Happiness

Happiness Is A Bridal Registry
Cortland Kirkeby
"Find out what they like, and how they like it, and let 'em have it just that way."
When he wrote these lyrics for a Fats Waller tune many years ago, lyricist Andy Razaf probably never imagined they would become the golden rule of wedding gifts.
Look at it from another angle -- can you find a constructive purpose for 40 toasters in one house? Perhaps you could get 80 hot breakfast pastries to jump up at the same time and make a music video (Jump, Jump! etc.) That's probably a simpler solution than trying to return all those toasters. Perhaps a better Fats Waller tune would be "The Joint is Jumpin'."
But seriously folks, one of the benefits of life in an enlightened age is that bridal couples get to choose what they want for wedding gifts, confident that family and friends would much rather buy something the couple wants than contribute one more cast member to the "toaster rockettes." The modern mechanism created to document those preferences and their purchase is called a bridal registry.
Believe it or not, J.C. Penney's and Tiffany's do have something in common -- namely a highly evolved, computer oriented registry system. In fact, these computer registries are popular with lots of retailers across the United States. The concept is simple. The bridal couple walks into one branch of the store, meets with a representative and then walks around identifying those items they wish to receive as gifts. A list of these gifts and their prices is entered into a main computer database under the bride's name. Thereafter, anyone wishing to purchase one or more for the couple can telephone a toll-free number, place the order and probably pay for it using their chosen major credit card. Meanwhile, the couple can call in at any time to check the status of their registry, which gifts have been purchased, etc.
Keep in mind that there is no rule that says the couple can only visit the store once. For many couples, the "information overload" of looking through 250,000 items and trying to anticipate their needs over the next ten years is just too much. The remedy is simple -- break up the gift selection process into two or three visits.

What's the best place to register? These days with the rush of life and schedules online registries is the preferred method for both the couple and the gift giver. At your convienence you simply go online ----point and click your wishlist and post it up for all to see. Friends and family will appreciate not having to fight for parking at the local mall during their lunch break. It's easy, quick and convienent. If you still aren't convinced that registries are the best way to go, consider the following:
Many, if not most, of today's couples don't start from scratch. The bride and groom have each already accumulated a small inventory of household goods -- including some they're not ready to part with. With a registry, it's easy to pinpoint items neither one has.
Time is precious, especially for working couples who already struggle for the occasional free night for dinner. Gift givers are pressed for time as well -- how much more convenient it is when the whole matter of your wedding gift can be handled with one easy phone call or online visit, toll free no less.
People like to know you're going to get some real world usage out of their gift. Nothing is more disheartening than to spend one's hard earned money on something that will collect dust in a closet for ten years, just to get unloaded for 3 cents on the dollar at a yard sale.
Thinking of suitable gift ideas is stressful. OK, so you know not to get a toaster. Make a list of twenty possible gifts. Chances are, three other people are already getting the same thing -- or they would be if the couple weren't smart enough to set up a registry.