There?s no way around it ? having a wedding registry can make your lives, and the lives of your wedding guests, much easier. However, there?s a right and a wrong way to go about it. Unfortunately, the subject of gift giving can be tricky, so it?s important to know the proper wedding registry etiquette before you tackle your registry. Here?s a list of some common etiquette-related mistakes people make, and how you can avoid them:

Not Registering at All

You may think that you?re doing guests a favor by not registering. However, the opposite is actually true. Guests are usually happy to select gifts from your registry because they know that whatever they give, you?ve specifically asked for it and will enjoy it. The registry allows the gift giver to be anonymous, so there is still an element of surprise.

Not Having Enough Variety

One of the biggest mistakes people make when developing their registries is not having enough variety. When it comes to dishware, you should have a mix of formal and informal pieces. You should also register for the essentials as well as items that are a bit more frivolous. For instance, you might not use that fancy serving platter often, but it?s nice to have around for when you need it! You should also include a mix of items at different price ranges. That way, people who don?t have a lot of money to spend can still find something nice to give you, while those who wish to spend more money will also have plenty of options.

Setting Up the Registry Too Late

As soon as you decide to get married, establishing your registry should be the next thing that you do. Waiting too long to register is a definite no-no! For instance, if your family and friends decide to throw you an engagement party, it?s much more convenient for guests if you?ve already registered. It?s customary to give a gift at an engagement party, bridal shower, and the wedding itself. This means that if you wait too long, you could miss the opportunity to get what you really want.

Not Knowing What You Already Have

One of the most frustrating things about registering is that it can be hard to know what you truly want or need. This is why it?s important to take inventory of what you already have! That way, you can create a registry that you know doesn?t have repeat items.

Not Maintaining Your Registry

Another big mistake people make is ignoring their registry once they put the initial items in the system. A good registry needs to be monitored and maintained in order to truly be effective. You never know what could happen! If you think of more items, for example, it?s always okay to add them after the fact. It?s also a good idea to take note of which items are being purchased so that you can make any necessary adjustments. For instance, if you notice that all your inexpensive items got purchased right away, you may want to add a few more so that you can give guests more options. A wedding registry is beneficial to both you and your wedding guests, which is why it?s important to avoid these wedding registry mistakes!