Last week we talked about the history behind traditional bridal registries. This raised some questions about the larger, contribution-style registry ideas out there. Keep reading for more information about some of these ideas and find out how to get what it is you two really want or need.

Some couples have been married before, live together before the wedding, or had the patience to let love find its way to them. These situations can mean a marriage of more than just two people, but two households! What do you do when you’re getting married, but you already have all of the material household things you typically find on a registry?

There are great non-traditional registry options for the couples that already have everything!  Some of the options are to create a honeymoon registry, a charity registry, a home down payment registry, or even a business funding registry. With secure, online registries you won’t have to handle all the envelopes on your wedding day and you can have an account of your gifts and givers to send those Thank-You’s. All of these registry options can help you, as a couple, achieve those big dreams you’re dreaming and have your friends and family to thank.

A charity registry can show your guests what charitable endeavor drives you as new couple, while allowing them to support that passion. Check out the I Do Foundation for more information on giving back, or starting a charity registry: www.idofoundation.org

A down payment registry with registered cash gifts qualify towards the down payment of a house, in accordance with FHA rules. Payments made toward a registry can make the entire process less stressful and more efficient. Be smart! Use a service that pays interest on your gift money and charges low fees for the registry services. We recommend starting with your local banker to explore the options available to you.

If you and your beloved are entrepreneurially inclined, you may be interested in establishing a business funding registry. Kickstarter is an online pledge system for funding creative projects, business ideas, or your next big company purchase. In this particular registry, Kickstarter collects money through Amazon payments and both companies will claim a percentage of the funds raised. On the flip side, they do not claim ownership over the project or work produced by the funds. For more information, or to start your own business venture, visit www.kickstarter.com

These are all great alternatives to establish a goal-setting registry and help the two of you begin with the end in mind. Don’t be afraid to try new things, new ideas, and new registries, but if you’re still unsure, feel free to ask us here at l’Evento for some gift guidance!

Always,
Amy

If you walk into a store that offers a bridal or wedding registry, some associates are happy to explain their company exchange and return policies and give you a suggested checklist of registry items. Others will simply turn you loose in their store and hope you bring them business! What you’re really there to do is get what you want, right? How did these registries become so extensive in the first place?

Bridal registries were originally started for brides to choose a china pattern and let their guests' generosity work toward completing an entire set. In 1924, when the first bridal registry was made available at Marshall Field’s the bride listed her choices of china, silver, and crystal. Years ago, although there were options for china patterns, there were not many options for your blender, toaster, or kitchen utensils. The bridal registry has now expanded to include the newest options a newlywed couple has to choose from when thinking about their household.

With so many choices for our modern-day bride there are different kinds of registries to suit your wedding, your guests, and your needs. A universal registry is able to compile all of your desired gifts, regardless of which store they are from, in one single list. A contributory registry or contribution registry allows multiple guests to contribute toward the purchase of a single, larger gift for the couple.

So, let’s figure out how to make the most of your registry, regardless of where it originates and how large it becomes. A good rule of thumb is to list two gifts for each guest or party invited to your wedding. Even if they cannot attend, guests will often send a gift. Offering a variety of high-end or costly gifts and balancing these with some that are less expensive gives your guests the freedom to choose, within their personal budgets, what they can get you.

See if this helps you develop a “scanning strategy” when the stores turn you two loose and check back next week to find out what else a registry can do for you!

Always,
Amy

Who didn’t grow up with the Disney princesses?

Alfred Angelo Bridal recently opened a new boutique in the Castleton Square Mall, and L'Evento Event Resource Boutique was lucky enough to be there for the grand opening! While there, we saw many of the beautiful gowns offered by the Alfred Angelo line.
 
The newest collection is titled Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo. With sizes 0 to 30W, each of seven dresses represents a timeless Disney princess story. 

Ariel, the understandable mermaid silhouette in fabrics that “move as gracefully as the ocean.” Jasmine, an effortless sheath silhouette defines true beauty as exotic and daring. Sleeping Beauty, with roses and floral motifs the ball gown fit for a springtime princess. Tiana, the most modern princess is everything if not unique. Cinderella, nothing but classic in this A-line with a sweetheart neckline, and jewel-encrusted bust. Belle, a detachable shrug and draped net pick-up skirt compliment notes of gold in the bodice, mimicking the well-known golden ball gown. Snow White, Walt Disney’s first princess, with an apple blossom bodice and flowers blooming on the skirt - perhaps pictures by a wishing well?

Your Fairy Tale Awaits…

Which princess would you like to be for a day?

Always,
Amy