Gift Registration: Online vs In-Store

For some people gift registration is the best part of wedding planning.

For others, juggling hectic schedules, navigating inconvenient transportation and trying to manage a checklist that looks like War & Peace can lead directly into the temptation that is online registration. Before you commit yourself (and your partner) to a houseful of grab-bag items, hear me out: go to the store.

I know, I know. It's super inconvenient to try and coordinate your & your partner's schedule or get yourself via 3 buses and a walk through a sketchy neighborhood to the nearest Bed, Bath and Beyond, but trust me - it's the only way to ensure that you are getting what you want.

Having opted for the online registration route myself, I can tell you there were a lot of "we didn't register for this...did we?" or "oh...THAT'S what this looks like??" or "Jesus, that wok weighs a TON!" moments that could have deftly been avoided, had we gone to register in person at the store. (Also, it makes for some super awkward bridal shower moments when you open a gift you've never seen in person and have to immediately fake liking it when, in fact, you think it is the most hideous thing you've ever seen...and have only yourself to blame.)

If one of you is going to try and fly solo at the store registration, make very sure that you have both discussed exactly what you want to register for. I've seen couples that have received gifts from their registry that one person thought the other would love, only to end in an argument over the color of the flatware.

Best case scenario: both of you go to the store and register together. That not being possible, try to sit down together with the online registry, pick out what you like together, then send one of you into the store to double check all the items and make any changes necessary.

Save yourselves the headache of a lot of post-wedding returns and exchanges. If you thought getting to that Bed, Bath and Beyond was inconvenient before, try doing it with a one-ton wok in tow...