Wedding registries are a time-honored tradition for couples getting married. Registries allow your guests to choose gifts you’ll truly use and prevent duplication. With so many options, choosing where to register for your wedding can feel overwhelming. Here are my top tips and recommendations to find the perfect wedding registries for your style and budget.
Traditional Department Stores
Department stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Nordstrom have been popular wedding registry destinations for decades. Their wide product selection makes it easy for couples to find everything they need to outfit a home. A department store registry is a great fit if you’re seeking classic china patterns, elegant stemware, and plush bedding.
Macy’s
Macy’s vast selection includes brands like All-Clad, KitchenAid, and Hotel Collection. Perks include complimentary in-store beauty classes for brides and groom’s tuxedo discounts. Macy’s often offers couples generous completion discounts. Their website features curated registry checklists and style quizzes. An extensive price range accommodates various budgets.
Bloomingdale’s
Known for luxury housewares and designer fashion, Bloomingdale’s appeals to couples seeking high-end finds. Well-known brands include Le Creuset, Vitamix, and Dyson. Bloomingdale’s registry perks include a complimentary bridal suite appointment with beauty touch-ups and champagne. Completion coupons up to 20% off are offered. The slick website simplifies building a refined registry.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom provides an upscale shopping experience. Beyond housewares, the retailer excels in home furnishings, kitchen electrics, and barware. They offer price-matching guarantees and free basic gift wrapping. Nordstrom’s registry perk is a post-wedding gift card based on spending thresholds. A clean website and mobile app make registry management a breeze.
Home Goods Retailers
Retailers specializing in home decor offer unique registry options beyond the usual gear. Couples can register for big-ticket furniture alongside stylish accents tailored to their tastes. These retailers help you create a signature home aesthetic for newlywed life.
Crate & Barrel
Crate & Barrel is a hip home store known for its contemporary, minimalist style. Their collection includes furniture, dinnerware, glassware, and decor. Crate & Barrel offers free shipping and returns, a completion discount, and product insurance. Their handy registry tools include digital gift cards and social sharing. A refined yet relaxed vibe defines their brand.
West Elm
West Elm’s modern, mid-century-inspired wares have broad appeal. Furniture and decorative accessories span a range of looks from industrial to bohemian. West Elm provides free basic shipping and returns. Completion discounts are tiered based on spending milestones. Their registry has innovative eGift features for physical gifts and monetary contributions.
CB2
The hip, budget-friendly cousin of Crate & Barrel, CB2 specializes in modern, affordable furniture and decor. Their offerings cater to urban loft living. Utilize their free design services and installation. CB2 offers free basic shipping, returns, and a 10% completion discount. Budget-savvy couples will appreciate CB2’s style and value.
Pottery Barn/Williams Sonoma
Pottery Barn’s extensive registry for classic transitional style has furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and more. Sister brand Williams Sonoma adds gourmet cookware and specialty foods. Pottery Barn offers tiered completion discounts, a 60-day pre-wedding price-matching guarantee, and free returns. With a vast inventory online and in stores, they are a reliable one-stop shop.
Specialty Retailers
Think beyond the basics to include specialty stores on your registry. Tailor gifts to your passions, from outdoor adventure to gaming. These unique retailers let your personality shine.
REI
The go-to retailer for outdoor enthusiasts, REI outfits adventures of all kinds. Register for all the gear and apparel you need for camping, hiking, cycling, and more. REI offers free shipping and returns, price matching, and member dividends. You’ll get 20% off the remaining items too. REI’s registry tools simplify creating your wishlist.
GameStop
Gamers rejoice! GameStop allows you to register for all the hottest video games, consoles, and accessories. Perks include discounts on unpurchased items and refurbished gaming deals. GameStop also offers ThinkGeek’s unique gifts for a touch of nerdy fun. Your geeky guests will be thrilled to shop your specialized GameStop registry.
Art.com
Surround yourselves with beautiful art, photography, and wall decor to personalize your living space. Art.com offers an extensive selection of imagery priced for any budget. Save 50% off remaining registry items, get volume discounts, and enjoy free basic shipping. Your artful finds will upgrade your aesthetic instantly.
Etsy
The online handmade and vintage marketplace offers truly one-of-a-kind registry finds. Select from thousands of unique products and craft supplies to indulge your creativity and style. Etsy allows you to add items from multiple shops to curate a totally own registry. Supporting indie sellers also feels good.
Cash Registries
If you live together or don’t need more stuff, cash registries provide welcome funds for honeymoons, home renovations, and other big expenses. Reward generous guests with digital thank you cards and flexible redemption options.
Honeyfund
Honeyfund’s free registry tools simplify requesting cash gifts. Contribute funds towards travel, your first home, or paying down debt. Honeyfund offers digital thank you cards and flexible redemption options via PayPal or check. Receive up to a 2.5% match on contributions too.
Zola
Zola’s beautiful free wedding website builder includes cash registry options. The Zola app makes managing registries and gifts easy. Choose from a general cash fund or tag money for specific purposes like home upgrades or fertility treatments. Digital thank-you cards are available.
Blueprint Registry
Blueprint creates tailored cash registries for your priorities like college savings, house down payments, or starting a business. Their service offers digital thank yous and seamless money transfers. Blueprint also provides complimentary guidance from financial planners and lawyers to help maximize gift funds.
Top Tips for Choosing Registries
Building the perfect registry for your wedding takes a bit of strategy. Keep these tips in mind as you choose where to register:
Pick 2-3 stores maximum. Too many registries will overwhelm your guests. Focus on your most-wanted items.
Select retailers that match your taste and lifestyle. Seek out your favorite brands and products you’ll use. Don’t settle.
Register across price points to accommodate different budgets. Include budget-friendly options around $50 or less.
Add some fun splurge items, too, around $100-200. You likely wouldn’t buy these yourselves.
Consider stores with generous completion discounts and perks. Take advantage of post-wedding savings.
Include essentials you likely don’t own, like small kitchen appliances and upgraded bedding. Build your new home basics.
Opt for retailers with easy online registry tools, a strong website, and a mobile app. This simplifies managing your registry.
Don’t forget to add specialized items beyond typical home goods that reflect your personality and passions.
For nontraditional couples, customize your registries. Include outdoor gear, tech gadgets, cash funds, and more.
If you live together already and need less “stuff,” no problem. Add experiences, charitable donations, and cash funds instead.
Choosing your wedding registries is fun but takes forethought. Take stock of what you already own and research options thoroughly. Select retailers that make sense for your taste, lifestyle, and budget. Include a mix of traditional essentials and unique personalized finds. With these tips, you’ll create easy, enjoyable registries for guests that provide you with gifts you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many stores should couples register at?
Ideally 2-3 stores total. This prevents spreading yourself too thin and confusing guests. Focus on just your top essentials and most desired splurges.
When should you set up wedding registries?
8-12 months before your wedding. This gives guests plenty of notice to purchase gifts, especially for popular dates.
How do I add out-of-stock items or products to my registry?
Call customer service. Representatives can add sold-out products to your registry for restocking later. This prevents duplication.
Can I add gifts purchased elsewhere, like Etsy, to my registry?
Yes. Most retailers allow you to manually add items bought from other stores to your main registry. This centralizes gifts in one place.
Should we register for upgrades like fancier versions of what we already own?
Absolutely. Don’t re-register for basics you already own like entry-level cookware. Instead, upgrade to higher quality items. For example, register for a premium brand if you have a cheap knife set. The same applies to bedding, appliances, furniture, and electronics. You likely wouldn’t splurge on luxe versions yourself, so take the opportunity to get upgraded essentials.
What do I do if I want to return or exchange a registry gift?
Don’t feel shy about exchanging registry gifts if needed. This is common. Most retailers allow returns and exchanges of unused registry items without gift receipts. Some require the original purchaser’s ID or order number at the return time. Check retailers’ policies. Talk to customer service if issues arise.
How long should we keep our registries open after the wedding?
About 2 months post-wedding. This allows stragglers ample time to purchase gifts. Some retailers automatically close registries after 6 months or a year, so check expiration policies. You can also manually close a registry once you receive all gifts. The remaining items often go on sale!
What’s the etiquette for adding non-registry items to our gift wishlist?
While registries streamline gifting for guests, having a small list of non-registry gift ideas provides helpful options. Add this wishlist to your wedding website or shower invites, but keep it reasonably priced. Ensure your registry is still the main focus.
Wedding Registry Takeaways
The key to creating great wedding registries is choosing retailers that fit your taste, lifestyle, and budget. Include a mix of essential upgrades, useful gadgets, personalized splurges, and nontraditional registry additions based on your passions. Take advantage of completion discounts and perks. Keep things easy for guests by registering at 2-3 stores max. With some planning, your registries will set you up for wedded life in style. Transforming your wedding into a uniquely unforgettable experience involves more than just vows and celebrations; it’s a special chance to craft a registry that equips your new home and reflects the shared interests that will define your journey together. Let this moment begin a new chapter, filled with love, laughter, and the beautiful memories you’ll create as a couple.
