GeekSugar

How to Use the Internet to Manage Your Wedding Registry

GeekSugar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:30:40 -0700

Engaged? Congratulations! You're about to start your life as a married couple, and one of the advantages of getting married is getting to register for fabulous things to feather your nest with. But like many things that sound fun at first, it can also become overwhelming.

The Internet is your best friend in managing your registry. So much can be done online that you (almost) don't even have to set foot in a store to look at china patterns. Of course, you also need to know where to start, which is where I come in.

First step: Deciding where to register.

These days, it seems like most couples are moving away from registering only at stores that have a lot of brick-and-mortar outposts because so many people are comfortable shopping online. It's also good if you don't know which store is convenient for most of your guests - but pretty much everyone has an Internet connection. The best places to register, in my opinion, have both physical stores (so you can see things in person) and online-accessible registries.
Some bigger stores that have both a physical presence and online registries are: Macy's, Crate and Barrel, Bloomingdale's, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Target, and CB2. For each, you can either go to the store and register there, and they'll set up your online registry simultaneously, or you can just set up the registry online.

To see the rest of my online registry tips, as well as linking etiquette and some warnings, just read more.

Want things that are only available online? You can register with Amazon, or alternatively, you can register with the website Wishpot, which lets you add products from any website on the Internet and it puts it into one registry.
If you decide on multiple registries, you can use MyRegistry or Wedding Channel to add gifts from tons of stores.
Don't want home things? You can also register for your honeymoon at HoneyFund or you can request charitable donations with JustGive.org.

Getting the Word Out:

Although etiquette usually dictates that people find out about registries via word of mouth, it is the 21st century, and if you're going to create a wedding website or blog, a discrete (read: not flashing) link to your online registries is OK in my book.
If you didn't create a wedding website or don't feel comfortable linking, rest assured that people can search The Knot for any online registry just using your name.

But Be Careful:

Be aware that if you register at certain stores in person (like Macy's), the prices for sale or promotion items online may be different - that is, not on sale. If you think the full price is unreasonable, then ensure the price matches online.
Exchange and return policies are not always the same for the online registry purchases as they are in store. Some stores even require receipts if you want to return a gift, so make sure that you read all return and exchange policies for the stores you register at.

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Would You Put Gadgets on Your Wedding Registry?

GeekSugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:00:29 -0700

Last week, Heidi and Spencer's separation of gadgets was getting me down, so I now cast my geek-love view on hope and the future: wedding registries! Registries are supposed to be the gifts you and your betrothed choose to start your life together, and you pick what will make your house a home (check out Casa's roundup if you need any help).

In my case, home tech and gadgets figure prominently. My first instinct is that registering for a flat screen TV would be excessive when you consider the price, but considering other things couples register for, maybe it's not so outlandish. Though I've yet to see someone register for a Wii, I say, why not? If you're geeks, then how is it any different than registering for pricey china you may never use? You already saw all my favorite geek items for registries, and though it sounds untraditional, wouldn't a new camera be a perfect way to make memories as a new couple?

For all of our network wedding coverage, be sure to check out I Do Sugar!

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Adding Big Ticket Items to Your Wedding Registry

GeekSugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:30:54 -0700

Now that you've set up your Online Wedding Registry, it's time for the fun part - adding items! Before you start panicking, listen up - it's totally OK to add big ticket items like TVs or cameras to your registry. Some couples may feel uncomfortable including expensive electronics on their registry list, but if you really need (and/or want) a certain item, go ahead and include it! Trust me, friends and family members would much rather combine their money to get you something you will actually use, than waste their money on that fancy blender that hides in the cupboard. Take a peek at my slideshow for some great gadget gift ideas to add to your registry! For all of our network wedding coverage, be sure to check out I Do Sugar! Source

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Tips For Creating an Online Wedding Registry

GeekSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:40:39 -0700

I'm not married, or engaged, but the idea of creating a wedding registry totally excites me - dancing around a store (ahem, 27 dresses) with a barcode scanner, scanning to your hearts desire?! Good times indeed (yes, I'm delusional!). Scratch that thought for just a sec, and let's get back to basics and practicality - online wedding registries.

What's great about having an online registry is the fact that friends and family from all over can take part in the gift giving and the whole process is much easier than searching for gifts in stores. If you happened to miss CasaSugar's helpful guide to getting an online registry started, I'm going to give you a few more tips and suggestions.

First thing's first, deciding what stores meet your needs and which ones you want to be registered at. Thanks to sites like MyRegistry, the universal gift registry, you have the freedom to mix and match items from any of your favorite sites and stores to create the ultimate gift registry.

For more tips to setting up your online registry, read more.

Signing Up For Traditional Registries Online in One Place
The most traditional registry spots are Tiffany & Co., Bloomingdales, Macy's, Crate & Barrel, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Neiman Marcus, Restoration Hardware, Fortunoff, Gump's, REI, Target, JCPenney, Barneys New York, and Dean & DeLuca. You can actually create a registry at all these stores via the Wedding Channel website.

Register Based on Your Lifestyle
Macy’s Wedding and Gift Registry has created an “instant” registry bank for different types of couples and it's surprisingly preceptive and vast. You can just click on personality types like "Jet-Setters," "True Romantics," "Happy Hipsters," etc and get a look at kitchenware and gadgetry that will likely fit your interests. You can check it out at TheKnot.

Don't Forget Practical Gifts
Stores like Target and Amazon seems to one of the best spots for gifts of all kinds. You can register for the regular housewares and high-end electronics in the same place. You can also ask for gift cards from stores like Apple and Best Buy.

The Best Gift You Can Give
If you really don't need gifts consider passing your guests' generosity to someone in need. JustGive is a great nonprofit organization that offers an online Charity Wedding Registry. Couples can choose from any of the 850,000 charities in the US, add personal information about themselves and their wedding, send an email to friends and family notifying them of their registry, and access password-protected reports that detail who has donated to what charity on their registry so they can send out timely Thank You cards.

And don't forget to include your registry info on your wedding website!

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.

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Big Ticket Wedding Registry Items

GeekSugar — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 16:08:50 -0700

With wedding season upon us, many of you will be spending time searching online registries for the perfect gift. Wedding registries often include items ranging in price so family members and friends have many options to fit their budget. High ticket items often include electronics such as camcorders, televisions, DVD players and cameras. If you're creating a registry and want to include some reasonably priced tech gadgets, I've compiled a few of my favorites below. These suggestions may also be helpful for those of you who are looking for the perfect gift for a close family member.

Television: Samsung SlimFit TX-S2782H
The Samsung 27" SlimFit HDTV is an all around great television. This high definition TV has exceptional clarity and color, includes surround sound and its sleek design makes it the perfect fit for any room. Priced at $460 from Samsung.

Camcorder: Sony DCR-DVD308 Handycam
This Sony camcorder is something all newlyweds will appreciate. What's unique about this camera is its ability to record directly to a DVD during taping so you don't have to do it later. You can also transfer your footage to your computer with a USB cord so you can quickly upload online. This Sony cam includes a large 2.7" wide touch LCD monitor for easy viewing and navigation. With a price tag of $500, you're definitely getting a bang for your buck. To purchase and for more info, go to Sony Style.

Digital Camera: Canon PowerShot SD700
Priced at $300, this digital cam by Canon is the perfect wedding gift to give. With six megapixels and a high resolution option, this cam can produce up to 14 x 19 inch prints. You can also take short film clips for those memorable moments. Go to Amazon online for more product info.

Wondering where you can register for these items? Check out my registry guide.

GeekSugar's Online Wedding Registry Guide

GeekSugar — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 09:07:08 -0700

One of the most exciting and aggravating things about planning your wedding is putting together a great registry that suits your wants and needs with the needs of your guests, who are often scattered around different parts of the globe.

I've read it's considered poor etiquette to include details of your chosen gift registries with your invitations, but as a sensible, smart woman I refuse to listen to that advice. Shopping for a wedding gift shouldn't be hard for guests - it should be a gesture of love for the couple.

So go ahead and make it easier for your guests by speaking up and letting them know what you need and where they can get it. That way, you can present them with options in different price ranges and locations. Most guests will get you a gift, so helping them get the right gift - even if that means sending out an extra note - is worth it. Also, my advice is to embrace the fact that you are getting hitched in the age of the internet and register for everything online. For my guide to setting up your online registry, read more

Even grandma and grandma would prefer to go online and have a gift sent directly to you over going to the store, sifting through their in-store registry and having to lug a heavy gift around. If you make the move and register online your guests will have the option of getting the registry at the store as well, but they won't be limited to in-store shopping. This means better gifts for you, less time and energy spent for all.

Sign Up For Traditional Registries Online In One Place
The most traditional registry spots are Tiffany & Co., Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Crate and Barrel, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Neiman Marcus, Restoration Hardware Fortunoff, Gump's, REI, Target, JCPenney, Barneys New York and Dean & DeLuca. You can actually create a registry at all these stores via the Wedding Channel.com website.

Register Based On Your Lifestyle
Macy’s Wedding & Gift Registry has created an “instant” registry bank for different types of couples and it's surprisingly perceptive and vast. You can just click on personality types like "Jet-Setters," "True Romantics," "Happy Hipsters" etc and get a look at kitchenware and gadgetry that will likely fit your interests. You can check it out at TheKnot.com.

Looking For a More Unique Registry?
You can go online to GreatHoneymoon.com and to sign up for a program where your guests contribute towards part of your honeymoon. There are other options out there, just search "Honeymoon registry" on Google.

Don't Forget Practical Gifts
Stores like Target and Bed Bath and Beyond are becoming increasingly popular registry spots for modern couples that often have most of the furniture and kitchenware they need by the time they get married, but could use a few sprucing up the house items. The stores are great for smaller gifts like DVDs, towels, electronics and even camping gear for outdoorsy couples.

For All You Geeky Couples Out There
Don't even think I forgot about you, you big geek. Amazon.com seems to one of the best spots for gifts of all kinds. You can register for the regular housewares and high-end electronics in the same place. You can also ask for gift cards from stores like Apple and Best Buy.

The Best Gift You Can Give
If you really don't need gifts consider passing your guests' generosity to someone in need. JustGive.org is a great nonprofit organization that offers an online Charity Wedding Registry. Couples can choose from any of the 850,000 charities in the U.S., add personal information about themselves and their wedding, send an email to friends and family notifying them of their registry, and access password-protected reports that detail who has donated to what charity on their registry so they can send out timely "Thank You" cards.

Still need help? Check out Fabsugar's look at WeddingChannel.com.

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Happily Ever After: Wedding Season Roundup!

GeekSugar — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:03:02 -0700

Wedding season on the Sugar Network is coming to a close, but that doesn't mean you can't still check out all of our fab geeky wedding tips and advice. Did you miss anything? Head on over to our wedding page for complete coverage, but until then, here are some of our most helpful and popular posts from the series. Happy wedding!

Make a Website	Manage a Registry	Geeky Things to Consider
Preparty Media Guide	Honeymoon Travel Tips	5 Great Newlywed Gadgets

Geeky Things to Consider When Planning a Wedding

GeekSugar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:12:17 -0700

Planning a wedding doesn't have to be a stressful and daunting task. With some time, adequate research, and a little help here and there, it can actually be a lot of fun! I've already given you some tips for how to manage your online registry and offered some website suggestions to help you every step of the wedding-planning way. Well today, it's about geeky things - like choosing a videographer and selecting lighting - that are just as important as everything else. Check out my slideshow to read all my tips. Source

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Would You Get Married on MySpace - For Free?

GeekSugar — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:31:04 -0700

Maybe you've thought about how great it would be to have the world at your nuptials, a la Trista and Ryan, or maybe you've seen how outrageously expensive it is to plan a big wedding these days. Well, what if someone paid for your whole wedding? Of course there's a catch. It would be broadcast on MySpace.

Yep, MySpace has teamed up with The Knot to bring you "Married on MySpace" - an online reality show slash contest that first pits eager, engaged couples against each other, and once chosen, the fun really begins - the MySpace audience picks every single detail, from the gown to the registry (the other catch).

Is this just the beginning of your social network planning your life events (what's next, Facebook plans a funeral?)? All kidding aside, I know a great many people who would gladly trade privacy and choice for the chance to have a blowout wedding - but I don't think I'm one of them. Are you?

Wedding Websites to Help You Get Ready For the Big Day

GeekSugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:00:14 -0700

Now that you've announced your engagement and have started creating your own wedding site, it's time to get planning! Thanks to Mr. Internets and his handy online tools, you're already well on your way to being a wedding planner extraordinaire! There are waaay too many wedding websites to count, so I've compiled a list of a few of my favorites below to help you cross your t's and dot your i's for the big day!

Bridalocity.com Bridalocity is a great wedding planning site with loads of wedding resources including free wedding planning guide that is available for download. The site has everything related to weddings including fashion, wedding resources, local planning, online planning, shopping online, and planning a wedding on a budget.

For four more sites, read more.

The Knot.com The Knot can be your very own personal wedding planner. Feeling overwhelmed about planning preparations? The Knot will help you get organized so planning won't be a daunting task. With a checklist to get you started and an extensive amount of search tools, The Knot will help you step by step. There is also an online community so you can get advice and tips from others about their big day!
ewedding.com If you want to create your own wedding website, ewedding allows you to sign up for a free wedding website, add content to any beautiful theme, and share your website. You can also have online RSVP, collect best wishes in your own guestbook, upload unlimited photos, post events, dates, directions, and much more.
Wedding Channel.com If you just got engaged, the Wedding Channel will give you all the assistance you need to plan your dream wedding. With answers to all your wedding questions, this site includes free planning tools such as wedding website info, a planning checklist, a budget calculator, a guest list manager, a scrapbook, and a save-the-date option. The Wedding Channel also provides some free templates for creating a wedding website.
Brides.com Brides.com can help you with your fashion and beauty planning, and honeymoon planning as well. There are guides with getting-started tips like shopping for wedding dresses, cakes, and signing on to registries.