Wedding Registry: What To Expect And How To Prepare

A wedding registry is a wish list of gifts that an engaged couple compiles at the beginning of the wedding planning process. It helps friends and family choose gifts for the couple's married life together. Wedding registries are provided by websites or retail stores. Couples select items from the store stock and list them with the merchant, who then makes the list available to wedding guests. The merchant updates the registry when a listed item is purchased. This prevents the receipt of duplicate or unwanted gifts. Wedding registries are a helpful tool for guests to find a wedding gift that the couple will appreciate.

Online vs in-store registries

There are pros and cons to both online and in-store registries.

In-store registries

In-store registries allow you to see, hold, and touch the products you are registering for, which can make decision-making easier. They can also be fun to do with your partner, and you can get help from in-store specialists. However, you are limited to the selection of products available in that store, and you may need to visit multiple stores to register for everything you want.

Online registries

Online registries are often more convenient, as you can do them from the comfort of your own home. They also allow you to register for products from multiple retailers in one place, and some even allow you to register for experiences and cash funds. However, you can't see the products in person, and there may be issues with product availability and fluctuating prices.

A combination of both

Many stores offer both in-store and online registries, and some even allow you to sync the two. This can be a great option as it gives you the flexibility to add items from the comfort of your own home while still allowing you to see and touch the products in person.

Group gifting

Here's how it works:

• You can mark any item on your registry as a "group gift".
• Multiple guests can then contribute any amount they wish towards that gift through the normal checkout process, using their credit cards.
• You can track all contributions in your "Gift Tracker".
• Once the group gift is 100% funded, you can choose to ship it or convert it to store credit.
• If the gift isn't fully funded, you'll receive the amount gifted as store credit.

Returns policies

When it comes to returns policies, different wedding registry websites and stores have different approaches. Here are the return policies for some of the popular options:

• Zola: Zola offers free returns within 30 days of the shipment date. They also provide virtual exchanges through the couple's Gift Tracker.
• Amazon: Amazon has a generous 180-day return policy for items purchased from the Amazon Wedding Registry.
• Target: Target also offers a flexible return policy, allowing returns for up to a year after the wedding.
• Williams Sonoma: Williams Sonoma allows exchanges or refunds within 90 days of the event or the day of purchase, except for personalized, final sale, and special orders.
• Crate & Barrel: Crate & Barrel follows their standard return policy for items purchased from the wedding registry.
• Pottery Barn: Pottery Barn offers exchanges or merchandise credit within 90 days of the event or purchase, except for personalized, final sale, and special orders.
• Anthropologie: Anthropologie provides a 15% completion discount and allows returns for up to a year.
• The Knot: The Knot's return policy depends on the individual retailers and websites that are part of the registry.
• Honeyfund: Honeyfund's return policy depends on the partners and retailers they work with, such as Pottery Barn, Sur La Table, and Anthropologie.
• MyRegistry: MyRegistry allows returns according to the policies of the individual retailers and websites synced with the registry.
• Etsy: Each Etsy seller has their own return policy, so it's important to check the policies before adding items to the registry.
• Food52: Food52, as a unique marketplace, has a final sale policy on many of its artisanal items. However, they are willing to work with customers to find a solution if an item arrives broken or is unsatisfactory.
• Bloomingdale's: Bloomingdale's offers exchanges, merchandise credit, or refunds with proof of purchase.
• Over The Moon: Over The Moon allows returns within 15 days of receiving an order and offers flexible delivery options.

Registry discounts

Wedding registry discounts are a great way to save money on gifts for yourself and your partner, and some stores even offer free gifts or wedding registry incentives. Here are some of the best wedding registry discounts and their perks:

Amazon

Amazon offers a 20% completion discount and a full 180-day return policy. Amazon Prime members get free two-day shipping on orders over $25, and non-Prime members get free shipping on orders over $49. Additionally, Amazon offers a Universal Registry Button that allows you to add items from other websites to your registry.

Target

Target offers a 15% completion discount and hassle-free returns for up to a year. Target also offers a “group gifting” feature that enables multiple gift-givers to chip in for a larger gift.

Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel offers a 15% completion discount for up to six months after your wedding, valid on any item in the store, including furniture. They also offer free stemless wine glasses to couples who attend their Private Registry Events.

Macy's

Macy's offers a 20% completion discount for six months after your wedding, as well as a 25% off coupon just for creating a new registry. They also offer a Registry Star Rewards program that gives couples 10% off on eligible purchases and 5% back in rewards.

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn offers a 10% completion discount for six months after your wedding. Their registry, called The One Registry, also includes items from their sister brands, Williams-Sonoma and West Elm.

Bloomingdales

Bloomingdales offers 20% off dresses, intimates, suits, and more before your wedding, and 20% off everything on your registry for six months after the wedding. They also offer free bonus gifts from certain brands.

Gift cards

You can register for gift cards from your favourite brands and use them for your honeymoon, for example, for flights or Airbnb stays. You can also register for gift cards to use for home improvements, pet care, date nights, or even a name change service.

Some people may consider it rude or tacky to ask for gift cards, viewing it as similar to asking for cash. However, others see it as a convenient option, especially if they are unable to afford more expensive gifts.

If you want to include gift cards on your registry, you can add a note about why you want the gift card and what you'll use it for. This can make guests feel like they are giving a more personal gift and one that is more meaningful to you.

You can also include a mix of gift cards, physical gifts, and cash funds on your registry to give guests a range of options to choose from. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what gifts you want to include and what will be most useful to you as a newlywed couple.

Frequently asked questions