Bridal registry
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A bridal registry is a service provided by a website or retail stores to assist engaged couples in the communication of gift preferences to wedding guests. Selecting items from store stock, the couple lists desired items and files this list with the chosen merchant. The list is then made available to wedding guests, either by the couple's family or the merchant. Upon the purchase of a listed item, this gift registry is updated accordingly. In addition to providing valuable information for the buyer, the system helps prevent the receipt of duplicate or unwanted gifts, potentially saving time for both giver and recipient.
The practice of a bridal registry was first instituted by Chicago-founded department store Marshall Field's in 1924 at its Marshall Field and Company Building as a means for the engaged couple to indicate chosen china, silver and crystal patterns to family and friends. US-based Target stores were the first to introduce an electronic self-service gift registry in 1993, using a service provided by The Gift Certificate Center, Minneapolis, MN.[1] The technology was invented and subsequently patented by William J. Veeneman et al., the founder and CEO of The Gift Certificate Center.[2]
In the past few years the traditional concept of the bridal registry has evolved. On one side we now have more specialized versions such as honeymoon registry and charity registry. On the other side we also have more general registries that allow consumer to have items from many stores in one single registry (commonly referred as Universal Registries).
In the UK, Bridal Registries are more commonly known as 'Wedding Lists'. It is common for couples to send out a copy of their Wedding List details with their wedding invitations. There has also been a recent trend towards innovative gift list services that allow the wedding couple to add almost anything to their gift list—such as contributions to their honeymoon, flights or experience days, as well as traditional gifts from any store.
