Today’s guest blogger is Jennifer Reid aka Mrs. Foodie Registry, who is from The Foodie Registry. This company is based on two simple ideas: first, most couples already own many of the items found on a traditional registry and secondly, people love good food. Put that together and what do you get? A restaurant gift registry. For foodies. A Foodie Registry.

Traditional wedding registry etiquette is often unspoken of, which is why it seems to generate a lot of debate, as well as confusion. Here we offer some simple Do’s and Don’ts for the modern bride who is navigating the tricky waters of wedding registry etiquette.

DO provide a variety of options for guests. Diversity is golden! That includes a variety of price points (consider the gift budgets of your guests) as well as a variety of items and registries.

DON’T wait until the last minute to register. Registering for your wedding gifts 6 months in advance of the wedding date is generally a good time frame to give guests to choose and purchase their gift. Just make sure to check your registries regularly, as sometimes items get discontinued.

DO register online. Online wedding registries are infinitely more convenient for both guests and receivers. Even if older guests prefer a brick and mortar registry, the vast majority of your guests will prefer to purchase their gift online. Online registries offer flexibility for more traditional-minded guests, and convenience for everyone else.

DON’T include your registries on your invitations. While we’re not ones who advocate following tradition to a tee, we think this rule of etiquette has good reason behind it. You don’t want to take any emphasis away from the primary purpose of the invitation – to ask that your friends and loved ones be present at one of the most specials moments in your life. Instead, include the web address for your wedding webpage, which we highly encourage you to create.

DO make your wedding registry easily accessible. Word of mouth may be the traditional way of letting guests know where you are registered, but in the modern, busy era of instant communication, it is a bit impractical. The best way to let your guests know where you’re registered, of course, is to link to your registries on your wedding webpage.

DON’T be afraid to register for what you want. Now we’re not saying go register for that Porsche you’ve always dreamed of having, but often times, couples feel pressured to register for items that they think are “appropriate” to ask for, even if they don’t need or particularly want those items. These days you’re not limited to traditional houseware items and registries – and in fact, many modern couples who are marrying later or who lived together prior, are eschewing unnecessary housewares in exchange for non-traditional items that reflect their interests. This can be anything from registering for camping gear to rock climbing classes to a dinner at an upscale restaurant.

Finally, DO what’s best for you – it’s your special day – and DON’T worry too much about following rules and etiquette. Modern weddings are less about following tradition, and more about following your heart.

Planning Elegance would like to thank Mrs. Foodie Registry, for providing our readers and clients with such a unique article on a great idea for wedding gifts!

Image 1 via Classic Candy Buffet

Image 2 via Fancy Pants Weddings