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Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Why You Should Choose Target

Let's be totally honest, shall we? Choosing where to register is a lot like choosing what pack of white, cotton underwear to buy. Sure there are going to be a few variations in style or cut, but in the end, no matter what pack you select, your underwear will be white and it will be cotton; there aren't a lot of differences to be had. Whether you go to Macy's or Bloomingdale's, Pier 1 or Target, a large skillet, is a large skillet, is a large skillet. You're sure to find plates. You're sure to find bowls. Cups. Mugs. Wine glasses. Pots and pans and blenders. Each store is going to have all of these things in at least a few different styles and several different price ranges. So how does one ultimately decide between Hanes Her Way or Danskin? Macy's or Target?

There are a few things to consider:

1. Availability. You should try to pick stores that are available throughout the country, especially if you are planning to have a lot of out-of-town wedding guests. While it is easier than ever to hop online and just send a wedding gift via mail, you want to be sure and give your guests the option of going to the store and picking out your gift in person. It may make the whole experience more meaningful for them, and will give them the chance to add on extra gift items that may not have been on your registry, should they so choose. This does not, in my opinion, mean that you should talk yourself out of registering at your favorite local boutique. Just make sure that you have a back up store as well, one within driving distance of at least the majority of your guests.
2. Personal Preference. While it is, of course, important to keep the best interest of your guests in mind, it is still your wedding, and you should register for the items that you like the most. If you feel particular disdain for any one store (say the head cashier at Kohl's is your fiance's ex-girlfriend) don't feel pressured to register there for your guests' convenience alone. Additionally, if you really want to register at a particular store or company because you want to support local merchants, or because you appreciate their socially conscious aims, go for it! Your registry, like all other aspects of your wedding, should reflect your personality and the causes you like to support. Two great websites that I highly recommend for the more socially-conscious bride, who still really needs some basic home goods are: Global Exchange Fair Trade Online Store, a great site where you can get handmade African bowls, beautiful coasters and even bamboo sushi sets. Every product comes with a story and all of the profits go right back to the local artisans who crafted each incredible item. Also check out Branch Home, where you can find environmentally-conscious merchandise like colorful organic-bamboo bowls or pillows made from 100% reclaimed nylon webbing.

Beautiful Sushi Plates From Global Exchange


3. Perks. Yes, it is true: registering is all about picking out things that will be given to you. So why should you be selfish enough to choose where you register based on what the store gives you? Because it is free, that's why. And being a little bit selfish isn't really going to hurt anyone. I recommend weighing your options. What are the advantages of choosing one store over another? What kinds of special services do they offer? Do you get free checklists to help you select registry items? Can your guests view your registry online? Can you update it online? Add or remove items whenever you see fit? These are all important considerations that will make your life easier in the end. Yeah, registering seems like loads of fun at first, but it can also be really stressful and tiring, so you might as well aim to make it as simple as possible.

Which brings me to the main point of my post: Register at Target. I did, and along with a whole bag full of helpful registry suggestions and guides, I received a gift card for 5 free, preselected wedding songs from the iTunes Music Store. Given that my fiance and I are putting together all the music for our wedding, I really couldn't have asked for a better bonus. And the songs I got were really good--5 great Motown hits to help our wedding guests boogie down.

So, I highly recommend heading on over to Target to set up a wedding registry. It is a big national chain, available in lots of different areas across the country. You get great wedding planning advice, their website is easy to use, and they give you a bunch of free music. Plus, if you need it, they also sell white cotton underwear.

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