Help! Need Registry Ideas... (LONG)

I was looking for tips on registering, which places people like and dislike, both as a soon to be bride/newlywed or as someone using the registry to purchase gifts for someone else`s wedding. I want a place or places that are good for both the brides and the buyers. My fiance said he`d like to use Fortunoff, but I`m not thrilled about the lack of convenience with them. There is only one store on Long Island, and it`s at the Merchants Concourse in Westbury. I don`t want people feeling they need to drive to just one location. Someone correct me if I`m wrong on this. Is there another Fortunoff on Long Island? Also, I`m not really a big fan of the whole registry thing anyway. It`s great because you get what you want, but the only surprise in it is who got what for you and what requests you didn`t get. And I`ve never been comfortable with telling people what to get me for birthdays, Christmas, etc, so this is no different. Is it bad/wrong to have a preference toward wanting money for the bridal shower? My fiance and I have been living together for several years now and have much of what we need, including a china set my mom and dad gave us for engagement. I just can`t see asking people to spend money on things we`d probably use once or twice in the next ten years. (We`re not big on entertaining). Sorry this is long, I think I`m panicking as I realize what I have left to do and the little amount of time I have to do anything because of my two jobs. Plus, I have two weddings coming up in June. Any advice would be great! Thanks in advance.

Help! Need Registry Ideas... (LONG)

Try Bed Bath & Beyond. I've been married for a year and can't walk into that store without wanting to spend a ton. They have lots of practical stuff. There are also several locations on LI. When you go, you'll realize all the stuff you could use. Remember, this is your wish list so go for things you might not buy for yourself but would like to have. Maybe a nicer set of pots or knives. I'm sure there are lots of things you can find to register for. The possibilities are endless. I know it's hard to ask for things but you'll appreciate it when you don't get 4 irons!! I was registered at Fortunoff and have had good experiences there but if you want to go with something more casual, try Bed Bath and Beyond.

Help! Need Registry Ideas... (LONG)

I went with Macy's instead of Fortunoff since it is available nationally, and had an easier return policy. Once I went to a less crowded store on an off day, its been great. Going in on a Saturday afternoon was a bad idea! I suggest that you DO NOT use Linens and Things. A co-worker of mine registered there, and it has been a nightmare. She had to re-register twice because they had computer problems! Also, I had a terrible experience trying to buy her gift from them! There is nothing wrong with having a preference for money, and letting your MOH etc know so they can subtly spread the word to those who ask for gift ideas. As I'm sure you know you shouldn't insist that a guest give you anything in particular! Something to keep in mind about the registry -- generally guests love them! They are spending a lot of money and like knowing that you are getting something you want and need! Also, remember that you can register for things other then china - camping equipment, electronics, games, whatever you would enjoy and suits your personality!

Help! Need Registry Ideas... (LONG)

My Fi and I are the same. We lived alone for 5+ years and didnt need anything really. We registered at JcPenney (my favorite) and Macys (his favorite). We put our good china (everything, silverware, dishes, glasses), sheets, window draperies, bathroom items (we found a lovely matching bathroom and bedroom set a penneys), towels, attachments for our kitchenaid mixer, luggage. Silly stuff like that. Items we dont NEED but really WANT. A lenox cake topper and picture frame (as if I would buy them for myself at $100 each-not in this lifetime). I found most people ask where you are registered at. Most people are going to buy you items anyhow and its better (only my thought) if you register so you dont get items you already have like 3 ironing boards (although you will anyhow even with registering). If you really want money, tell whoever you think is throwing the party or hint to them (lol), and maybe they can put a line in the invitation, in lieu of gifts please give money or gift certificates. Something like that. We didnt want to register but we got too much crystal (didnt want) for our engagement party and thought it better to register for stuff we wouldnt buy ourselves but would like to have. Sorry so long but I hope this helped.

Help! Need Registry Ideas... (LONG)

We registered at Fortunoff. I was a little worried also about the inconvenience of just one one Long Island. However, there is another store in Jersey and a fancier one in the city, however, many of my friends and family ordered off the Fortunoff web site which has been great for me to keep my list updated. Also, if you do register there, you can give your MOH or whoever is throwing the shower a print-out of the registry and people can call an 800# and order items that way too. I know what you mean about registering - my Fi and I have lived together for over 3 years and own our own home and don't need the everyday kind of stuff, so we also registered for stuff we want and would not buy for ourselves. I'm not sure if there is a graceful way to let people know that you prefer cash, but at least registering is a sure way to not get a ton of stuff you have no interest in...I think the ideas above are great - did you know you can also register at Home Depot? Also, I have heard of people registering for their honeymoon where guests can 'contribute' towards the cost of a particular trip - You could also register at a specialty store such as Williams Sonoma if you enjoy cooking, etc. I think nowadays you have lots of options...one thing about Macy's - my friend's shower was this past Saturday, and I went on Friday to buy the gift (always the last minute!) and her registry said she needed a coffee maker - I couldn't find the exact model she wanted but at the shower she ended up with 3 of them! So registering doesn't always mean things will turn out perfect, but it does make it a little easier to return/exchange things...have fun!

Still looking for more advice, but thanks so far...

I know we will register, that it`s the thing to do. And I do see the benefits to doing it, really I do, especially for the guests since they now don`t have to torture themselves over what to buy. When we choose our store(s), do we get a catalog that we can go home, pick from, then either go back to the store with our list or register on-line? Or do we have to take an afternoon and walk through the store making our selections with an employee? Thanks again!

Still looking for more advice, but thanks so far...

Macy's and JcPenneys we walked around the store and registered. Very simple-they give you some electronic thing that you scan the bar codes into, then they upload or download whatever and it prints out. You can always revise it from your pc. You can also just create one on the website but I found most items in the store are not listed on the sites. IE I cant find any attachments to the mixer on the site but in Macys they have like 20 different ones. Its fun to walk around the store and go, 'oh, I would like that but would never buy it'. Scan it and you might get it. We got a set of plates from 2 aunts who chipped in together. Try walking the store first. Its actually fun! Then add/remove items later on.

Still looking for more advice, but thanks so far...

At Macy's you are given a scanner gun, so you don't have to be followed around, and can just scan in whatever you want. You will have to fight your fiance for the gun though! (Kudos to the store for finding a way to keep my fiance amused while I chose towels) You only needed the employee to enter in your china if you chose any. At Macy's (and most major stores) you can modify your registry on the web -- however it is best to make the bulk of your choices at a store!

It depends on the store

Right now we are registered at Fortunoffs. I started our registery on line and have added to it on line, however the majority of the items on our registery were choosen during an actual store visit. Your guests can order on line for you, which is real convenient.

Kel

Hi Kel, I just registered about a month ago at Fortunoff's. There are so many places that people on this board mentioned that you can go to. But it seems that most people pick Fortunoff's. I know that the only one on long island is in Westbury and it may be an inconvenience for some.. but people can order either online or by calling up. Now as far as actually registering..in Fortunoff's u don't get a catalog.. u sign up with a customer service person.. who takes down some info and then gives u and ure fiance a scanner that u carry around the store with u. No salesperson comes around with u..its just u, ure fiance and the scanner. You walk around the whole store scanning the upc codes. Fortunoff's does give u a brochure with a list of what u will need..so u can check it off if u wish to. What I did was make a list of what I want to put on my registry beforehand..and still it took my fiance and I about 4 hours to walk through the store and scan stuff. You can add stuff at anytime..either in the store or online..although they have less merchandise online...but its not that bad..actually we had fun doing it. You may want to register in more then one store..Fortunoff's doesn't really have a huge selection in every department but it was good enough for me. I have heard bad things about Macy's..such as them always being out of things..but definitely if u like go for Bed Bath and Beyond or Penney's...hope this helps. Good Luck, Allison

Another Question...Just Checking...

So I can start our registery on-line, then go to the store(s) and do a walk through? I understand it depends on the store, but this is a possibility? Again, many thanks! Maybe this will be one shopping trip my fiance will actually like, espcially if we make sure to stop off in electronics! :) More ideas and advice appreciated!

I just had my shower.... here's my advise...

My shower was just last week and this is what I found out... I registered in Macy's and Fortunoff's My suggestion is to register in one more store - I had to go back to Macy's about 5 times b/c I had nothing left on the registry - I had a difficult time picking things - I had to just keep putting Waterford things on there b/c they don't have a huge household department. Fortunoff is like you said difficult for some people. More people bought from Macy's, therefore, I should Of picked another store for people to go to. I didn't pick three stores b/c I didn't want people to say look at this one - three diff. stores - looking back it would of made it easier for others and know one would of thought anything of it. You won't be able to pick it all out in one afternoon - I went about 6 times. It's difficult to pick out things on line. Good Luck and take your time.

What we did..... (long)

Many of our guests live on LI, but there are also some in the city, and in several states around the country. We`ve also been on our own for a long time and did not need the basics. We registered at 3 stores - Macy`s, Bed-Bath-and-Beyond, and Crate & Barrel. The experience has been good with all but here are the pros and cons: Crate & Barrel makes you write the info on a sheet - no scanners - and you can`t update on line yet - that`s been 'coming soon' for the last year. However, they do give you a folder full of brochures showing many of the standard items that they carry consistantly. They are great to work with on the phone too - I easily deleted some glassware with one phone call, after I found some elsewhere that I liked better. Macy`s - some stores are better than others - I live in Boston, and go out of my way to go to the 'better' store which has better service and layout. A majority of our guests have been buying on-line from Macy`s. I had a couple of things to exchange - the china had a minor flaw in the glazing (I`m picky) and some glasses arrived broken. They were extremely accomodating - no problem at all exchanging, with or without the gift receipt. You also get a one-time 10% discount for any items on the registry that you did not receive if you purchase within 3 months after the wedding. Bed Bath and Beyond - service here has been good too. We registered for more practical, less expensive items here - shower-type gifts. Not too many purchases - mostly because it was less convenient for those attending the shower. We will also get a discount after the wedding, so they suggested that we register for things we really don`t expect to get as gifts, just to get the discount later. If you live in a house, or plan to buy soon, consider registering for items condusive to outdoor entertaining - ie: a barbeque grill. At Macy`s, there is also Luggage as an option, or home decor like lamps or rugs. Overall, I`d suggest something like Macy`s that is easy for your guests, and something else like Home Depot, Crate and Barrel, Fortunoff, etc. and let friends and family spread the word on gifts of cash.

Kel-Registry

I registered at Fortunoff and Bed, Bath & Beyond. I think guests from around LI expect to be going to Fortunoff so it's not such a hardship. We spent HOURS in the store registering and it was quite a pain. I started my BB&B registry online and looked around the website for things that I liked. I put a bunch of things down and then made a trip to the store to pick out the bedding and towels(gotta do those things in person.) Of course there is a lot more in the store to choose from, but I keep adding things from the website. They also give you a 10% completion discount so I've put many things on the registry just so I can get the discount if I don't get them at the shower.

Has anyone registered at Target?

I have started a registry at Fortunoff's but my FI's family from out of town and we are considering registering at Target as well for appliances. Has anyone registered there or have any experiences? Our other thought was JCPenney because I'm not that big a fan of Macy's.

Has anyone registered at Target?

Linda, I am registered at both JC Pennys and Target. My experience with JC Pennys as been ok. They have lots of things as far as housewares, luggage and furniture but the only problem is that a consultant has to walk around with you as you choose. Where as in Target, they give you the scan gun and let you roam around the store making your own decisions. Giving you more freedom. Both stores are around the country so it may be easier for your out of town guests to shop for you. Let me know if you have any other questions. Good Luck Lisa

Has anyone registered at Target?

We went to the Penneys at the Lake Grove mall and no one walked with us. We just had a scanner and picked it on our own. I think I have seen multiple complaints about Target. Do a search for it. I know alot of people were having problems with returns.