How do I tell people about my divorce registry?

The easiest approach is a simple, direct message — by text, email, or even a social post — that explains what a divorce registry is, links to yours, and lets people know it's okay to use it. Fresh Starts Registry has script templates for all of these at freshstartsregistry.com/registry-scripts.

Is it weird to share a divorce registry?

It's new, but it's not weird. Wedding registries exist because transitions are expensive and the people in your life want to help but don't know how. Divorce is the same. A registry gives your people a concrete, easy way to show up — which most of them genuinely want to do.

How to Share Your Divorce Registry — Scripts & Templates | Fresh Starts Registry

Your Divorce Registry · Sharing Guide

How to share your divorce registry — scripts for every situation

Q: What do you say when you share a divorce registry?

Keep it simple and personal. You don't need to over-explain or apologise. Something like: 'I've set up a divorce registry — it's basically a fresh start wishlist. If you've been wanting to do something, this is the easiest way.' That's it. The link does the rest.

You've set up your registry. Now comes the part that feels slightly awkward: telling people about it. Here's the thing — the people in your life who love you genuinely want to help, and most of them have no idea how. Your registry gives them a clear, easy, concrete way to show up. These scripts take the last bit of friction out of sharing it.

Before you share: a few things worth knowing

A divorce registry is a relatively new concept, which means some people may not have seen one before. A brief one-line explanation goes a long way. You don't need to justify it or over-explain — just give people enough context to understand what they're looking at and why.

Things worth remembering

You don't have to share with everyone. Share with the people who have already shown up for you, or who you know want to.
The registry link does most of the work. Your message just needs to make them feel comfortable clicking it.
Most people respond with warmth. If someone doesn't, that's information too — and not about you.
You can share it once, share it broadly, or just mention it when someone asks what they can do. All of these are fine.
It's okay to ask for help. Divorce is expensive, disruptive, and hard. Letting people support you is not a weakness.

Text message scripts

Texts are the fastest way to share with close friends and family — the people already in your everyday life. Keep it short, personal, and low-pressure.

Close friend — casual

Hey — so I set up a divorce registry. It's basically a fresh start wishlist. If you've been wanting to do something and weren't sure what, this is the easiest answer. [YOUR REGISTRY LINK]

Best for: close friends who already know what you're going through

Close friend — slightly more context

I finally set up a Fresh Starts Registry — it's a divorce registry, basically a wishlist for starting over. I'm rebuilding my [bedroom / kitchen / home] from scratch and honestly it's a lot. If you've been thinking about what to do, this is how. [YOUR REGISTRY LINK]

Best for: friends who know but haven't asked what they can do yet

Family member

Hi [Name] — I wanted to share something with you. I've set up a divorce registry through Fresh Starts Registry — it's like a registry for starting over, where I've listed things I actually need for my new place. If you'd like to get me something, this is the best way to know what would help. No pressure at all, just wanted you to have it. [YOUR REGISTRY LINK]

Best for: parents, siblings, or relatives who want to help but need a little more context

Group text (your people)

Okay I'm going to be brave and share this with you all — I set up a divorce registry. It's a fresh start wishlist for my new place. You've all been so amazing through this and I wanted to give you an easy way to show up if you wanted to. [YOUR REGISTRY LINK] Love you all.

Best for: your inner circle group chat

Email scripts

Email works well for a broader group — extended family, coworkers you're close with, or anyone where a text might feel too casual or too sudden.

Warm, personal email

Subject: My Fresh Start Registry

Hi [Name],

I wanted to reach out personally to share something with you. As you may know, I've been going through a divorce — and I'm in the process of building a new home and a new chapter.

I've set up a divorce registry through Fresh Starts Registry — it's essentially a wishlist for everything I need to start over. If you've been wondering how to help or what to do, this is the clearest answer I can give you.

You can find my registry here: [YOUR REGISTRY LINK]

There's no expectation at all — I just wanted you to have it. Your support through this has meant everything.

With love,
[Your name]

Best for: close family, longtime friends, or anyone you want to feel personally acknowledged

Lighter, broader email

Subject: I set up a Fresh Starts Registry

Hi everyone,

Quick note — I've set up a divorce registry. Think of it like a wedding registry but for starting over: I've put together a list of things I actually need as I build my new home and life.

If you've been wanting to do something and weren't sure what, this is it: [YOUR REGISTRY LINK]

Thank you for being in my corner. It matters more than you know.

[Your name]

Best for: a wider group where you want to keep it light and easy

To someone who specifically offered to help

Hi [Name] — you asked what you could do, and I finally have an answer. I set up a Fresh Starts Registry — it's a wishlist for everything I need as I get my new place set up. Here it is: [YOUR REGISTRY LINK]. Honestly, even just you asking meant a lot.

Best for: replying to someone who already said "let me know if there's anything I can do"

What to say in person (or on the phone)

Sometimes the conversation happens face to face, or someone calls and asks how they can help. Here are a few ways to say it out loud without it feeling scripted.

When someone asks "what do you need?"

"Actually — I set up a Fresh Starts Registry, which is basically a divorce registry, a wishlist for my new place. I'll send you the link. It's the easiest way for you to know exactly what would help."

When you bring it up yourself

"I want to tell you about something I did that felt slightly brave — I set up a divorce registry. It's through Fresh Starts Registry and it's basically a wishlist for starting over. I'm going to send it to you because you're someone I actually want to have it."

When someone seems surprised by the concept

"I know it's a new thing, but it's basically the same idea as a wedding registry — divorce is a major life transition and you have to rebuild a lot of things from scratch. It just gives people who want to help a clear way to do it."

How to personalise your message

The scripts above are starting points. The ones that land best are the ones that sound like you. Here's how to make any of these feel more personal:

Personalisation tips

Name what you're building — "I'm setting up my first solo apartment" or "I'm starting over in a new city" gives people context and makes it feel real rather than abstract.
Start with the person's name. "Hi [Name]" instead of a generic opener immediately signals this message was sent to them specifically, not blasted out.
Say the true thing, briefly. If you're exhausted, say so. If you're actually excited about your new place, say that. One true sentence does more than three polished ones.
Remove the pressure explicitly. "No pressure at all" or "just wanted you to have it" makes people feel like they're being given an option, not an obligation — which makes them more likely to actually use it.
Match the register of your relationship. The way you text your best friend is not the way you email your aunt. Use the voice you'd normally use with that person.
You don't have to explain the whole divorce. A registry share is not a life update — keep it about the registry and let people ask if they want to know more.

What to write on your registry itself

When you set up your registry, you can add a personal note that visitors see when they land on your page. This is worth doing — it sets the tone, explains what a divorce registry is for anyone who's never seen one, and makes the whole thing feel human rather than transactional.

Short and warm

Thank you for being here. I'm in the middle of a big transition — building a new home and a new chapter after my divorce. This is my wishlist for starting over. Your support means everything.

A little more context

A divorce registry is like a wedding registry — except it's for the fresh start that comes after. I've listed the things I actually need as I rebuild: a new bedroom, a new kitchen, a new home. If you're here, it's because you're someone I trust and someone I'm grateful for. Thank you for supporting me through my fresh start.