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7 Tips for Creating the Ultimate Wedding Registry
By Natalie Gitt
Congratulations—you're getting married! Or maybe it's your friend that's getting married. Either way, chances are you'll soon be perusing a registry in search of the perfect gift, or creating one for yourself. Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end, here are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Partner up.
Even if you're the designated interior designer in the relationship, check in with your partner before making your registry a solo effort. After all, wedding gifts are intended for both of you to enjoy. (The same applies when shopping for someone else's wedding; it’s always a good idea to choose a gift you think both parties will benefit from.)
2. Be realistic.
When creating a registry, it'll be tempting to add things on impulse. But be honest, do you really need an ice cream maker? Will you use a gravy boat more than once a year, if at all? Revisit and revise your wishlist before sharing with friends and family, and steer clear of things you fear may end up collecting dust (and taking up space) in your cabinets. Be careful what you wish for, as they say.
3. Think ahead.
What does the future hold? Maybe you're moving into a bigger home with your future beau, or maybe it’s an apartment with limited space. Maybe you’re envisioning a life of entertaining more than you currently do, or maybe you've been cohabitating for so long that you've already acquired everything you need. Your situation will affect whether you’re starting from scratch, building out your collection, or only looking to add specific items.
4. Keep it timeless.
Resist the urge to be impulsive, and consider the longevity of the gifts you’re requesting (or gifting). Instead of trendy and of-the-moment designs you
can’t picture in your future, opt for long-lasting
pieces designed to grow with your home. Hand-finished, sustainably crafted dinnerware, flatware, and glassware are a great place to start.
5. Consider cost.
Stocking your registry with gifts across multiple price points makes it more accessible to everyone on your guestlist. This doesn't have to mean trading in quality for cheaper items; instead, one idea is to break up sets. For example, instead of a big tableware bundle like Dining Essentials, you can register for smaller sets like the Base Dinnerware Set, Glassware Set, Flatware Set, and Serving Set separately to give guests more budget-friendly options to choose from.
6. Get creative.
It's no surprise that homeware dominates most gift registries. After all, your home is the backdrop for your new life together; it makes perfect sense to request all the tableware, textiles, and decor you want (and need) to lay the foundation for your next chapter. That doesn’t mean that other things are off the table, though. From camping gear to a honeymoon cash fund to donations for a charity of your choice, the options are endless.
7. Make it easy.
If you’re having a close-knit ceremony with 15 guests, you probably don’t need hundreds of items on your wishlist. Similarly, if you've invited 150 people, make sure your registry reflects that.
On that note, here’s a pro tip: merging your registries in one place can help make the process much smoother for gift-givers. Popular options like MyRegistry make it easy to register items from different stores (us included), so there’s no need to create more than one. If you’re already working with Zola, The Knot, or Amazon, here’s how to add Fable to your registry.