5 Tips for a Wedding Gift Registry That Makes Everyone Happy

May 8, 2012 - PRLog -- According to TheKnot wedding media company, a typical bride-and-groom register for at least 142 items, ranging in price from an average of $11 to $442 with nearly 40% of the gifts listed that the couples want but doesn't need.

Australian astrologer Elizabeth Ball of It's In The Stars has been crafting unique wedding gifts for couples at her luxury astrology website, http://www.itsinthestarsonline.com since 2005.

Since March 2009, she has been writing a daily gift news blog, called Gifts By The Stars at http://www.itsinthestarsonline.com/category/blog/ covering about everything from anniversary gift ideas through to wedding trends.

"My top 5 tips are to ensure your wedding registry is accessible, flexible, available, thoughtful and affordable," Elizabeth Ball said.

"This means you're far more likely to receive what you want, but also what people would like to buy for you."

"My first tip is that you consider registering with an online registry that lets you add items from any online retailer. This makes it far easier for out-of-towners to simply click on and purchase. You don't want them to get upset trying to walk through a department store with a printed list trying to find the item only to discover it was out of stock or discontinued. They'll see at a glance if it's still available or not."

For her second tip, Elizabeth Ball advises that your online wedding registry lets people contribute a cash portion to any item.

"Not everyone has a rich relative who can singlehandedly delight you with a 104" plasma TV. Give people the option to chip in for something really special. If guests don't quite reach the total, you get the cash amount that we did cough up."

Her third idea is that brides and grooms open their registry  only after all invitations have been sent.

"There is nothing more annoying than having few gift options to choose from because other guests knew about the registry ages ago. By giving people a little advance notice, they can a) save up, b) check out what's on offer and c) have a chance to buy you something nice that reflects something about your relationship with them."

For her fourth suggestion, Elizabeth Ball advises that gift registries include some interesting items that can be a talking point later on.

"Ask for items which reflect what's important to you. For example, why not ask for a 35-page luxury LoveStars astrology report about your relationship from http://www.itsinthestarsonline.com/wedding? The guest who gives you this is keen to help you understand your partner and have a happier marriage."

As her fifth tip, Elizabeth Ball also suggests couples apply a 60:30:10 ratio to the price ranges of gifts on your wedding registry

"You select 10% of your items (which is about 10 gifts if you're having 100 guests) priced at $150 or more, 30% (or 30 items) priced at $75-$150 to appeal to those who aren't quite that loaded but still want to get you something nice, and 60% (60 gifts) priced at $75 or less, which can be each (or pairs) of those things you need in quantities, such as towels, placemats, coasters, glasses, candlesticks, hurricane lamps etc," she said.

"And look carefully, you can list a product which has a range of formats and prices."

She mentions bridal couples consider the LoveStars reports, which are available in email reports (from $19), DIY Kits ($49), luxury hardcover (from $89) and redeemable from a LoveStars gift certificate ($89) or included within a romantic gift basket (starting from $119).

"Take your time and you will find something fantastic to suit your and your guests' needs," Elizabeth Ball said.