Wedding Invitations

Any duplicate items you receive should be returned for a full refund or store credit immediately.

If you can get cash back for a gift, choose that option. Be sure to put the money into a bank account specifically designated for items you’ll need for your new life as husband and wife (unless, of course, you’ve both agreed to spend the money on tickets to an event or dinner out).

Check the store’s policy on spending unused credit. Some allow you only one year to spend it.

If your gift comes from a small boutique or non-chain store, in lieu of store credit, try to pick out an alternative gift in exchange. Smaller store may not stay in business forever, so it’s better to spend your credit on a gift now than to lost the credit later.

If your china, crystal, or silver registries have been completed, consider getting a few additional place settings to allow for future breakage, loss, or damage. For example, if you registered for twelve place settings of china, you may want to purchase two extra sets, since patterns can be discontinued and dishes may break through the years. You’ll keep yourself covered for a while by having some extra on reserve.

Just because you registered for something moths ago and received it as a wedding gift does not mean that you’ll necessarily like it today. Tastes and needs change. If you have doubts about something, by all means, return it and get something you really want.

Not that some gifts are not returnable. Artwork, special-order items, and personalized pieces are yours to keep.

If a gift is not your taste but the giver is special to you, tuck it away; if that guest ever comes to your home and expects to see it, pull it out of your closet to display.