a pretty pot as a reminder of your gift.
We didn’t talk about this on the show, but here’s one of Martha’s favorite wedding gifts: Martha loves giving a future husband and wife a set of top-quality pillows with beautifully embroidered shams. Complete the gift with his-and-hers bedside journals and classic ballpoint pens to fill them with.
And here are just a few behind-the-scenes images:
To get the set ready, stylist Kristi Blunt wraps giant “presents” in gorgeous paper and big, beautiful bows.
I gave Jessica and Cody a wedding scrapbook, a wedding planner, DVDs, and a book from Tiffany & Co., where their reception will be held.
Don’t forget to tune in next Wednesday, when I’ll be talking about floral design.
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