How far in advance?

[lucky7]

When is it appropriate to start your registry? My FH and I would like to get started here soon, because it could take us awhile to agree on everything. And I'd really like to get it off of my to-do list. We're getting married next July[07] Would it be rude to start it now? I'm clueless!

[swtdl11552]

Well, you can start it now & just not tell anyone. Its not like anyone will know unless you tell them. So, just get it started now - and everyone will be informed whenever you are ready to tell them.

[feb-bride]

Hon, I would not start it now. The reason I wouldn't start a registry right now is because most stores discontinue patterns/items on occasion, and you don't want to have to re-register for everything.

What I would do now is start a list of the types of items you want to register for (e.g., how many sets of sheets, kitchen items that you'll need, etc.). I would do the actual store registry about three or four months before the wedding.

[Complicated Woman]

I don't think it's rude...but there might end up being some discontinued items if you start it too far in advance. Other than that, I can't see any problems. As swtdl said, no one will know unless you tell them.

[maroki13]

I agree about the discontinued items. What you could do it research online to see what you like/agree on (at the stores where you would register) so you have an idea what each other likes, and then register closer to the wedding.

Or if the reason you want to register so far in advance is because you think you can't agree, simply walk through the stores and discuss what you would put on the registry without actually creating one. That way, you get a feel for each other's styles, colors, etc.

[Complicated Woman]

I like Maroki's idea.

Tom and I have done that, although he isn't exactly picky about interior decorating. But it was fun. We found out that I am the one who isn't a fan of floral printed couches and overly feminine, frou frouy things, so I guess he's not worried.

[555Ann555]

The stores near me would take your booking as early as you liked, but wouldn't actually let you put items on your list until 3/4 months before the wedding... The lines change too often.

I would either go round the shops with him (if he doesn't hate to shop) of sit down like Feb said & make out a theoretical list. I did that & it made a huge difference when I went round the stores. It meant I could find the things I knew we really needed firts & concentrate on them.

What I found best was to mentally go round my house..

What do you need for the kitchen?
. what is broken?
. too old?
. missing?

What do you need for the bedroom?
. do you have 3 sets of bedding?
. extra in case of guests?

so it goes for:
bathroom,
livingroom,
diningroom
hall,
garage,
garden,

Do you have plenty of storage? Is there anything you've always wanted for the house but you wouldn't buy for your self or be able to afford?

It takes some time top work through all the lists

I'd decide if there is any particular style or colour scheme you can both agree on & try to stick with that...

We went with neutrals, natural & black. (so cream, light brown, rich brown, stone colours, and black. With stainless steel for the bathroom & kitchen)

It helped to keep that in mind while we went though the choices.

[labeadel]

We had the same idea as you, although you are looking at doing it more than a year away, which is a bit early, IMO. We did it about 8 months out. I had my bridal shower 5 months out though.

I would wait until at least the beginning of next year, as others have said, a lot of things get discontinued. And it's not just seasonal types of things. So, it is better to wait.