Purchasing Wedding Registry Gifts From Alternative Websites

Wedding registries are a fun part of wedding planning, and they can be set up in-person or online. Couples can choose to create a registry with a single retailer or opt for a universal registry that aggregates items from multiple websites. Universal registries are free to use and allow couples to add an unlimited number of items from any store in the world. They also offer perks such as complimentary gift-wrapping, cash funds, and charity donation options. MyRegistry, Blueprint Registry, Zola, and Joy are popular universal wedding registry services. Couples can also create a registry with individual retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Pottery Barn.

Pros and cons of using a universal wedding registry service

Universal wedding registries allow couples to add products from multiple stores in one place, giving guests a single convenient list to shop from. They also often allow couples to accept cash for a honeymoon or fertility fund, as well as charity donations.

Pros of Universal Wedding Registries

• They simplify the process for couples and guests.
• Couples can add anything and everything to their wish list.
• Guests can view everything in one place, rather than having to click multiple links for multiple retailers.
• Couples can import, organise, and sort their wish list.
• Couples can open as many registries as they want and let guests decide which items to gift.
• Couples can purchase any remaining items at a discount.
• Many allow for cash gifts or contributions to a honeymoon or family fund.
• Couples can request donations to a charity in lieu of products or money.
• Couples can add experiences, such as massages or festival tickets, to their wish list.

Cons of Universal Wedding Registries

• It can be difficult to narrow down the registry to the products the couple really wants.
• The list can get long very quickly.

Examples of Universal Wedding Registries

• MyRegistry
• Zola
• Blueprint
• Joy

How to add items from other websites to a registry

There are several universal wedding registry services that allow you to add items from other websites to your registry. Here are some popular options:

Zola

Zola is a one-stop online shop for wedding gifts that allows you to add items from other e-commerce stores to your registry. It offers perks such as completion discounts and wedding planning services. You can add items to your Zola registry by using the "Add to Zola" button Google Chrome Extension or by entering the gift's URL using the "Add from Another Store" option. When adding an item, you will be asked to confirm details such as the name and price, and you can also add a note for your guest.

MyRegistry

MyRegistry is a universal registry that allows you to add gifts from any store in the world, including online or brick-and-mortar locations. You can sync existing registries into one master wish list and take advantage of department store registry completion discounts. To add items, you can use the MyRegistry mobile app by scanning an item's barcode or use the "Add to MyRegistry" button, which can be bookmarked on your internet toolbar for easy access while online shopping.

Blueprint Registry

Blueprint Registry allows couples to shop for their registry in one place from popular retail stores like Amazon, Target, and Anthropologie. You can add gifts to your Blueprint registry by visiting the website, using the "Add to Blueprint" button (which can be bookmarked for easy access), or importing an existing registry.

Joy

Joy is a universal registry that allows you to sync outside registries, include products from individual stores, and add experiences, cash gifts, and charity donations. You can add items to your Joy registry by visiting the website, using the "Joy Quick Add Button" browser extension while shopping online, or using the app to add items at stores.

These universal registry services make it easy for couples to add items from various websites to their wedding registry, providing convenience and flexibility in creating their perfect wish list.

How to sync existing registries into one universal list

There are several universal wedding registry services that allow you to sync multiple existing registries into one list. Here are some popular options:

MyRegistry

MyRegistry is a universal gift registry that allows you to add gifts from any website to one list. It has partnerships with popular retailers, including Amazon, Anthropologie, Bloomingdale's, CB2, Crate & Barrel, Nordstrom, Pottery Barn, REI, Sur la Table, and Target. Using its sync feature, you can merge existing store registries into one master MyRegistry wish list. MyRegistry also offers wedding websites and specialty items, such as food and wine. There is no charge for a registry on MyRegistry, but there is a small transaction fee for cash gift funds.

Zola

Zola is a one-stop site for wedding registries, offering gifts from over 1,000 brands. It also provides wedding websites, an RSVP tracker, wedding suite designs, and a venue and vendor search. Zola allows you to sync existing registries daily and offers a "group gifting" option for pricier items. There is a 2.5% transaction charge on cash gifts, which you can opt to pass on to your guests.

Blueprint

Blueprint is a universal gift registry that allows you to add gifts from any retailer and import existing registries. It offers wedding planning tools, including a wedding website builder and an RSVP tracker. Blueprint also has an interactive gift selection process where you can pick gifts according to the rooms in your house. It does not allow registration for food and wine unless listed as an "experience" gift. Cash gifts have a 2.5% fee.

Joy

Joy is a universal registry that allows you to sync outside registries, include products from individual stores, and add experiences, cash gifts, and charity donations. Joy connects with Venmo, CashApp, and PayPal to deposit cash gifts straight into your bank account, with no hidden fees. It also offers wedding websites, an RSVP tracker, and wedding suite designs. Joy does not charge any fees for cash registries.

How to share a gift registry with family and friends

Wedding registries are a fun part of the wedding planning process. They allow you to stock up on essentials and plan experiences with your soon-to-be spouse. There are many websites that allow you to create a wedding registry, such as Zola, MyRegistry, and Joy. These websites often offer additional services like wedding planning tools, wedding website builders, and RSVP trackers.

• Create a Wedding Website: Many registry websites offer the option to create a customizable wedding website. This website can include all the details of your big day, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding, as well as a link to your registry. You can include the URL of your wedding website on your wedding invitations or share it via social media or email.
• Use eCards: Websites like MyRegistry offer the option to create eCards or "Save the Date" eCards with your registry information. You can send these eCards to your family and friends to announce your registry.
• Embed Your Registry: If you have a personal website or blog, you can embed your registry directly onto your site. This allows your guests to view your registry without having to navigate away from your website.
• Share Your Customized Registry Link: Most registry websites will provide you with a customized link to your registry. You can share this link via email, social media, or any other communication platform. This is a direct way to let your family and friends know about your registry and what items you are hoping to receive.
• Use a Gift Registry App: Some registry websites, like MyRegistry, offer a mobile app that makes it easy to manage your registry on the go. The app may also provide features to help you share your registry with others, such as social media integration or the ability to send eCards.
• Traditional Sharing: If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can simply share your registry details through word of mouth. Let your close family and friends know about your registry and ask them to spread the word. This way, your registry information will be passed along through your social circle.

Remember, when creating and sharing your gift registry, it is essential to consider your guests' preferences and comfort levels. Provide clear instructions and ensure that the process is convenient and straightforward for them.

The best wedding registry sites

Wedding registries are designed to help couples get everything they need for their first home together. They are also a nice opportunity to invest in things you can use for years to come.

MyRegistry

MyRegistry is a universal registry that allows you to add gifts from any store you'd like. It has partnerships with popular gift retailers, including Amazon, Anthropologie, Bloomingdales, CB2, Crate & Barrel, Nordstrom, Pottery Barn, REI, Sur la Table, and Target. It offers a signature sync feature that lets you merge existing store registries into one master wish list. MyRegistry also offers wedding websites and never expires, so you can turn it into a Christmas, birthday, or anniversary wish list.

Blueprint Registry

Blueprint Registry allows couples to shop for their registry in one place from popular retail stores like Amazon, Target, Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma, REI, and Anthropologie. Blueprint also offers wedding planning tools, including a wedding website builder and an RSVP tracker.

Zola

Zola is a one-stop online shop for wedding gifts, offering perks like completion discounts and wedding planning services. You can add items and experiences from the massive Zola online shop or add selections from any other e-commerce store. The experience is easy for guests, who can shop directly through Zola. Zola also offers a free wedding website builder, a guest list and RSVP tracker, wedding suite designs and printing, a venue and vendor search, and a wedding store.

Joy

Joy is a universal registry offering the standard suite of gifts, cash, experiences, and charity wedding registries, but with one important perk: no fees for cash registries. Joy is integrated with peer-to-peer payment platforms like Venmo and CashApp. The Joy shop offers go-to picks like KitchenAid stand mixers, Airbnb gift cards, and Dyson vacuums. Joy also offers wedding websites, a guest list and RSVP tracker, and wedding suite designs and printing.

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn offers free advice from their design crew, so you can lay out your dream bedroom and add all the necessary items to your registry. Pottery Barn can also add your new moniker to just about anything if you're a fan of customized, monogrammed housewares. Registering with Pottery Barn will give you a 10% completion discount in the six months following the wedding and free shipping on eligible items.

Amazon

Amazon's vast e-commerce offerings allow you to register for just about anything you could imagine, from Keurig coffee makers to Weber grills to an Amazon Echo. You’ll get a 20% completion discount, plus free two-day shipping on eligible items and returns for up to 180 days. Amazon is a convenient choice, as it is easy to navigate for both you and your guests. However, any cash gifts are only available as Amazon gift cards.

Target

Target guides you through the registry creation process, with options to denote group gifts, add items from other stores, and track thank-you notes. You'll also get a 15% completion discount to use in-store and online and free two-day shipping. Target also has a partnership with Honeyfund, which allows guests to contribute cash or gift cards from Uber, Delta, Disney, Hotels.com, and more.

Frequently asked questions