All you need to know about Gifting and Bridal Registry in Indian Weddings

There are two ways to go about gifting in an Indian Wedding:

1. Bridal Registry
2. Cash

What is the proper etiquette to state your gift preference? How do you go about registering for gifts? What do you register for? Here is the scoop on gifting in Indian Weddings.

Proper Etiquette

I can’t stress this enough, but never mention your gift registry or preference for cash on the formal wedding invitation. It is in bad taste as you are requesting gifts as you should not assume that a guest will bring a gift. The gift/registry details should be reserved only for your wedding website. You can definitely include your wedding website URL on an insert with your invitation.

Let us talk about a new trend seen in South Asian Weddings. These days many couples mention on their invitations, “No boxed gifts”. This can be very confusing for your guests, especially who are not familiar with this terminology, as it is typically mentioned only in Indian Weddings. People may think that you might not want wrapped gifts, or may consider it downright rude to ask for cash. If you want to ask for cash, be more tactful and you can say something like this on your wedding website (again not on the invitation!!!):

“We have not chosen to have a bridal registry as we are unsure where we will settle and are trying to keep our moving expenses to a minimum.”

This way you don’t asking your guests that they bring a gift, but at the same time get the message across to those who intend to bring one. For more information on this topic, please see the forum discussion on Wedding Bee.

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Registering for Gifts

There are many advantages of registering for gifts:

1. You get exactly what you want.
2. You can use all the gifts to set up your new house.
3. Reduces duplication of gifts.
4. Your gifts are directly shipped to you on the shipping address specified by you.
5. Guests have an easier time choosing a gift that you will treasure.
6. Saves time, as your guests would not have to venture from store to store to look for a gift for you.
7. If a guest can’t make it to the wedding, they still have the ability to send a gift.

There are two ways to go about creating your bridal registry:

1. At the stores, where you have to physically go to a store, scan a gift and add to your registry: Many couples choose stores like Macy’s, Crate&Barrell, Bed Bath and Beyond, Target etc. for the wedding registries. The advantage here is that you get to see what the item you are trying to add to your registry looks like. At the same time, for couples it can be a bonding experience as they look for things for their new home. However, one drawback can be that the item you are selecting at the chosen store might be priced higher than other places. Also, going to store to store can be a frustrating experience. Moreover, you are limited to a few stores.
2. Creating an Online Registry: Another option is doing an online gift registry, where you find a website where you can add items from any website. You are not limited to certain stores and don’t have to go to store to store to select items to put on the registry . This is also great, as you can find the best deals online and save your guests some money. Couples are less likely to get into a public argument on what to add to a registry too. Some good websites for doing so are:

• MyRegistry.com – Also has Cash Gift Service option.
• HoneymoonWishes.com

What to Register For

So here is a comprehensive list of things to register for (Adapted from The Knot):

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1. Decor
   • Vases (Floor, Tabletop)
   • Picture Frames
   • Artwork for Walls
   • Bar Cart
   • Wall Mirrors
   • Couch
   • Ottomons
   • Throw Blankets
   • Chandeliers
   • Lamps
   • TV
   • Patio Furniture
2. Glassware
   • Double Old-Fashioned Glasses
   • Juice Glasses
   • Wineglasses (For Red and White Wines)
   • Water Goblets
   • Champage Flutes
   • Margarita Glasses
   • Martini Glasses
   • Ice Bucket
   • Coffee Mugs
   • Carafe
   • Coasters
3. Bar
   • Cocktail Shaker
   • Seven-Piece Bar Tool Set
   • Wine Fridge
   • Wine Cabinet
4. Dinnerware
   • Napkin Holders
   • Place Mats
   • Table Cloths
   • Table Runners
   • Cloth Napkins
   • Gravy Boat/ Stand
   • Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
   • Serving Bowls
   • Serving Platters
   • Sugar and Creamer Set
   • Salad Bowl and Servers Set
   • Formal Place Settings
   • Casual Place Settings
   • Chargers
   • Tea Kettle
   • Soup Tureen and Ladle
   • Butter Dish
   • Cake Stand
5. Kitchen
   • Ice Cream Scoop
   • Salad Spinner
   • Canister Set
   • Tongs
   • Mixing Bowls Set
   • Measure Cup Set
   • Measuring Spoon Set
   • Oven Mitts
   • Cookware Set
   • Broiler Pan
   • Bakeware Set
   • Basting Brushes
   • Can Opener
   • Garlic Press
   • Cheese Grater
   • Veggie Peeler
   • Knives Set
   • Citrus Zester
   • Blender
   • Food Processer
   • Hand Mixer
   • Stand Mixer
   • Slow Cooker
   • Coffee Maker
   • Toaster
   • Roasting Pan
   • Cutting Board
   • Rice Cooker
   • Deep Fryer
   • Waffle Maker
6. Flatware
   • Formal Silver 5-piece Flatware Set
   • Everyday Stainless Steel 5-piece Flatware Set
7. Bedding
   • Flat Sheets
   • Fitted Sheets
   • Duvet Covers
   • Comforter Set
   • Mattress Pad
   • Bed Blanket
   • Standard Pillows
   • Pillow Case Set
   • Pillow Shams
   • Bed Skirt
8. Travel
   • Suitcase
   • Carry on
   • Garmet Bag
   • Travel Totes
   • Toiletry Kit
   • Digital Camera
   • Wheeled Cooler
9. Home Essentials
   • Hamper
   • Vaccum
   • Iron
   • Ironing Board
10. Bathware
    • Soap Dispenser
    • Toothbrush Holder
    • Lotion Dispenser
    • Tissue Holder
    • Bathrobes
    • Bath Towels
    • Hand Towels
    • Washcloths
    • Bath Mat
    • Tub Mat
    • Shower Curtain
    • Scale
    • Hair Dryer
    • Showerhead