The Flexible Registry: What Kind of Couple Are You?

When couples decide to register for their wedding, they usually make lists of all the things they own, all the things they need, and all the things that would make their home the perfect place to start a family. Most couples will register for silverware, toasters, glassware, china, fine linens and other household appliances, but most couples don't realize how flexible they can be with their gift registries. Here are a few alternative ideas and tips for those couples who are struggling to find gifts and for those couples who want to give their guests multiple choices when deciding what to buy for their wedding:

1. What are your hobbies?--Whether it's outdoor recreation or indoor relaxation, you and your spouse have a multitude of options at your disposal when registering for your wedding. If you love to decorate and you find that you are more artistic, gifts such as wall-hangings, candles, paintings, flowerpots, mirrors and other interior accessories are perfect for adding a personal appeal to your new home. If you or your spouse spend most of your time outdoors, then gardening tools, camping equipment, sports-related items, and other decorations for the yard might be right down your isle. This is your wedding, so feel free to register gifts that are unique for both you and your husband to enjoy inside and outside of your home.
    
2. What does your future hold?--Think of all the memories you and your spouse will create over the years to come, and think of how you might remember them later on in life. Gifts as small as picture albums, scrapbooking materials, and picture frames are perfect gifts to think about when registering because they go a long way! Not only can these gifts satisfy almost anyone's budget, but they are gifts that will help you organize and look back on memories that you'll never want to forget--and they allow you to tap in to your creative side!
    
3. How flexible are you with your registry?--There are multiple options for everything. When you register for items like china, keep in mind that you'll need fine china for important dinner parties and stoneware for casual dining. When registering for items such as towels, bed sheets, tablecloths and other fine linens, remember the size of your home and the personal style that you are trying to create. By registering for multiple designs and for both casual and formal items, you allow your guests an opportunity to be flexible with their finances and with the choices that are given to them.
    
4. Have you thought about a honeymoon registry?--It's quite common in today's society to offer a honeymoon registry and allow your guests a choice in assisting you with your happy travelling. Travel agencies collect money from honeymoon registries and disperse it however you see fit. If you find yourself needing help with air fare, location activities, and other hotel expenses, then a honeymoon registry might be for you. Talk to a professional travel agency when considering your hotel expenses and other honeymoon activities and think about where you would like to use your honeymoon registry. Keep in mind, however, that it will only be as successful as your guests allow. If your guests decide to buy more gifts for your wedding registry, you might find yourself in a bit of a problem. Instead of relying on your honeymoon registry, make sure you have enough finances to cover your honeymoon so that all of the money collected from the registry can be used for extra traveling expenses. This way, you won't have to change your honeymoon plans at the last minute and you'll be more prepared and relaxed when you leave for your honeymoon.
    
5. Donations--Another popular idea for a wedding gift is in fact not a gift at all. A lot of couples nowadays find themselves well prepared on the day of their wedding in regards to setting up a home and planning for their future. If this is the case, your guests can be invited through your bridal shower invitations to donate money to a certain charity or fund of your choice. This way, your guests will feel accomplished and their money will not be idly used for things that you might already have.