There’s no denying that planning a wedding involves a bit of sticker shock. From venue prices to flower costs to catering costs, it’s easy to rack up a decent bill to host your family and friends to witness and celebrate your upcoming wedding. One tradition to help offset that investment on your big day? The marriage register.
Essentially, the wedding registry is a wish list of all the things you and your partner need (and want) as you start your married life together, and a handy tool for your guests to find a wedding gift that you can actually buy. appreciate writing a thank you note for. Buying a gift is an expected courtesy in exchange for hosting it at your wedding, so registering for items makes the gifting process seamless and easy on both ends.
Ready to start building that wish list? Ahead, learn more about how to delve into creating a registry and putting together the best selection for post-wedding bliss.
What to include in a register
While registries of yesteryear were often based on a single store’s list, today they can include everything from niche designer items to honeymoon funds to relationship therapy gift cards. “Your registry is very personal and should be tailored to what is important to you as a couple and where you are in your lives together. Don’t be afraid to make your registry your own, and don’t feel pressured to add things you’re not interested in,” says Allison Cullman, Vice President of Brand Marketing & Strategy at wedding website and registry company. Zola.
Items to build your home together are some of the most common items you’ll find in a registry. Traditionally, many couples moved in together after marriage and needed items to fill their new space. As more couples move in together before marriage, registries allow them to enhance their existing home décor. “Cookware is a staple for all registers – whether couples start their kitchen basics with Le Creuset or foodies upgrade to favorite pieces from the Hestan chef,” says Diana Clontz, director of The register bee Bloomingdale’s. “For entertaining, whether couples want to dine more formally or prefer something more casual and trendy, our concierges are happy to help couples mix and match to add versatility to tablescapes for any occasion. Adding colour, personality and craftsmanship to the dining table is becoming increasingly popular with colored glassware from brands such as Estelle Glass and striking patterns from brands such as Ginori and Le Double J.” Other essentials that often appear on registry lists include linens, espresso machines and a few “luxury splurge items,” she notes.
“My only advice is: knowing what I know now, if I could go back in time, I would register for more institutions,” advises Fashion contributing editor and About the moon founder Alexandra Macon. “When you’re younger, it feels like you’re never in a situation where you might have 14 people to feed, but then, years later, suddenly you have three kids, and having 14 people to feed isn’t that anymore. beyond the realm of possibility.”
