ASKING FOR MONEY GIFTS:
This is the Number #1 question from Brides. Asking for "Money" gifts in your Invitation is totally inappropriate. The ONLY acceptable way to let your guests know that you would prefer monetary gifts, is by "word of mouth". When a guest asks the Mother of the Bride, the Mother of the Groom, the Maid/Matron of Honor, etc., what the Bride and Groom would like for a wedding gift, they can tell them "They would prefer money, or whatever you would like to give them."
There are no couples that have "everything". Keep in mind, that even though you think you do not need anything, you should still go to a Bridal Registry and register some items, otherwise there is no telling what you will receive. When you are registered, and the guests purchase gifts for you, they will come with a "Gift Receipt" or Coded ticket from that store. If you do not want to keep the gift (be sure you send a Thank You note for the gift you were given, not what you exchanged it for), then you can return it to the store/registry for an exchange, or store credit, that you can use for something else at a later date.

BOUQUET TOSS: The Bouquet and Garter Toss should be done immediately after the Cake-cutting to allow the caterer to cut and serve the cake while you are entertaining the guests.

Bouquet Toss: First assemble all of the single girls on the dance floor for this activity. (If there are none or only a couple, then gather all of the female guests on the dance floor to make it more fun.) The bride should stand approximately ten feet in front of the girls, with her back to them. Place the bouquet in your left hand, take a few practice swings (for the photographer), then throw it up and over your left shoulder (do not cross your face with your arm or you will not be seen in the pictures).

BRIDAL REGISTRY: There are so many places today that offer Bridal Registry - Department stores, Linen stores, Home Improvement Centers, Mortgage Companies, Banks, Travel Agencies, and on and on. Many Bridal Registries have online web sites where you can register, and keep check on which items have been purchased. These sites are handy for your guests also, since they can purchase your gifts online. Most of these are very helpful to the engaged couples, however, some of them seem to be trying to get free advertising in your invitations. Please think twice before putting these Bridal Registry cards inside your invitations. The best way to let everyone know where you are registered is the old fashioned way, "word of mouth". The mother of the Bride and the mother of the Groom can usually spread the word to family and friends. You can also mention these places at your showers, or in online Engagement Announcements.

Before you go to register, get prepared. Once you "register" with a store, they expect you to make all your decisions quickly. This can be very stressful on the Bride and the Groom. These are very important decisions, since you will be living with these items for a long time. They should be what you want.

Every bride usually has a tall stack of every bridal magazine available. Use them to do research. Tear out the Bridal Registry Checklist pages, or use our Bridal Registry Worksheet (Coming Soon). Also, go through the magazines and look at the ads for housewares, linens, and home furnishings. Make notes of the ones that you like, write down the brand, model, color, etc. Write down information from TV commercials. Your next step is to go browsing in several different stores to make notes of other items you would like to receive. This can be a Sunday afternoon outing for you and the Groom. Again, make notes of brand names, model numbers, colors, style, etc. Once you have completed your research, you are ready to register at any or all of the stores and web sites.

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