Author: Alexandra

Photo Credit: Etsy

Some sort of registry is a must for every engaged couple, whether you want to go the traditional route or shake it up with a honeymoon, experiential, or hobby-based version. But after you add all the gifts to your wedding wishlist, how are you supposed to spread the news to your nearest and dearest without seeming too, well, greedy? Like most wedding-related matters, the answer to this question comes with its own set of rules and etiquette. But with our little list of dos and don’ts, sharing your registry will be a piece of cake.

Do include information on your bridal shower invitations. Chances are, you’re not throwing your own shower, so having if the host adds a link or note to the invitation, it’s totally fine. While a bride or groom asking for gifts directly can be taken as a little rude, your mom, aunt, or bestie can feel free to spread the word on your behalf. And, because bridal showers are actually all about the gift giving anyway (ribbon bouquets and hats have to be made from something, after all), guests will want and need to know what you’d like to receive.

Don’t post a Facebook status with links to your registry. While this might make it easy for some people to find your registry, don’t forget that you (probably) haven’t invited every single one of your Facebook friends to your wedding. Plus, it could cross the line into “greedy” territory. Posting a link to your wedding website — which should have easy-to-find registry links — is totally okay, though, as is texting or emailing the info to interested parties. Just make the effort to say something like, “But please know that your presence at the wedding and kind words are more than enough!” to soften the request.

Do include a registry page on your wedding website. Probably the best thing about the new age invention of wedding websites is the opportunity to share your registry information without seeming all “gimme gimme.” Include links to the online stores so guests can access them easily and choose their gifts without too much of a hassle. Just be careful with the language you use to introduce your loved ones to the page: Try something like “If you wish to give a gift to the bride and groom…” to make sure your guests know that gift-giving is an option.

Do put your wedding website on your save the date. While you don’t necessarily have to say, “Hey, we’re registered at Target!” on the save the date, the announcement can be a good way to spread the word about your website. Everyone invited to the wedding (even if they can’t end up coming for the celebrations) will get that info and be able to figure out the details for themselves if they want to buy you something in honor of your nuptials.

Don’t put your registry info on your wedding invitation. Make sure to add in that wedding website somewhere on the invitation, but there should be no direct mention of gifts on your invitation at all — even if you’re requesting no presents. (And definitely do not ask for cash in place of gifts!) Remember, gifts are never to be required; putting information about gifts on the invite could send the wrong message to your guests and make them think that you’re expecting them to bring a present beyond their presence — not a cool or cute vibe to give off, even as a bride-to-be.

Do count on old-school word of mouth to spread the word. Back before wedding websites were a thing, guests learned about registries by asking the bride or groom’s family, VIPs, and attendants. And some traditions should never die — so be sure to share the details with your immediate family, bridesmaids, and groomsmen, and let them know they can spread the word on your behalf.

—Kristin Doherty

Loverly is the heart of weddings: a visual inspiration search engine designed to help brides discover ideas, people to hire, and things to buy. Loverly makes finding beautiful wedding inspiration easier than ever! Their images are powered by the best wedding publishers and wedding shopping partners on the web. Find Bridal Guide on Loverly >>

Photo Credit: Lyndsey Anne Photography 

Here is a complete guide to which vendors you should tip (and how much!) on your wedding day.

Catering:
If your contract doesn’t include gratuity, you should tip 15 to 20 percent of the total bill. Another way to tip is offering $50 to $100 for each chef and $20 to $50 per server.

Wedding planner:
Wedding planners won’t expect a tip, so this is optional based on service. If you were given a huge discount or the planner went far above and beyond their contracted services, offering a tip of 10 to 20 percent is a nice way of saying “thank you” for the efforts.

Photographer and videographer:
You’re not required to tip them if they own the studio. If they don’t, then giving them an extra $50 to $200 is a nice gesture. If there are two or three shooters, giving a $50 to $100 tip to each person (who doesn’t own the business) is optional.

Ceremony staff and reception staff:
It’s not mandatory to tip the ceremony staff, reception staff and delivery staff, but if you’d like to, then you can offer them $20-$50 each.

Officiant:
Often times officiants won’t accept tips, but a $100 donation to their church is a great way to thank them. If the officiant is non-denominational, consider giving them a $100 tip, especially if they aren’t charging for your service.

Hair and makeup artist:
A 15 to 20 percent tip is expected, just like it would be for any other regular salon visit, but it isn’t required.

Band or DJ:
Offering a 10 to 15 percent tip is a nice gesture to your band or DJ, especially if they have to carry a lot of heavy equipment from one location to the next. For musicians, a $25 to $50 tip per band member is appropriate.

Transportation:
A 15 percent tip is optional if it isn’t included in the contract.

Florist:
The florist doesn’t expect a tip. However, if they do an outstanding job, you can consider giving them a 10 to 15 percent tip after services are rendered.

Keep this in mind:
Though tipping at weddings has become more of a custom in all service areas, it isn’t mandatory or even expected by most wedding pros. With the exception of the catering staff and possibly the venue, tips are considered a nice surprise by almost all vendors.

If you don’t have the money to shell out thousands more on tips, there are a few gestures that will go a long way with your team of wedding pros. Send an email with a review, a handwritten thank-you note or a review on Yelp or WeddingWire are great ways to show appreciation and offer something the vendor can use when booking future clients. Even better, refer your vendors to your friends — this gesture will go much further than a cash tip!

Plus, learn how much to tip while traveling on your honeymoon.

—Allison Silber

Guest blogger: Allison Silber, founder and creative director for engagedandinspired.com. Engaged & Inspired is a wedding publication for crafty brides who strive to fill their wedding day with loads of personality. The team of real brides post about the highs and lows of wedding planning and what it takes to pull off their big day. Aside from running Engaged & Inspired, Allison also offers planning and design services to the Carmel Valley area.

Tipping is supposed to act as a reward, so you don’t need to consider it a mandatory expense. Tips are meant to be given for excellent service or for vendors who go above and beyond their contracted duties. Before dishing out gratuity, check your contracts. Some vendors, especially venues and catering companies, will include it in their contract to help eliminate confusion.

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Say “I do” on a sugar-white sand beach, in a picturesque garden or at a luxury resort. South Walton, Florida‘s 26 miles of beaches are just steps from golf courses, shopping, art, fine dining, ecotourism and more. It’s so beautiful, your honeymoon can start before your wedding ends.

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Cancun Bay Resort, Mexico

Enjoy one of Mexico’s most beautiful destinations. Cancun Bay Resort is the perfect place for you to celebrate your wedding while enjoying an unforgettable stay. Experience modern facilities and their highly qualified staff who will attend to every detail to make this the most special day of your life.

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Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino

Nestled on a breathtaking 15 acres of white sand and lush tropical gardens, the iconic Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino features 357 guest rooms and suites, world-class dining, the beachfront eforea Spa, and a wide variety of activities, including watersports and a casino.

With over 24,000 square feet of outdoor space and the largest beachfront on Palm Beach, the resort’s award-winning wedding specialists will work alongside couples and take care of all the details to make your big day unforgettable. From a large gathering or an intimate beachfront ceremony, create your dream destination wedding and memories to last a lifetime at Hilton Aruba.

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The Sands at Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos

A sapphire sea tickles the curve of the white powder beach. Ocean breezes whisper a welcome to the gracious suites. A tropical moon hovers over the candlelit beachfront restaurant. When it comes to out of the ordinary destination weddings and honeymoons, it’s not surprising that many couples choose The Sands at Grace Bay — the perfect prelude to the rest of your life. 

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Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, The Bahamas

Your destination dream wedding begins here. Make a statement at one of the most stunning wedding venues in Nassau. With flexible indoor and outdoor event space, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar has the perfect backdrop for your big day — whether it’s a tranquil beach setting or a traditional ceremony in their beautiful waterside wedding chapel.

Visit hyatt.com | Call +1 242-788-7339 | Email bahamarweddings@hyatt.com

Rincon Beach Resort, Puerto Rico

Do you dream about getting married on a secluded Caribbean beach underneath a canopy of swaying palm trees, with tropical breezes and a breathtaking sunset as you take your vows? For an unforgettable picturesque backdrop full of passion and romance, Rincon Beach Resort in Puerto Rico is everything you have been looking for. Combine your intimate destination wedding and romantic honeymoon, whether surrounded by your closest friends and family or as an intimate celebration of just the two of you. Rincon Beach Resort… “A story to tell… a romance to live forever.”

Visit rinconbeach.com | Email sramirez@rinconbeachpr.com | Call 1-787-589-9000