Choosing A Wedding Registry: The Best Places To Sign Up

There are a plethora of options for couples to register for their wedding. The first step is to decide what kinds of items you want and need to register for. Do you need all of the basics or just a few specialty items?

If you're looking for a one-stop shop, Zola is a great option. You can curate a registry from top brands and add gifts from anywhere else on the web. You can also add experiences and funds to your list. Other similar options include MyRegistry, Amazon, and The Knot.

If you're looking for elegant homeware, try Over The Moon, or if you're a mid-century modern lover, try West Elm. For tried-and-true classics, Neiman Marcus is a good option, and for modern-day minimalists, CB2 is perfect.

If you're a foodie, Williams-Sonoma and Food 52 are great options, and if you're looking for stylish pieces at affordable prices, Crate & Barrel is a popular choice. For designer collaborations and unbeatable prices, Target is a good option.

For couples who want to stock up on all the basics, Macy's and Walmart have more than 4,500 brick-and-mortar stores and offer complimentary in-store pickup and free next-day delivery.

Online aggregators

The Knot Registry

The Knot is a highly customisable online aggregator that allows couples to add gifts from multiple retailers, including non-traditional items like gift cards, experiences, and cash funds. It also offers a user-friendly interface for guests, making it easy for them to navigate and purchase gifts. The Knot also provides free shipping and returns for guests, making it a convenient option for those who prefer online shopping.

MyRegistry

MyRegistry is a versatile platform that allows couples to add gifts from any brand or retailer to their registry. It also offers the option to register for cash gifts and charity donations. MyRegistry has a user-friendly app that enables couples to scan items directly from stores and add them to their list. However, creating a registry directly with a store and then syncing it with MyRegistry may be more beneficial to avoid missing out on completion discounts offered by retailers.

Zola

Zola is another popular online aggregator that allows couples to curate a registry from various top brands or add gifts from any website. Couples can also include experiences and funds to their lists. Zola provides notifications when gifts are purchased and offers the option to ship them immediately or convert them to store credits. It has a user-friendly app and a clean, wedding-themed interface. However, there is a risk of items going out of stock, especially if shipping is delayed. Additionally, Zola does not provide reviews for the items on its site, requiring additional research elsewhere.

These online aggregators offer convenience and flexibility for couples and their guests by centralising the gift registry process and providing a wide range of options to choose from.

Department stores

Macy's

Macy's is a well-known department store that offers a traditional registry experience. They have a wide range of products, including home appliances, everyday essentials, and trendy home decor. Macy's also provides virtual consultations with personal consultants to help you throughout the registry process. One of the perks of registering at Macy's is their generous completion discount of 10-20% on remaining items for up to six months after the wedding. Additionally, they offer in-store and online shopping options for your guests' convenience.

Bloomingdale's

Bloomingdale's is a one-stop shop for registries, offering everything from cookware to luggage. They have an extensive selection of stylish and high-end products, including stylish Matouk linens and elegant Ralph Lauren barware. Bloomingdale's also provides a completion discount of 10% on remaining items and several other discounts, such as 25% off any regular-priced women's dress. You can register online, in one of their 24 registry locations nationwide, or through their app.

Dillard's

Dillard's offers a full-service, traditional department store registry experience. They have a variety of items for every room in your home, including brands like Smeg, Ninja, and Vitamix. Dillard's provides a generous 20% completion discount on remaining items after the wedding, but it can only be used in-store. Dillard's stores are mostly located in the Southern United States, so those in other regions may need to shop online.

Belk

Belk is another department store option for your wedding registry. They offer a range of products, including furniture, decor, bathroom accessories, and kitchen appliances. You can register online, in-store, or through their convenient app. Belk also has a handy app feature that allows you to scan items with your smartphone to add them to your registry.

Bed Bath & Beyond

Bed Bath & Beyond is a popular choice for wedding registries, known for its ubiquitous 20% off coupons and a great mix of home goods. They offer a two-year active registry, giving your guests plenty of time to purchase gifts. Returning items purchased from your registry is easy, and you may be eligible for store credit. Bed Bath & Beyond is a good option if you're looking for a one-stop registry shop.

Homeware shops

Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel is a popular choice for couples looking to furnish their homes with stylish and affordable pieces. They offer expert in-store assistance and a shared registry program with CB2 and Crate & Kids, allowing you to add products from these brands to your Crate & Barrel registry. Crate & Barrel also provides a 15% completion discount for up to six months after your wedding.

Williams-Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma is perfect for couples who love to cook and entertain. They offer a private appointment to set up your registry and provide a range of cookware, pantry essentials, and decor. The store also has a 10% completion discount for up to six months after your wedding and their gift cards can be used at West Elm and Pottery Barn.

Bed Bath & Beyond

Bed Bath & Beyond is famous for its ubiquitous 20% off coupons and its wide range of home goods, bathware, and unique finds. The store offers a two-year active registry, making it a good option if you want a longer registry period. Returning items purchased from your registry is easy, and there are also special incentives and possible free gifts.

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn is an excellent choice for couples seeking stylish furniture, decor, lighting, and more. They offer access to design specialists who can help curate your registry and a 10% post-wedding discount for up to six months. Pottery Barn also offers monogramming services, allowing you to personalize your barware, bedding, and other items.

West Elm

West Elm is a great option for couples seeking mid-century modern furniture and decor. They offer in-store design consultants and sustainable home pieces. West Elm provides a 10% discount for up to six months after your wedding on any remaining registry items and additional purchases.

These homeware shops offer a convenient and attractive option for couples looking to register for their wedding. Each store has its own unique perks and discounts, so be sure to explore their websites or visit their physical locations to find the one that best suits your needs.

Honeymoon funds

Wedding Invitations Honeymoon Fund Wording:

• Keep the wording regarding gifts to a minimum on your wedding invitation and include a separate insert card with your wedding website and specific registry wishes.
• "Please visit [insert wedding website link] for more information and registry details."
• "For more information about our wedding and honeymoon fund registry, please visit [insert honeymoon registry website link]."

Wedding Website Honeymoon Fund Wording:

• The ample space for text on your wedding website allows you to share additional details with your guests, such as your destination, activities, and dining plans.
• "In lieu of gifts, please consider making a contribution to our honeymoon fund."
• "We can’t wait to celebrate with you. Instead of gifts, we would appreciate a contribution to our honeymoon fund."
• "We are fortunate enough to already have all the physical items we need for our home. Instead, please contribute to our honeymoon fund to help us experience the trip of a lifetime."

When creating a honeymoon fund registry, it's important to choose a reputable site and read the terms and conditions carefully. Some sites charge a fee based on the percentage of funds raised, while others, like Joy, don't charge any fees. Be sure to also decide how much money you and your partner can contribute to your own honeymoon fund and communicate your wishes clearly to your guests.

Charity donations

There are many ways to incorporate charitable donations into your wedding. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Wedding Registry

Instead of a traditional wedding registry, you can set up a charity wedding registry where guests can donate to a specific organization or cause that is important to you. This is a great option if you already have all the standard newlywed items and want to kick off your marriage by giving back. You can work directly with a non-profit to set up a fund, or use websites like The Good Beginning, Joy, or Zola, which offer an easy way to set up a donation fund. You can also include a link to your charity registry on your wedding website or ask guests to bring checks to the reception.

Wedding Favours

Another way to incorporate charitable donations is by skipping wedding favours and donating that money to a charity instead. This trend is becoming increasingly popular as couples look for ways to make a difference and thank their guests for their presence. You can include a mention of this in your wedding program or on your website, but it is best to avoid mentioning it on your invitations or save-the-dates. When making a donation, be sure to protect your guests' identity and do not release their names or contact information without their approval.

Gifts

You can also register for gifts that have a charitable component included. For example, you could register for a wooden bowl that will provide meals to children in schools or a robe that supports people recovering from breast cancer reconstruction. The Knot's Universal Registry allows you to add any product from any site, making it easy to register for these types of gifts.

Vendors

You can also use your purchasing power to support important causes by being intentional about who you hire for your wedding. Support small, minority-owned, or sustainable businesses by hiring them for your big day. You can search for vendors on sites like The Knot, or ask your wedding planner or other vendors for suggestions.

Venue

Incorporate activism into your wedding by selecting a venue that does good work or has a history of supporting important causes. Consider a building that was involved in the abolitionist movement, a historic landmark that supports LGBTQ+ causes, or a gallery that supports female artists.

Wine

If you're serving wine at your wedding, you can enlist your caterer to place an order with a company like OneHope, which donates a percentage of sales to charity. Each varietal benefits a different organization, and they will work directly with your venue and its distributor to ensure a smooth process.

Flowers

There are organizations and florists that will turn your centerpieces and floral arrangements into personalized bouquets for patients in healthcare facilities or residents in senior living communities. This is also an effective way to reduce waste and make your wedding more sustainable.

Thank-You Notes

Order your thank-you notes from a company like Cards for Causes, which donates a percentage of proceeds to various charities. You can also customize your cards to include a line about the charitable donation for no extra charge.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but there are endless ways to incorporate charitable donations into your wedding. Not only will you be supporting causes that are important to you, but you'll also be inspiring your guests to give back and make a positive impact.

Frequently asked questions