The Season of Change

Keep in mind that the joys of registering, like so many other things, will continue to flare up and jump back onto your to-do list. As you register for things at your preferred retailers, you usually provide your e-mail address to receive updates regarding your registry—and all the other sale and promotion notices they can throw at you. In addition, as time passes these retailers inform you of the depletion of their seasonal merchandise. Our groundwork of registering in March for a September wedding slowly eroded, as numerous items slid down to the “no longer available” online section of the registry.

The stores are thrilled. They send you e-mails stating that only a limited amount of your chosen glassware pattern is available. Written clearly between the lines is the message: “We have even put this item on sale to make sure it is gone by the time anyone you’ve invited gets around to buying it for you.”

Our choices were to begin buying from our own registry or return and scan again. I am certain that bridal magazines are colluding, as they advertise all the fine registry options and tell you to start your registry six to nine months out, just enough time to ensure you experience at least one seasonal rotation of inventory.

Our favorite retailers always reminded us, “Be sure and check back often. We are always getting new inventory.” Your hipness is becoming a pain in my ass, Pottery Barn.
- Drew Lloyd
From "Will You?" to "I Do.": A Groom's Tale of Survival