What better way to ring in the beloved nuptial season than with the wedding of the century?

As the Bishop of London said so eloquently at the Royal Wedding, “in a sense every wedding is a royal wedding.” And every royal wedding comes complete with a showering of gifts for the happy couple.

Many couples use traditional wedding registries to populate a gift wish list requesting items to fill their new home. These registries typically include the usual suspects: linens, dishware, décor and other home goods. But for the couple that already has a home and all the traditional trimmings, it presents a challenge to wedding guests and the couple alike.

Addison HandlesetA unique wedding gift idea comes in the form of safety, security and peace of mind. Sounds like a pretty great gift, huh? Below are a few ideas on how one could gift such a thing:
 

• For the fashionable couple, bring style to the couple’s home. Most homeowners prefer matching door hardware (style, design, finish) throughout their home. Offer to replace existing outdated door hardware with sleek and contemporary designs. Stylish Schlage hardware in the most desired finishes can be purchased at home improvement stores and online.
• For the couple moving in. If the couple is moving in to an existing home, replace all their locks with high-quality deadbolts and decorative handle sets. Schlage offers residential Grade-1 deadbolts that provide the strongest security in the industry. A Schlage Grade-1  deadbolt can be purchased for $30-$40 and a decorative Schlage handle set for $120-$140 at home improvement stores or online.
• For the couple that travels often, being connected to their home while away is a priceless (and convenient) gift. The Schlage LiNK home automation system puts the home in the palm of the couple’s hand, as it allows them to lock and unlock doors, adjust the thermostat, view live camera feed and adjust lighting from anywhere in the world via smart phone app or web application. A starter kit can be purchased for $199-$299 online or in home improvement and electronics stores.
• For the couple with kids, an Electronic Keypad Lock is an ideal gift since kids tend to lose keys and get locked out. An electronic keypad lock offers freedom from lost keys and the dangerous hide-a-key. Each family member can be assigned their own special code that gives them entry access. When looking for an electronic keypad door lock be sure to look for Grade-2 or higher and one with wear-resistant keys, so potential burglars can’t guess a code based on wear and tear. A Schlage Electronic Keypad Lock can be purchased for $110-$140 online or at home improvement stores.
• For the tech-savvy couple, a technologically advanced home automation system like Schlage LiNK keeps them connected and ahead of the pack. Schlage LiNK remote home automation keeps tech-savvy home owners constantly connected with their home via apps. Users can conserve energy by adjusting the thermostat and lighting. They can keep an eye on things by viewing live camera feed, and grant access to unexpected individuals by unlocking/locking doors. Currently Schlage LiNK has an app for the iPhone, Android, iPad and web. Schlage LiNK can be purchased online or other home improvement and electronics stores for $199-$299.
   

Laura W.
Social Media Brand Marketing

Imagine you and your family have just returned home from a long trip and realize you somehow managed to get locked out of your house. In this situation you would probably dial up your trusty neighborhood locksmith that you know and can count on.

Oh, you don’t have a locksmith handy in your smart phone’s contacts? 

If you’re like many of us, you don’t think about finding a reliable locksmith until an emergency occurs, which is often at the most inconvenient time. You haven’t had the luxury of building a relationship with someone you'll be trusting with a most important job, your home’s security. 

So how does a victim of a lockout go about finding a trustworthy and qualified locksmith? We asked a few locksmiths on our Schlage Facebook page to share their advice, and this is what we came up with:

Visit Credible Locksmith Organization Websites
There are a few credible locksmith organization websites out on the web that require the locksmiths listed to meet certain requirements and qualifications. 

Findalocksmith.com (http://findalocksmith.com/search.aspx) is a website sponsored by Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA). This site only features professional locksmiths who are registered with ALOA. The site allows you to search by company or by location and the type of services required. (Joe Prieur)

Word of Mouth
We’ve all heard how powerful word of mouth advertising can be. Ask your neighbors, real estate agent or other people you trust for references. Good locksmiths will have built strong relationships with their clientele.(Mike Loblein)

Be careful to only ask people you trust for references. Asking a stranger is not ideal in situations that involve the integrity of your home’s security.

Local Shop
Everything is digital these days, but setting up shop is a sign of a legitimate locksmith whose business is devoted to making homes secure for the long haul. It’s advised to visit their brick and mortar store location to get a feel for how they operate their business and treat their customers. (Mike Loblein & Edward C. Mangione Locksmiths Inc.)

Beware of Fraud
There are so many sites and forums out on the web that may appear legitimate, but require no verification process. Trusting sites like these could land you in a vulnerable situation. Sites like these can be deceiving, so always give a call and ask lots of questions to determine if the locksmith is in fact trustworthy.  (Mike Loblein)

Upon calling a locksmith, if the legal business name isn’t stated, ask for it. If there is any hesitation or push back, there is probably cause for concern. Hang up and move on.

Checking Credentials
Locksmiths should have a valid state locksmith license or registration. Make sure to ask for this upon obtaining service.

Also, your locksmith should double check you are who you say you are. They should ask to see a valid ID and proof of residence/ownership. This is done to protect all parties involved.


If you have any tips or suggestions you would like to share, please do so by clicking here and filling out the form.

Laura W.
Social Media Brand Marketing