Why have a bridal registry?

Close friends and family will know what you'd like as gifts. But there will be guests who have never been to your home or who are unsure of your tastes or wants. For them, a gift registry is the answer to many problems. Standard wisdom says: You should register at 3 different places so that you can have a variety of goods at a wide range of prices. And do bear your guests' budgets in mind!

Monitor your registry to ensure there are plenty of items in all price ranges available throughout, keeping in mind that 80% of people buy their presents the week before a wedding.

Register more gifts than the number of guests on your guest list. That way the procrastinators (the above-mentioned 80%) won't be forced to buy expensive or boring items.

Here's something you're right to feel squeamish about, though: including information on gifts with your invitation. Rather allow family and friends to spread the word. Also, many registries will send out separate notes to guests informing them of your list and how it works. Shops with online facilities are particularly brilliant, especially if you have guests coming from another town or, given the South African diaspora, from another country. It allows them to order online and have their gifts delivered, which means they don't have to lug heavy presents on the plane. But be sure to include at least one registry with proper brick-and-mortar outlets; not everyone has access to or is comfortable with virtual reality. To this end we have found some fab places for you, online and off.

Woolworths has reintroduced its bridal service. Guests can view your selection at any one of 18 selected stores or online at www.woolworths.co.za.
For info: F 0860 100 987

@home has also relaunched their bridal registry service. Go to any of their stores and choose what you'd like. A hand-held scanner will upload your selection to your online registry where guests can view it and place their orders. If some doesn't have internet facilities, not to worry: each of the 50 stores around the country will have a printed version of your list to show them. Info: www.home.co.za
F 021 938 1911

UnderWraps is a source of great one-off, individually sourced items. Visit their showrooms in Durban, Johannesburg or Cape Town; or www.home.co.za
Info: F 031 312 2937

Boardman's is another where guests can shop online. Update your list by going to edgars.co.za and clicking on 'registries' after making your selection in-store.
Info: F 0860 334 277

Le Creuset has a bridal registry featuring their full range of colourful, covetable cookware. Go to www.lecreuset.co.za to compile your wish list or call F 021 671 9550. Guests will be sent a printed or e-mailed copy of your list and gifts are delivered in one go, giftwrapped and free of charge.

The Wedding Gift List, a new online registry, offers a huge range of gifts – from a teapot to a bush trip. Gifts are delivered. Take a look at www.weddinggiftlist.co.za

If you have all the toasters and towels you need, set up a honeymoon registry.

Cape Grace in the V&A Waterfront provides an online registry that will let you stay in 5-star luxury, enjoy spa treatments, shop at the gift store, sip on Dom Perignon or dine at the hotel's restaurant – compliments of your guests. There's even a helicopter flip or an upgrade to a more luxurious suite on the wish list. Cape Grace will throw in a complementary 30-minute massage for each of you. Info: www.capegrace.com
F 021 410 7100