There’s often debate if gift registries are a sort of ‘forcing-the-hand’ technique couples shouldn’t be using on well-meaning guests. But then, you are also better off avoiding a load of irons as gifts which you’re bound to re-gift at some point! We assessed the situation.
Written by Zainab Faizal 
 

We all LOVE to receive gifts. As kids, that’s exactly what we looked forward to on birthdays, surprises, Christmases and anything else in-between. When your rich aunt from Canada visits you and gives you money stashed inside a cute birthday card? Oh the bliss. 

At weddings, money as a gift becomes far more convenient than an unnecessary piece of ornament that you’d probably never use and leave in its original packaging. Do you really want to end up with 24 boxes of identical water goblets? I’m sure Aunt Zelda was super thoughtful when she did her gift-buying, and so were your office mates. But we all know that you could end up with that many water goblets after which you could probably start up a new venture! 

You’re also bound to be secretly disappointed when no one gets you that gorgeous set of wine glasses or that vintage grandfather clock you saw while doing your usual shopping. Which is why you need to consider a gift registry for your wedding. Maybe? 

A gift registry or a bridal, wedding registry (they’re all pretty much the same) is a service provided by a retail store, or a specialised website, with the purpose of lending a hand to engaged couples in the communiqué of gift first choice to wedding guests. 

From the stocks available at the relevant store or website, the couples get to select items they like and file this list with the chosen trade. 

We got you a roundup of Sri Lanka’s top and favourite gift registries available. Check em out if you’re thinking ‘24 water goblets’!
 

Odel

We all know Odel is most certainly the place to be when it comes to getting your hands on the latest fashion, accessories, shoes and a range of unique home ware at Odel Homes. Odel also takes pride in having their very own gift registry to cater to any of your special moments in life - from engagements to christenings and most importantly weddings! 

With a wide range of items to choose and gift from, ease and convenience along with a friendly staff combine to give you a pleasant experience. 

You can also check out their user friendly online version. You can create and manage your registry online through the Odel Gift registry website as well as access a friend’s registry or wish list to do your part! 

Check out their gift registry here
Contact 011 4 625800
 

Singer Wedding Registry

One of Sri Lanka’s leading consumer durable retailer stores also recently launched their online bridal registry where you can compile your own gift list for your special day! 

Couples can create and manage their own wedding registry from anywhere in the world by simply logging onto a secure web portal. Covering over 30 product categories ranging from consumer durables to furniture items, the registry gives the couple the flexibility to choose any product they require. 

So get working on their website or visit them at their flagship store, to register, manage or buy gifts. 
All you’ve got to do once you get registered is to inform your friends and family the URL or gift list number to fulfill your wishes!
 
You can check out their online registry here
Contact 011 5 400400.
 

The Wedding Registry

A pioneer online portal with an extremely easy process! 

With only five simple steps to follow, you save yourself from walking around finding the perfect gift registry.  

Step 1 – setting up your list 
Step 2 – letting your guests know 
Step 3 – managing your list 
Step 4 – receiving your gifts
Step 5 – enjoy the benefits long after your big day 

Website: www.theweddingregistry.lk
Contact  0777 36 60 38
Pics courtesy www.facebook.com/twr.lk 
 

Gandhara

Pics courtesy website 

Another favourite when it comes to registries, with personalised service and a unique range to choose from giving you a true Gandhara experience! With gift vouchers and gift wrapping, you can never go wrong in here! 

Website: www.gandharacrafts.com 
Contact 011 2 596329
 

The Vintage Home Gallery

 
A young wedding registry which specialises in beautiful antique! A range of small knick knacks to high end furniture. And the best part? You get to customise to your needs as well as place orders to your wish if it’s not available on display. 

You can check out their products here 
Contact 0716913480
 

Noritake

 The porcelain company in Sri Lanka launched its one of a kind bridal registry last year. So do drop by to check out exquisite items! 

Or you can browse through their options here www.noritake.lk 
Contact 011 2 946142

Cozy Linen

 
Pics courtesy website 

For all those who are obsessed with, linen! 

Website: www.thecozylinen.com
Contact 011 5555549

Abans

For all your home appliances as usual, head over to Abans for their gift registry. 

Website – www.buyabans.com
Contact 011 2 376000
 

"Registries just make the process easier. Without registries I’m fairly certain most people would still want to buy their friends and family gifts for the wedding. They’d just be less likely to get them something they actually wanted or needed” 
– Resha Rilwan 

“Well I wouldn’t want to have something like that, gifts are special and they can be anything. You need not say what you want and from where you want them”
– Azeema 

“Online registries such as the weddingregstry.lk were amazing especially for foreign families and friends who wanted to contribute. We were able to equip our entire house with our gifts, amazing since we started with nothing. We didn’t end up with multiple toasters or rice cookers; we made sure we had gifts ranging from Rs. 500 and above so there is something for everyone’s price range. I highly recommend gift registries, even as a guest I’m always relieved when there is a registry as it is much more meaningful to give the couple something they really want ” 
– Nicole Parakrama