Welcome!

At Belle Cose we know that a Bridal Registry is about so much more than wedding gifts. These are the objects that will become a part of your lives together as husband and wife; they will help create new traditions and will define your life’s memories for many years to come.

We want to make your wedding registry experience a special one – we know you’ll have  a lot of questions about all of the things you’ll need to build your home together, and we want to help you make the best choices when selecting your fine china, or deciding on a specific household appliance.

We also want this process to be seamless for your friends and family. Your wedding guests will want to purchase meaningful gifts that fit within in their price range, and at Belle Cose we want this gift giving experience to be as effortless as possible.

As you create your registry, we invite you to look through our “Do’s and Don’ts for a Successful Bridal Registry” and our “Essential Bridal Registry Checklist” sections. With so many options, you’ll want to be as well informed as possible, so we invite you to call us with any specific questions (307–733–8819) or stop by 48 East Broadway in Jackson Hole for personal assistance – at Belle Cose we are always happy to help!

Top Do’s and Don’ts for a Successful Bridal Registry

1. Do it together!

Creating a Bridal Registry is a wonderful experience to have as you start your lives together as husband and wife. Because your Bridal Registry choices will reflect your style as a couple, you’ll want to think about the things you need and want– plus picking out registry items together can be a fun experience to share!

2. Do schedule enough time.

Couples sometimes underestimate what a time consuming and important process it is to create a Bridal Registry. This may be the first time you’re making such big decisions together as a couple, so you definitely don’t want to feel rushed. To get acquainted with each store and its merchandise, we recommend visiting each one several times and allowing yourselves at least three hours per visit. That may seem like a lot – but believe us, time will fly!

3. Do think about what you need.

When creating a home and a life together, couples typically start from scratch. Even though you may already have dishes and sets of sheets and towels, you’ll still probably want to register for fine china and linens. “We already both have silverware,” says one bride, “but mine is one pattern and his is all mismatched. It will be good to make a clean start. Plus my sister is in college could use my old set!” Also, think about what you actually need vs. what you think you need. How often are you really going to use the crystal punch bowl or the fondue kit?

4. Do consider your “style” as a couple.

Are you contemporary? Traditional? Rustic? Urban? What are your personal tastes and how do those translate to the objects in your home? Narrowing this down can help you make decisions when faced with so many choices for home décor, style, and theme. Now, what kinds of stores carry the types of items you’d like to fill your lives with? Be sure to check out the company’s website to make sure they carry the types of things that reflect your style as a couple.

5. Don’t forget where you live.

Make sure you think about where you’re going to be living after the wedding. Are you going to have room for all of this new stuff in your apartment? Are you moving after the wedding, and how will the items on your registry transition to the new house? Will you be moving to a bigger house that needs to be furnished? How much storage space will you have? Will you have your own washer and dryer to take good care of your new sheets, or will you be using a Laundromat? How about a dishwasher for that new china? We know it’s a lot, but these are all things to think about when creating a bridal registry!

6. Do select several stores.

Couples will typically register with more than one store because you’ll want to give your guests several options as to where they can purchase your gifts - two to four stores is an appropriate number. When picking your merchants, make sure you consider things like the company’s return policy. Will you still be able to make a return after 6 months, or will you keep your store credit for life? How long will the registry be open after your wedding? What kind of benefits, incentives, and gift cards does the store offer? You’ll also want to check whether the store has a physical address and/or a place to purchase gifts online: you don’t want to confuse Great-Aunt Milly with online purchasing, but you also want to give out-of-town guests the flexibility to buy from anywhere.

7. Do research the products you register for.

It is a good idea to actually go to the store and handle the objects in real life - will that coffee maker fit on your kitchen counter? What do those sheets actually feel like and is the duvet cover “dry clean only?” Also, some stores sell items in-store or online only – make sure the products you register for are available both in the store and online.

8. Do keep everyone’s budgets in mind.

You should still register for those beautiful but expensive place settings or the big electric mixer. But remember to choose items at a lower price point for guests in all budget ranges. For small-ticket items, home accessories such as picture frames, vases and throw pillows are a great idea, as are kitchen tools like measuring cups and pot holders. A rule of thumb is to register for one $50 - $100 item for each couple you invite.

9. Do consider quality vs. quantity.

Sometimes items break, get worn out, and need to be replaced – this is especially true for glassware, plates, sheets, and towels. Make sure you consider the durability of the items you are purchasing, their cost, and how many you register for. For example, you may consider registering for several sets of white sheets that go with everything, rather than just two sets of a higher-priced sheet that may not match both the master bedroom and the guest room decor.

10. Don’t ask for “No Gifts” or “Cash Only.”

Even though you may think that requesting “no gifts” is a nice gesture, most guests actually want to give you a gift to help celebrate your special occasion. Let them! If you are truly against gift giving, an alternative option is to suggest that guests make a donation in your names to a charity or cause of your choice. If you’d prefer cash to gifts, remember that it is inappropriate to mention “cash only” on an invitation. Instead you should have a family member to spread the word to guests. However, even if you’d rather those guests make donations to a cause or give you cash, it’s still important to register for a few items. You want to give your guests the option to buy you a gift!

11. Don’t limit yourselves.

Register for whatever you want! While there typical are items on a registry checklist such as flatware and china, you should not be afraid to ask for that Weber grill, espresso maker, or even camping gear. How about his and hers tennis racquets?

12. Do update your registry often.

Some items you’ll register for are seasonal, and stores may not offer them at all times of the year (i.e. patterns and colors of linens, outdoor gear, and décor). Make sure you are updating your registry as these items become available. Items might also go on sale as the seasons change – be sure to check that the sale price is reflected in your registry. Also, some online stores will automatically update when guests have purchased items you’ve selected. You should keep an eye on what’s been purchased from your registry even if the store updates the information automatically.

13. Do ask about shipping

Remember that when guests purchase items from your registry, you’ll either have to go pick them up in-store, or they’ll be shipped to your home. It is a good idea to think about the carrier that the store works with, and that company’s policies on delivery times, dates, sign-on-delivery, leaving packages with a doorman, and so on. Also, make sure you have a plan for who will accept packages on your behalf while you are away on your honeymoon, or if you’ll have the post office hold those until you return.

14. Do send thank-you notes.

It is appropriate to send a thank-you note within two weeks of receiving a gift from your registry. Notes should be thoughtful and from the heart – mention the gift by name, whether it was given to celebrate the shower or wedding, and how you’ll use it (or have already used it!) in your lives together. If you receive the gift at the wedding or right after, and if you are planning a honeymoon directly after the wedding, a thank-you note is expected within three weeks of your wedding, or within three weeks of your return from your trip. It is a good idea to keep a spreadsheet of who sent what and when – it will help you stay organized, and it will also help when it comes time to send Christmas cards!