Creating a gift registry is something that few people think about until it's time to do it, and then there's usually not much time to prepare or research the details. At Terrestra we've helped many couples plan their registries. We hope you'll find the following suggestions useful in planning yours.
Start with a list.
You'll be living with your registry gifts for a long time. While a few impulse decisions are fine and make the whole process more fun, you'll want to take a thoughtful approach to your core list. Write down the main categories and items you expect to include, and for each make notes about important features and usage details. For example, your categories may be Dinnerware, Glassware, Flatware, Table Linens, Serving Pieces and Utensils. You'd start your list something like this:
Category: Dinnerware
Usage: everyday/special occasion
Style preferences: casual/formal, contemporary/traditional
Color preferences: neutral/colorful/must go with _________
Definitely want: dinner plate, salad plate, cereal bowl, coffee mug
Essential features: must be dishwasher-safe!
Dinnerware is the key.
All other registry choices generally follow from the dinnerware you select. Unless you plan to do a lot of formal entertaining, you'll want something you can use every day as well as when you have guests. Most couples request eight to twelve place settings (we recommend at least eight). Some dinnerware lines offer up to a dozen sizes and shapes of plates, bowls, etc. A "setting" should be whatever combination of these pieces you'll find useful in your own household. Visualize the options you are considering with the foods you normally put on plates for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Avoid pieces that seem too specialized for you. If you choose a well established dinnerware line, you can always add to it later.
Blending the old and the new.
Some registry couples are merging established households. Unless you're taking this opportunity to start over from scratch, decide what you're keeping before making your registry selections. Maintaining a consistent style or color scheme will help ensure that everything works together and simplify your decision process considerably.
Negotiating what works.
You'll want to evaluate potential registry choices using both practical and aesthetic criteria. For each item you're considering, ask yourself: Is it "you" -- or close enough, if your partner adores an item that doesn't enchant you? What do you like about the way it looks? Can you see yourself using it? Is it easy to handle, clean, and store?
Less is more.
Estimate how many people might be purchasing gifts for you, and don't pad your registry with many more items than your guests are likely to buy. You may end up with only your second- and third-tier choices. The fewer places you register and the more thoughtfully you select, the greater the chances that you will end up with the nicely coordinated items you really want.
If your event date is approaching, your registry is sold out, and some guests have still not made their purchases, you can add more items to your Terrestra registry right up to, or even after, the event.