Buying “off the registry” is a gamble.  Most engaged couples these days assume that guests will check out their gift registry. Registries are a great tool to see what the couple really needs and wants for their new life together. I’m sure we’ve all heard our mothers talking about how they received 4 waffle irons, 6 crockpots, 12 gravy boats, 4000 coasters but no silverware. People love to give gifts that they are sure the couple will need. There’s usually nothing wrong with purchasing a gift that is not on a registry but when the registries are available try and use them.

Registries aren’t fool proof though. I registered for one 9×13 Pyrex baking dish and received 8 of them! Sometimes people forget to take the purchased items off the registry. Luckily most stores are great with exchanges and returns. We were just visiting with some friends of our who got married this summer and were laughing about their 3 different, everyday salt and pepper shakers. They had only registered for one type, but a couple guests just wanted to be sure they didn’t go without seasoning their meals! When in doubt, use the registry.

Unless you specify to your guests “no gifts please,” you are going to end up with a pile of presents. The first thing your guests will look for when they walk in to the reception is where to put your wedding gift. Place your gift table in an obvious, easily accessible location. Some sites have pretty entry hall tables or grand pianos that work well as gift tables. It is also perfectly normal to throw a matching table cloth over an 8 foot rectangular table and place it against a wall in the reception hall.

You are also likely to receive many cards on your wedding day. A great way to collect them is to have a special container clearly labeled for cards.   I’ve seen brides use a simple decorative card box, a box wrapped in wedding paper with a large slit cut in the top, a decorative cage, a basket and a lantern. Having a place for cards is a great way to prevent them from being lost, dropped on the floor, or,  in some cases, stolen.

One last thought is to have a gift table attendant. This person can act as a greeter at the reception as well. He/She can welcome guests in, direct them to put their gifts on the table or cards in the box, and have a roll of tape on hand. Why tape? Many times wedding presents arrive with cards but they get separated from the gift when placed in the gift table or fall off during transit to your new home. Save yourself the awkward situations of not knowing who gave what gift and have your gift table attendant immediately tape any loose cards to their gift or apply extra tape to cards that are barely attached.

I attended a wedding this past weekend and here is what the bride did for her card box: