Smart Wedding Registry Ideas
A wedding day is more than a grand celebration – it’s the first day of a lifetime of marriage. For previous generations, the early days of marriage brought in a flood of new stuff. Just think of the gravy boats of the 1970s, the VHS players of the 1980s, and the bread makers of 1990s.
Millennials, however, have often been living together before marriage and don’t need to stock the kitchen. Also, instead of possessions, this generation seeks out memorable experiences.1 With this in mind, isn’t it time for a new, creative take on the wedding registry?
WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU GO-GO
Hopefully newlyweds have chosen their partners with this idea: “She’s the first person I want to talk to in the morning and the last person I want to talk to at night.” That morning conversation will go better with a nice, hot cup of coffee for each of you, right? Add a coffee subscription to your wedding registry to start each day in caffeinated harmony. And, if you add travel mugs to the list, you’ll save a lot of money by skipping the latte line on the way to work.
EXPLORE THE UNKNOWN
Where will married life take you two? Only time truly knows. To get a head start on the adventure, include a local outfitter to your registry. These shops provide instruction and equipment to tackle new experiences as varied as surfing to snow shoeing. By using a wedding gift to rent equipment first, rather than buy, you’ll discover what kind of adventures best suit you together. Then when you’re ready to purchase your own equipment, you’ll spend wisely.
RELAX TOGETHER, STAY TOGETHER
After a big adventure, nothing is more rewarding than a muscle-melting massage. Or an evening in a hot tub. Whatever your favorite treatment may be, prepare to get pampered by adding a spa gift certificate to your wedding registry. Perhaps it can even be thought of as preventive medicine, as regular self-care helps to reduce stress-related illness.
WITH A TOAST
In the name of relaxation – and the lifelong, end of day conversation – a glass of wine pairs nicely. Consider adding a wine subscription to your list of requested wedding gifts. Many subscriptions offer a new wine every month. Over the course of the year, you can use wine as a way to travel around the world. This will also save some money in the early days of marriage, as a cozy night indoors will likely be more inviting, and cost-savvy, than a night out!
COME FLY WITH ME
Consider setting up a gift fund and using the money towards plane tickets to a special destination. Often people buy big purchases, like plane tickets, with a credit card. Sometimes by the time they pay off the original expense, they could have made the trip twice! By setting up a fund for travel, you can pay as you go.
There is typically a percentage fee for these types of services, but it’s convenient for your guests, as they can charge a gift on their credit or debit card. Best of all, your guests feel good knowing you’ll get exactly what you want with their gift.
FOR RICHER
It’s possible that a fantastic gift doesn’t have to cost anything at all. As you’re planning for married life, think about other ways people can show their love and support. How about introductions to people who can help you build a strong foundation now — like a trusted financial advisor?
Early conversations with a financial advisor can help you and your spouse start a life of confidence.
2018-61769 Exp. 06/2020
SOURCES:
[1] Millennials: Fueling the Experience Economy, Eventbrite, 2014
