wedding registry

Wedding etiquette can be tricky, like this question below, which Carmen1983 shared in our Ask Savvy group. If you have a sticky situation be sure to ask our Savvy Bride for support.

Dear Savvy,
My fiancé and I will be getting married next Spring and have chosen to save the money and time that it would take to have a wedding. He recently went through a foreclosure and we really would rather begin saving for our future. Instead, we will have his father marry us in front of 10 family members and will most likely go out to dinner afterward. Here is the problem — many of my friends have asked me if I'm registered. I am not, and have no idea if it is really a good idea since hardly anyone will be invited to the actual wedding. What is the etiquette in this kind of situation? I wouldn't want people guessing on a present if they choose to get us one, but I also think it would come of as rude to send an announcement for the registry but nothing about the wedding. Do we have to explain to everyone that we have just chosen to skip the wedding? Is there some tasteful way of announcing that there is no wedding but there is a registry? Please help.

To see the Savvy Bride's advice, read on.

Future newlyweds, are you thinking of investing in a full set of china? It's a big, big porcelain world out there, and there are a few things you should probably know before settling on the perfect set of china. First things first: not all ceramic dinnerware is the same! The quality of china depends on a number of variables, from firing temperatures to clay content — but familiarize yourself with these four categories, and you'll be one step ahead of the game. Learn more when you keep reading.

Although there are many that think cold hard cash is a very impersonal gift, you have to admit that it is practical — you know the couple will undoubtedly use it. I'm always discussing with friends what the right amount is to give during a wedding, and the most common answer is $100. Turns out, readers think along the same lines and 45 percent say they spend between $51 to $100.

The next popular choice is spending $101 to $150 with 20 percent of readers saying they give that much to the wedded couple. Then there is the surprisingly generous minority, 11 percent, who say they usually give over $200.

There are of course certain factors you might take into account, such as your relationship with the bride and groom and your budget, but do you think the number sounds about right?

Building a wedding registry is one of the most fun parts of wedding planning. It’s a great bonding experience with your intended, and let’s be honest, it’s pretty exciting to pick out tons of new stuff. But it’s also easy to get carried away. Some people — those who aren’t planning a wedding, in my experience! — feel that you should register for as much as possible, to give your guests plenty of options and ensure you don’t run out of registry items. I received that advice from several well-meaning relatives, and did end up adding a bit to my registry — and wished I hadn’t! Not only did I receive a few superfluous items, I also ended up with incomplete sets of the things I really needed. So when you venture into Pottery Barn, registry gun (or mouse) in hand, channel your savvy side and show some restraint; you won’t regret it.

Help future brides out by posting your tips and ideas in our How Do You Save? group or leaving a comment below. Your own precious tips could be featured on the site and help tons of other savvy brides plan their own dream weddings!

Wedding etiquette can be tricky. If you have a conundrum like the one below, be sure to ask our Savvy Bride for help in the Ask Savvy group. Reader Natty recently posed this question.

Dear Savvy Bride,
My cousin recently had a "destination wedding". During the planning it was made very clear that it was going to be a small wedding and that no one but immediate family was invited. I recently learned that nearly 40 people attended the wedding, (including some co-workers). My feelings are hurt since he is more like a brother than a cousin.

During the months building up to the wedding, the bride would not even talk with us about the wedding details. When my sister asked her about the wedding dress, she rudely responded, "Ugh! I don't even want to talk about it!" So, 1. we're not invited to the wedding, and 2. we can't even ask about the wedding!?!?! Come on!

Next month, they are having a reception. I'm not sure what to do for a gift. My cousin is very close to me and I'd like to do something nice for him, however my feelings for the bride leave something to be desired. My sister tells me that since we were not invited to the wedding, we do not have to give a gift. Is this true?

Can anyone offer suggestions for a gift idea? I don't feel like giving something off her greedy gift registry.

To see the Savvy Bride's advice, read more

If you plan on registering for a full set of china, either now or in the long run, there are a few things to keep in mind. Most importantly, it should be a fun way to adorn your table, and an extension of your tasteful lifestyle! But beware: cost prohibitiveness and space limitations mean you should make the right decision the first time around. If you're new to the registry game, there are a few things to keep in mind when coordinating and selecting the perfect set. To see what they are, keep reading.

You're happy for the two lovebirds, but the gifts on their wedding registry are way out of your budget. Drop the old tradition of resorting to the cheapest gift on the registry when you're strapped for cash! instead, take a more modern, savvy approach and pick a personalized gift that'll portray your thoughtfulness and give your wallet a breather. Dana LaRue, from The Broke-Ass Bride blog gives us some tips on the smart way to give below.

If you need more ideas on how to save on your wedding, join @BrokeAssBride and @SavvySugar Twitter chat this Thursday at 5 p.m. PST. The hashtag is #svychat. See you there!

• Check Out Coupon Codes: Never hit "purchase" on an online order without checking RetailMeNot.com for a coupon or promo code. You can score percentages off, free shipping and more by doing some stealthy searching around the web, which adds up to big savings!
• Go With the Gift of Experience: Sometimes experience is the best gift of all. Rather than a novelty gift or trinket that will just sit on a shelf, show your gratitude by taking your giftee out on an adventure that suits their interests. A fancy gourmet dinner out (or cooked at home with love) will satisfy your foodie friends, a hike and picnic out in nature will tickle your hippie-buddy's heart, massages at the spa for your luxury-loving sister, or tickets to a concert or play could be just the thing for your cultured crew. Personalizing the gifts for each recipient is a very special touch that will not be soon forgotten.

Read on for more tips.