wedding gifts you really

MSN Money - Get the wedding gifts you really want MSN Home My MSN Hotmail Shopping Money People & Chat Sign In W eb Search: Money S earch MSN Money: Help Home News Banking Investing Planning Taxes My Money Portfolio Loans Insurance Planning Home Retirement Savings Insurance Family/College Resources Decision Centers Commentary Index More Tools Related Links My Accounts Message Boards Print-friendly version Send this to a friend Get market news by e-mail See if refinancing works Personal finance bookshelf Find It! Article Index Finance Q&A Tools Index Site map Related Sites Association of Bridal Consultants The Honeymoon Casa de Oro Travel wedding registry Honeymoonforyou.com HoneyLuna.com The Basics Get the wedding gifts you really want advertisement Traditional registries can prevent you from getting 5 identical bun warmers. But some couples really want camping gear, home down payments or honeymoon contributions. What would Miss Manners say? By MP Dunleavey It's relatively rare these days for people to get married right after graduating from college. The average age for first marriage among women has risen steadily to more than 25, from less than 21 in 1970; for men, the average is now more than 27. My fianc and I were about a decade or so past our mid-20s when we got married recently, and like a lot of people, we had accumulated a lot of stuff during our unmarried years. The last thing we wanted was more stuff. At least that's how we felt when we considered doing the standard newlywed thing: i.e. registering for china, linens, monogrammed silver, matching PDAs and a small, well-behaved child. Nah. What we wanted, more than anything, given the stress of modern wedding planning, was to go lie on a beach somewhere and pretend we were still happily dating. Don't let retirement sneak up on you. Create a perfect plan. But like most couples we found the cost of the wedding taxing enough -- even though our parents did pay for most of it. There was no way we could afford a honeymoon, too. So we got this crazy idea. If our loved ones would be willing to shell out for glassware and new pots, would it be terrible -- crass, rude, self-serving -- to ask for contributions toward what we really wanted? Financial wedding etiquette To be honest, I've never liked the idea of a traditional registry. No matter how fancy the store (or your china pattern), you're basically telling guests what to buy you. Miss Manners, aka Judith Martin, pointed out in a recent column that commercial gift registries used to be kept ONLY in the event that customers inquired about a bride's china or silver pattern. Now, she says, all sentiment is being stripped from the gift-giving tradition. People turn to registries, she says, "to put generosity under the control of its beneficiaries." And, she concludes sternly: "These practices are no less vulgar for having become commonplace." Her point is well-taken. Some couples seem to equate "getting married" with "shopping spree" and use the registry system to shamelessly upgrade every item in their home. On the other hand, there is a financial reality that cannot be avoided. Custom dictates that a gift must be bought, so for most people the financial sanity (and sheer convenience) of bridal registries outweighs the inherent crudeness of this system. Guests don't waste their money buying gifts couples don't want or can't use. Couples get what they need, so they don't have to buy it themselves. Stuff -- who needs it? Increasingly, says Peggy Post, author of "Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette by Peggy Post", many couples would rather skip the stuff anyway. "So many couples come to the marriage with so many things," she says, noting that 40% of marriages are "encore," i.e. repeat, unions, for one or both partners. "These days you see people registering for all kinds of non-traditional items." Among them: camping gear, a down payment for a house, stock certificates and, yes! . . . the honeymoon. According to the Association of Bridal Consultants (see link at left), a wedding guest will spend an average of $85 on a gift. The average cost of a honeymoon is about $4,000. If a couple has no need for flatware and linens, why not encourage guests to contribute to a honeymoon registry like thehoneymoon.com, casadeorotravel.com, honeymoonforyou.com or honeyluna.com? Guests can contribute to airfare, romantic dinners, massages, picnics, guided tours, etc. To drool over a sample registry for a honeymoon in Hawaii, click on the link at left under Honeymoonforyou.com. For one in Greece, click at left under HoneyLuna.com. And to send in contributions for my honeymoon, click . . . oh, never mind. The etiquette of alternative registries Peggy Post, the great-granddaughter-in-law of Emily Post, thinks using these offbeat registries can be fine "with a big IF attached." Here's some guidance: 1) Wait until you're asked. It's impolite (and annoying) to include a card announcing where you're registered. Wait for guests to inquire, and let the word spread discreetly through friends and family. "Let your parents, siblings, wedding party and close friends know -- IF they've asked," suggests Bobbie Izeman, a bridal consultant and advice columnist for blushing-brides.com. "But don't announce it in a formal way." 2) Do not dictate. As Miss Manners points out, a gift, above all, is a gift. It is not up to you to decide what your guests should give, no matter how badly you want contributions to your down payment, help with your airfare or even traditional items like cookware. "You should leave your guests the option to give you what they want," agrees Post. 3) Say thank you. It may seem obvious, but sending a prompt, enthusiastic thank you note -- for every gift, no matter what the gift -- is essential. "The key thing is to remember to be appreciative," says Post. The honeymoon fund Since we didn't know about these honeymoon registries a few months ago, my fianc and I set up our own impromptu "honeymoon fund." We made a small gaffe by alluding to it in the instruction sheet for our weekend wedding (oops!), but it was in the context of asking guests please not to give presents. Apparently, that is also a faux pas (eek!), but we hadn't consulted all these etiquette experts then. To our surprise, a small number of friends (and a couple of relatives) protested. They wanted to get us A Real Gift. I can say with some relief that at least we handled that properly -- encouraging people to give whatever sort of gift they wanted. And they did. We got a lovely mix of gifts and honeymoon fund contributions. Just enough so that we can restore our sanity on some sandy shore -- without going into a penny of debt. What greater wedding gift could there be? Editor's Choice 3 legal papers you can't live without Your own business, your tax shelter Brush: The 5 most overpaid CEOs Are seniors gambling away retirement? Cut your taxes by going solar Readers' Choice Ratings Top 5 Articles 9.34 Zombie debt collectors dig up your old mistakes 9.33 10 ways to stop identity theft cold 9.31 10 ways to avoid outrageous hospital overcharges 9.22 The tricks and traps of debt consolidation 9.17 Safeguard your Social Security number View all top rated articles More Resources · E-mail us your comments on this article · Post on the Your Money message board · Get a daily dose of market news S earch MSN Money tips advertisement MSN Money's editorial goal is to provide a forum for personal finance and investment ideas. 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anniversary gifts in [brackets]

Anniversary Gifts Anniversary Gifts Compiled from discussions on alt.wedding. Traditional Modern Alt. Modern 1 [paper] plastics clocks 2 cotton cotton/calico china 3 leather leather crystal/glass 4 flowers linen/silk/nylon appliances 5 [wood] wood silverware 6 candy/iron iron wood 7 copper/wool copper/wool/brass desk sets 8 bronze/pottery bronze/appliances linens 9 pottery/willow pottery leather 10 [tin] aluminum diamond 11 steel steel jewelry 12 silk/linen silk/linen pearl 13 lace lace textiles/fur 14 ivory ivory gold 15 [crystal] glass watches 20 [china] china platinum 25 [silver] silver silver 30 pearl pearl pearl 35 coral coral/jade jade 40 ruby ruby/garnet ruby 45 sapphire sapphire sapphire 50 [gold] gold gold 55 emerald emerald/turquoise emerald 60 [diamond] gold diamond 75 diamond diamond/gold diamond Notes: There are only -8- "true" traditional anniversary gifts in [brackets] The "other" traditional listings are from various sources (consensus) Modern list is from the New York Public Library Desk Reference Alt. modern list is drawn from various sources (consensus) People frequently ask me if I can think of some examples of a particular kind of gift. Most often, the question is about paper as a first anniversary gift. Here are some ideas: Nice writing paper, cards, etc. -- basically, any kind of paper that you write on. If this doesn't seem like enough, you can always include a nice pen. Books. Big coffee-table books, antique books, the latest novels -- any kind of books. Fine art or photography prints (to hang on the wall). Many newlywedsdon't have much hanging on their walls. A photo album, or a framed picture. Anything made of cardboard -- you can stretch the definition of paper if you want to. Tickets to the theater, sporting event, etc. A gift certificate -- homemade or commercial Page last modified: Sunday, May 16, 2004 Comments? Return Home

anniversary gifts encompass their

Google Directory - Shopping > Weddings > Gift Registry Directory Help Search only in Gift Registry Search the Web Gift Registry Shopping > Weddings > Gift Registry Go to Directory Home Related Category: Shopping > Gifts > Gift Registry (26) Web Pages Viewing in Google PageRank order View in alphabetical order Crate & Barrel - http://www.crateandbarrel.com/ Official online registry for Crate & Barrel, specializing in dinnerware, home accessories, and furniture. TheBigDay.com - http://www.thebigday.com An online wedding registry, where the gifts are portions of the honeymoon expenses. Fortunoff.com Bridal & Gift Registry - http://www.fortunoff.com/br_home.asp Fortunoff, online store and bridal registry. Felicite.com Wedding Registry - http://www.felicite.com Register any gift from any store for weddings, birthdays, or anniversaries. Rainbow Wedding Network - http://www.rainbowweddingnetwork.com National service directory of gay-friendly wedding resources and registries. The Honeymoon - http://www.thehoneymoon.com Plan and register for your honeymoon online. Belk - http://www.belk.com/ Bridal registry presents a range of products including china and flatware. Target ClubWedd - http://target.com/target_group/gift_registry/club_wed/club_wed.jhtml Wedding gift registry at the Target chain of discount department stores. Preregister online, then use barcode scanner at local store. Your Wedding Registry - http://www.yourweddingregistry.com/ Allows couples to register for gifts and services from any store in any location. 2 of Hearts Honeymoons - http://www.2ofheartshoneymoons.com Online honeymoon registry service. A Dining Room - http://www.adiningroom.com Online gift registry for fine china dinnerware, pottery tableware, linens, porcelain, crystal stemware, silverware and cutlery. Marriage Gift List - http://www.marriagegiftlist.com/ Gift list service, to create and manage a list using a number of UK-based stores. Silver Queen Wedding Registry - http://www.silverqueen.com/Union/ Online registry specializing in silverware and dinnerware. Bridal Travel Registry - http://www.bridaltravelregistry.com Friends and relatives can send honeymoon travel gift certificates as an exquisite wedding present. Casa de Oro Travel - http://www.casadeorotravel.com/wedding/wedding.asp Honeymoon registry service. Best Gift Registry - http://www.bestgiftregistry.com/ Provides bridal registry information, including store registration and gift ideas. The Wish Directory - http://www.thewishdirectory.co.uk Create your wedding wish list for contemporary home collections. Chadds of Hereford - http://www.chadds.co.uk/ Online wedding registry. Site also has overview of store. Small Island Trader - http://www.smallislandtrader.com/weddings Wedding Registry specializing in crystal and cookware. TheKnot.com Bridal Registry - http://www.theknot.com/kr_main.html Choose from thousands gifts, including china patterns, flatware, and crystal at this online wedding resource. Pier 1 Imports Bridal Registry - http://www.pier1.com/Registry/search.asp? View and revise your Pier 1 registry online. Secret Ingredients - http://www.secretingredients.net/ Find kitchen accessories, home decor, bridal registry and gifts; located in Rogers, AR. Martha Stewart Wedding & Gift Registry - http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=shop-cat&id=cat76 Wedding gifts and online registry. Shower, wedding and anniversary gifts encompass their merchandise selection. Help build the largest human-edited directory on the web. Submit a Site - Open Directory Project - Become an Editor Modified by Google - ©2004 Google Advertise with Us - Jobs, Press, Cool Stuff...

anniversary gifts in [brackets]

Groomsmen Gift

Wedding Gifts For Groomsmen - Gifts BW gifts | gifts Resources | Add URL Wine Gifts & Baskets From the casual wine drinker to the serious enthusiast, we have a gift that will make them smile. Our selection includes premium wine, gourmet baskets, distinctive champagne sets & the very finest California and Northwest wines. Wedding Gifts For Groomsmen Articles Wedding Budget Worksheet Wedding Budget Worksheet...( Continue Reading ) Gift Ideas and Registries in Seattle - Tacoma Whether you are a bride and groom looking to register, select wedding favors, or buy wedding party gifts, or a guest looking to view the couple's list and get some ideas, these resources will point you in the right direction....( Continue Reading ) What are groomsmen and ushers? A description of a groomsman's duties and responsibilities. Includes what they're expected to do during the wedding itself, as well as responsibilities leading up to the big day. Also includes expenses of being a groomsman, and ways to cut costs....( Continue Reading ) Easy Budget Wedding Worksheet - Printable Wedding Budget Planner A wedding budget is absolutely essential to planning your wedding, and one of the very first things you should do. Use this handy wedding budget worksheet to plan out what you'll need to pay for, and how much you should plan to spend on each thing....( Continue Reading ) Planning a Rehearsal Dinner - Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Rehearsal Dinners A basic guide to planning a rehearsal dinner, including answers to such questions as "Do I have to invite out-of-town guests?" and "How do I invite my guests?"...( Continue Reading ) Wedding Gifts For Groomsmen Directory Links paper baskets gifts of the three wise men sweet sixteen birthday gifts 5th anniversary gifts valentines gifts ideas gifts for expectant mothers wedding gift baskets 5 year anniversary gifts inexpensive christmas gifts easy gifts to make home interiors gifts hostess party get well gift baskets virtual gifts high school graduation gifts for boys gifts for men for valentines day christmas gifts for neighbors girls birthday gifts homemade gift baskets japanese gifts gifts and decorative accessories magazine top gifts for men best guy gifts cat lovers gifts homemade teacher gifts ashford corporate gifts mother s day gifts gifts for the man who has everything pregnancy gifts bernese mountain dog gifts perfect gifts for men personalized gifts african american gifts siamese cat gifts best gifts for women fine crystal wedding gifts flowers plants gifts men gifts ideas for retirement gifts spiritual gifts inventory wedding gifts parents cool baby gifts the best gifts infant baby gifts perfect graduation gifts 30th birthday gifts Popular Search Terms: Gifts BW © 2004 Gifts BW All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All Rights Reserved. This site is not related to Brajeshwar or Brajeshwar.com in anyway, shape or form