Wedding Help Wanted!
Wedding Help Wanted!NBC15 Blog Listing
Wedding Help Wanted!
Topic Author: Leigh Mills
Posted: 8:59 PM Jul 1, 2008
Replies Posted: 15 comments
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As we move forward with our wedding plans, we are now stuck on another element of the preparation: the gift registry.  (We are only 75 days away as of the posting of this blog!  Not that I’m counting!)

 

We decided right away which stores we would like to register at, but it’s not as easy selecting all of the items.  I’ve never given much thought to whether I’d like china or earthenware dinnerware… stainless steel or non-stick pots and pans… a pasta serving bowl… corningware or pyrex… 350 or 620 thread count sheets… euro or standard shams… the list goes on and on.  You can even purchase an ice cream maker! (I’m not going to lie… I did consider it, but decided it’s not very practical!)

 

To be honest, I still eat off of my family’s old plates that were in our camper growing up.  My silverware has plastic handles and dates back to college.  And my pots and pans were given to me by a former NBC 15 coworker when she got married.

 

I always figured I would one day get to pick out all of the nice items I’d like to have… now that day is here and I don’t know where to begin!  My head is spinning.

 

It is my nature to research before I make any decisions, but time is of the essence.  That’s why I’d like your help.  Any insight you can give me in this regard would be much appreciated!

 

What are your favorite household products?  If you could only register for one item, what would it be?  What is the one thing you didn’t register for that you are so glad you received?

 

Thank you!  And thanks to everyone who has wished me and my fiancé well these past few months.  You’ve all been great!  Looking at Michelle’s pictures online makes it even more exciting.  I can’t believe it’s almost here!

 

Best wishes,

 

Leigh 

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  • by Amy Location: Sun Prairie on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:06 PM
    There's no need to be so critical of Leigh, the bride-to-be! I will be registering soon for my upcoming wedding, and it is just to give people ideas so that those who do want to buy gifts have some idea of what we need. I would never expect anyone to buy me a gift, and would not be angry or hurt if someone chose not to get us a gift for our wedding. Creating a registry is so much more efficient than taking phone call after phone call from relatives and friends asking what we'd like for a wedding gift. Leigh seems like a decent enough person that I'm sure she's not trying to insult anyone by creating gift registries for her wedding. She's just doing what most brides do these days. Congrats on your upcoming wedding, Leigh, and I enjoy watching you on the evening news.
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  • by Brandon Location: Madison on Jul 23, 2008 at 02:34 PM
    One item. A good chef's knife, but I love to cook. A brand such as Global, Wustof, or Shun. Probably $100 for one knife but more useful and longer lasting than 10 knives that cost $50 total. Also my Peugeot pepper grinder was the surprise hit of wedding gifts. It grinds really well. If you are not big into cooking, go with non-stick, they are easier to use. Then register for nice plastic/rubber tools (spatulas, spoonulas, soup ladle) to use with them so you do not ruin the non-stick. Keep all of this stuff out of the dishwasher.
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  • by Deb Location: Madison on Jul 16, 2008 at 04:38 PM
    My suggestion- PRACTICAL. One of my favorite gifts was the little shark vacuum. Also, my husband signed up for a bunch of tools at Sears (the one time he came to register for gifts). If you're looking for kitchen stuff, think Pampered Chef. Their cookware is excellent, they have really great stoneware for cooking & baking, nice batter bowls, knives, spatulas, etc. Plus there are lifetime warranties on some products. I had a registry for it and got some really great cookware that I normally couldn't afford. It can even be ordered through the internet & shipped- how convenient is that? I don't sell it, but this is who I've gone through before www.pamperedchef.biz/DeeDeesDish Check it out. If you know another consultant, you can always go through them.
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  • by Leigh Location: Madison on Jul 10, 2008 at 03:05 PM
    Hey everyone! Thanks for the comments so far... for the most part they've been very helpful. We just received our first gift last night and it was so much fun pulling up the drive and seeing a package on our porch... not because of the gift, but because it really makes it feel real... and that is exciting! To answer your question, Christin, I will be at the luncheon. I am emcee again this year and am looking forward to introducing Rain Pryor as the guest speaker. Speaking of the luncheon, if anyone is interested in attending, individual tickets are available. Go to www.wisms.org or call 1-800-242-3358. And please give your daughter a late CONGRATS for me! I'm glad you made it through the wedding day and it all went well!
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  • by Christin Location: Baraboo on Jul 10, 2008 at 09:48 AM
    Hey Girl! Just went through this with Heather last month! She'll tell you the gift most appreciated was cash-they are already homeowners, and as unromantic as it seems, with student loans and bills incurred by the wedding, it was most appreciated. Along with gift cards for Home Depot!;) If I could get but one thing, it would be high thread count sheets (I'm a total linen snob-how much of your life is spent in bed? Enough to justify spending an obscene amount of fabulous sheets!) Who says you cannot use fine china every day? There is no reason why you can't. Mine gets used regularly. Looking forward to seeing you on the ride-23 days away!!! Will you be at the luncheon on the 25th, and viewing the 08' series for the 150. Best wishes!
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  • by Robin Location: Madison on Jul 10, 2008 at 07:27 AM
    My husband and I got married 3 years ago and actually had a lot of fun registering for gifts! We did not register for fine china, but instead asked for everyday dinnerware which we thought we'd use more often. We were also given beautiful matching silverware to replace all our mismatched stuff from college! A few other gifts we really love and use often: a good saute pan, a wine opener, a good chef's knife, and a Bunn coffemaker. Enjoy this time and best wishes to you and your fiance!
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  • by Michele Location: De Forest on Jul 10, 2008 at 06:31 AM
    Leigh, I recommend registering for PRACTICAL items. I am still using my dinnerware from my wedding 8 years ago. Plus, if you are going to have children, who wants things you will never use, but can only look at? I wish Pampered Chef had a wedding registry when I got married! They have such good cookware and bakeware, that lasts and is guaranteed! I also would have registered with Crate & Barrel, but it would be hard for people from Madison to purchase gifts there, unless they do it online. One store we registered with was Pottery Barn and after the fact, I realized it was not very practical. To summarize, go practical (Pampered Chef, Crate & Barrel, Target, Kohl's, etc.) Congrats on your big day!
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  • by Peter Location: Poynette on Jul 4, 2008 at 04:24 PM
    Dear Leigh, It is not often that a man enters into this kind of discussion, but I am a practical one, especially in the kitchen. For one thing, get a hand mixer for cakes and other types of things that require one. And almost as important is a blender for ice cream drinks (malts my favorite): and it works for other things as well. Having a nice countertop grill for pancakes is special, plus a waffle iron. There now you have breakfasts taken care of. Now a days a juicer comes in handy, as do sharp knives, especially for cutting fresh bread and steaks and such (even veggies). I pray your special day will be filled with love and light. May God bless you abundantly. You have so much to give him with your remarkable personality. These type of things, though simple, make your kitchen jobs much easier. Blessings, Your riend, Peter O in Poynette
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  • by Nicole Location: Middleton on Jul 4, 2008 at 04:55 AM
    I think registering for gifts is almost an insult. Think about how much people spend just to attend the wedding/reception. You have to think about the big picture. It may easily break the bank for guests to merely attend, without giving a gift. Think about this: travel costs (gas, airfare, hotel), taking time off from work (losing money there) to travel if the guest does not live near. People usually dress up for the occasion; that is never cheap. If staying in a hotel, you have to factor in costs to eat away from home. Babysitter, pet care, it could go on and on. The presence of family and friends is far more precious than any material item and will outlast any gift you may ever receive. Invest in a great photographer. Most computers come with software to make DVDS; you can enter text and photos. Make a DVD thank you. Insert your thank you note as a file in the DVD and add wedding photos. This will last forever, adds a nice touch, and the recipients can choose their pics!
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  • by Lori Location: Poynette on Jul 3, 2008 at 09:49 AM
    To respond to Gina, it isn't really about materialism...a gift registry is a collection of things that the bride and/or groom would like to have. They do not require items from the gift list, but it is a starting point for people who wish to give something they know the bride and groom would like to have. I have been married almost 3 years and still remember registering for gifts. We received items both on and off the list. We were grateful for everything and were not trying to compete with the neighbors. I say register for things you would like at a range of prices to fit more budgets. It's also nice to register at places that are easily accessable to people coming to your wedding. As I had basic kitchen things, we registered for higher count thread sheets, towels, unique kitchen items, and a host of smaller items that would be useful but we'd never pick up for ourselves. Good luck and enjoy it!
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  • by Sarah Location: nearby on Jul 2, 2008 at 08:24 PM
    You will love a really good set of pots and pans, including at least one 12 inch teflon fry pan. Calphalon brand is best. Also I love my china and crystal, use it twice a year but I still love it. Definitely get a good coffee machine if you don't already have one, you'll be glad with kids later on! See you next Wednesday!
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  • by gina Location: va on Jul 2, 2008 at 08:22 PM
    You're right Mary, but for young people nowadays, it's about the goods. Putting on a show for others, trying to one up your neighbor or friends. Materialism reigns supreme. Don't expect Leigh to be any different.
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  • by Sara Location: Madison on Jul 2, 2008 at 07:39 PM
    My husband and I just got married last March, but like to do things backwards and just registered for gifts a few weeks ago. We were in a similar predicament in that we had NO IDEA what to ask for! Then we thought about all the things we REALLY want but out of practicality would never just go out and buy. We ended up registering for pots and pans, a food processor, super high thread-count sheets, a blender, patio furniture,and eventually everything that we have ever wanted but would never think to buy ourselves made it on the list. So my suggestion would be to brainstorm w/ your fiance and come up with your ultimate wishlist and register for all those goodies! Even if it seems way "out there", still put it on the registry because you never know!
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  • by Cindy Location: Blue Mounds on Jul 2, 2008 at 04:45 PM
    There are two things I would definitely recommend registering for: a really nice set of (stainless) pots and pans and a great set of dishes. Don't bother registering for china, crystal etc etc. because more than likely you will only use it once or twice a year if at all. I have been married 23 years and can count on my hands the number of times I have pulled out that stuff. BUT you will use a good quality cookware set nearly everyday and a nice solid dish set is something most of us won't splurge for ourselves. Good luck and have fun making all those choices. Best Wishes Leigh!
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  • by Mary Location: Monroe,Wi on Jul 2, 2008 at 01:23 PM
    When i got married 33 years ago, alot of brides to be didn't do that. They took what they got for gifts and were happy with it. Most of the time people give money. That way you can buy what you really want. Now days people can't buy real expensive gifts and if you have registered at a certain store and what you put down what you would like ,maybe some could be too costly. I had a small wedding and never regretted it.
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