Q. Is it ever okay to include which stores and websites I’m registered at on my wedding invitation?
A. The simple answer is no. No, no, no. In fact, Persnickety avoids listing the registry information on ANY of the pieces of an invitation set, including the details card. Listing it is like nails on a chalkboard for us! And here’s why.
It’s customary that anyone who is invited to your wedding, whether they can attend or not, brings or sends a wedding gift. That is just one of those unspoken rules of weddings that goes back hundreds of years!
However, if you place the registry information on your invitation or one of the insert cards, it appears demanding, as if you are expecting a gift and totally ignoring the guest themselves. There is also almost no way to avoid it appearing tacky and ungrateful, no matter how carefully it is worded.
So where is it acceptable to list registry information if you shouldn’t put it on the invitation? These are Persnickety’s top 3 options.
A touch of vintage
Details Card
The details card is a great way to get the word out about your registry, because this is where you wedding website (and registry details) appears.
We never recommend listing the stores and websites where you are registered on the details card itself, but it is absolutely okay to list the URL information for your website that will lead guests to your registry. That way, you can put all the details about your registry on your website so guests know where to go, and it steers clear of your invitation at the same time.
Loving on these silver confetti dots for Dana’s custom bridal shower invitation!
Bridal or Couple’s Shower Invitation
The bridal or couple’s shower invitation is the exception to the registry rule. It is acceptable to directly list where a couple is registered, as long as this appears at the bottom of the shower invitation. If there is a bridal or a couple’s shower in the works, this is the best way to get the word out about the registry.
Word-of-Mouth
This one can be a hard pill for brides to swallow, but word-of-mouth is the politest way to let your guests know where you are registered. It has been done since marriages began, even before the invention of a wedding website! If you are not planning on creating a website or having a shower, this might be the most acceptable option for you.
Have further questions about how to let your guests know not only your registry information but wedding details in general? Schedule your appointment with Persnickety here! We’d love to help.
FAQs
In short, no. In fact, any mention of gifts – even “No gifts, please.” – shouldn't be on your invitation.
Do you put registry info on bridal shower invitations? ›
The bridal or couple's shower invitation is the exception to the registry rule. It is acceptable to directly list where a couple is registered, as long as this appears at the bottom of the shower invitation.
What is proper invitation etiquette? ›
WORDING: Don't get wordy. Only the party details, reason for the party (like a birthday, anniversary), date, time, location, host and rsvp info belong on the invitation. Do not include directions, accommodations or where you're registered. Those details, if you must include them, should be on a separate insert card.
How do you tell guests you have a registry? ›
One of the most common ways not mentioned above to announce a wedding registry is to include registry information on your wedding shower invitations. This way, your guests will know where you are registered and can easily purchase gifts for you.
What is proper etiquette for bridal shower invitations? ›
It's also proper wedding shower invitation etiquette to include the name of the guest or guests of honor and the event type—in this case, you could go with "bridal shower," "wedding shower" or "couple's shower." The last thing you'll absolutely want to include is the host's name and contact information for RSVPs.
Is it rude to invite someone to a bridal shower but not the wedding? ›
This may seem obvious, but inviting people to the bridal shower if they are not invited to the wedding is inappropriate. It will likely offend them, and it looks very much so like you're pandering for gifts.
How do you politely share your wedding registry? ›
Word of mouth remains a terrific way to inform guests about your registry. Go-to etiquette sources say that it's perfectly fine for the host of your wedding shower to include the registry information in your shower invitations.
What is appropriate to add to a wedding registry? ›
Do register for items you can enjoy as a couple. Consider your future life together as a married couple when selecting the items for your wedding registry. Of course you'll both use home essentials, like dinnerware or linens, but also weave in products that reflect your shared hobbies and interests.
When to send wedding registry info? ›
Do Register Ahead of Time. Complete your registry four to six months before the wedding. This will give guests time to purchase gifts for the big day, and will ensure that gifts are also accessible ahead of your bridal shower.
What is the rule of thumb for invitations? ›
The general rule of thumb is to send them approximately 8 weeks in advance. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary. It's important to strike a balance between sending invitations too early and too late.
Keep it short, straightforward and light, with something like “Jen and Annie are registered at Babylist!” or “Head to Babylist.com for Peyton and Mark's baby registry!” If your baby shower invite is going out via email, be sure to link out directly to your registry.
Is it okay to put a registry on a baby shower invitation? ›
For celebrations before baby is born:
If you're having a baby shower or other celebration before your little one is born, you can simply add your registry info to the invitation.
Can you put reception information on wedding invitation? ›
Otherwise, you can also list reception details on your wedding invitations at the bottom–provided you only list the reception venue name and address and, if the reception is not immediately following the ceremony, you may include the start time.
