Best Places To Create Your Wedding Registry

Wedding registries are a fun part of the wedding planning process. There are many websites and stores to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some popular options include Amazon, Target, and Crate & Barrel, which offer a wide range of products and convenient online services. For those seeking a more personalized experience, smaller retailers like Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn provide expert advice and monogramming services. Couples looking for a one-stop shop can try universal registries such as Zola or MyRegistry, which aggregate multiple registries onto a single platform. These sites also offer cash funds and experiences as an alternative to traditional gifts. Ultimately, the best wedding registry will reflect the couple's unique style, needs, and lifestyle.

Online vs. in-store

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

Online registries are often more convenient and efficient, with many couples choosing to register at just one or two stores with brick-and-mortar locations. Websites such as Zola, Joy, and The Knot allow couples to register for tangible gifts, cash, or honeymoon funds, and typically use a drop-ship model, meaning they don't hold inventory but ship directly to customers from various brands. These sites also offer wedding planning tools such as guest list managers and wedding website creators. Additionally, online registries often provide a universal registry option, allowing couples to aggregate registries from multiple sites or stores into one central list. However, the universal registry feature can sometimes be clunky, and it's important to ensure a smooth purchase process for guests.

On the other hand, in-store registries offer the opportunity to see, touch, and hold the items before registering. This can be especially important for certain items like glassware, serving pieces, or towels, where colour and texture are important. In-store registries can also be a fun experience for couples. Stores such as Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and Crate & Barrel offer in-store appointments with registry specialists and provide expert advice. Additionally, some stores may offer exclusive deals or discounts for registered couples.

Ultimately, many couples choose to utilise both online and in-store options, taking advantage of the benefits of each.

Aggregators vs. individual retailers

Aggregators like MyRegistry, Zola, and Blueprint allow you to add products from multiple retailers to a single registry. This gives your guests a convenient one-stop shop to choose from a variety of gifts. With Zola, for example, you can add items from over 1,000 brands to your registry, and your guests can shop directly through the Zola website.

On the other hand, individual retailers like Amazon, Target, and Bloomingdale's offer their own wedding registry services. These are ideal if you're looking for a more traditional registry experience or if you prefer the selection offered by a particular retailer. For instance, if you're a fan of boho-chic style, you might opt for a registry with Anthropologie, known for its quirky and unique home goods.

Here's a more detailed look at the pros and cons of each option:

Aggregators:

• Pros: Universal registries offer the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to add products, services, cash, or even charitable donations to your list. You're not limited to the inventory of a single retailer, so you can include gifts from a wide range of stores. They also simplify the process for your guests, who can view all your desired items in one place instead of having to click through multiple links.
• Cons: With so many options available, it can be challenging to narrow down your registry to a manageable list. The extensive selection may also make it harder for your guests to choose a gift, especially if they're only interested in purchasing a product rather than contributing cash.

Individual Retailers:

• Pros: Opting for an individual retailer's registry can provide a more curated and personalized experience. If you have a favourite store or a particular style in mind, this might be the way to go. Individual retailers often provide perks like completion discounts, free shipping, and easy returns. For example, Target offers a generous one-year return policy and a 15% discount on any registry gifts that are left unpurchased after the wedding.
• Cons: You're limited to the inventory of a single retailer, which may not carry everything you're looking for. If you want to include products from multiple stores, you'll need to create separate registries with each one, which can be time-consuming and cumbersome for both you and your guests.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and how much variety you want for your registry. Both options have their advantages, and it's worth considering your unique circumstances before making a choice.

Cash funds

There are many websites that allow couples to register for their wedding and ask for cash funds. Here is some information about some of them:

The Knot Cash Funds

The Knot offers a cash wedding registry with no account sign-up required. The funds can be used for a honeymoon, a first home, date nights, or anything else you can imagine. The Knot also offers an All-In-One Wedding Registry, which combines cash funds and classic gifts in one list, making it easy for guests to choose their gifts. The Knot charges a 2.5% transaction fee, which they claim is one of the lowest in the industry.

Hitchd

Hitchd is a honeymoon registry that allows couples to fund their adventures. It also offers a cash wedding registry with a one-time fee. Once the cash fund is created and shared, guests can contribute using credit or debit cards. The money goes into a Stripe account, which can then be transferred to the couple's personal bank account.

Honeyfund

Honeyfund is a registry service that lets couples collect money for their honeymoon or other big post-wedding expenses, such as buying a first home. It offers a wish list for various aspects of the trip, including airfare, hotel stays, car rentals, and activities, with no fee. Couples receive digital gift cards to use throughout their vacation, which can be redeemed for experiences offered by partners.

Amazon

Amazon offers a wedding registry with a 20% completion discount and free two-day shipping for eligible items. It also allows guests to contribute to an electronic Amazon gift card without any fees.

Traveler's Joy

Traveler's Joy is a similar service to Honeyfund, allowing couples to collect money for their honeymoon. It lets couples book their honeymoon through any travel agent or company and then use the cash funds for their purchases. It also offers experience-based "gifts" and allows guests to include personalized messages with their contributions. There is a small deduction for credit card processing, which can be paid by the couple or contributed by the guests.

MyRegistry

MyRegistry is a universal wedding registry that allows couples to add items from any website to their wish list or sync registries from other sites. It also allows couples to register for cash gifts and charity donations.

GoFundMe

GoFundMe's wedding registry program has raised over $2 million for thousands of charities. Couples can easily add their chosen charity fund to their registry on The Knot. Guests can contribute to the charity while also learning more about the couple through their fundraiser.

Other Options

Other popular wedding registry websites and stores include Target, Williams Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Anthropologie, Sur La Table, Bloomingdale's, CB2, SPUR Experiences, Marmalade, Zola, and Withjoy.

Honeymoon funds

Honeyfund

Honeyfund is a popular option for honeymoon funds, with nearly $1 billion gifted to date. It can be used for any type of cash gift, not just honeymoons. You can create a free account and design your own page, with a long list of trips and activities, or a simple donation box for guests to contribute to. Funds can be deposited directly into your bank account, but there is a fee of 3.5% plus $0.59. PayPal transactions are slightly cheaper, at 2.59% plus $0.49. Alternatively, you can opt for zero-fee gift cards from nearly 200 brands.

The Knot

The Knot's honeymoon fund is highly recommended. It works just like a traditional gift registry, with the option to include a link on your wedding website for easy guest access. You can create cash funds of any amount and even hide the goal amount from guests if you prefer. The Knot charges a low transaction fee of 2.5%, which is usually less than the taxes and shipping costs of a physical gift. The funds are transferred directly to your bank account.

Traveler's Joy

Traveler's Joy is one of the oldest honeymoon fund sites, launched in 2004. It is free to set up a registry and there are no upgrade fees. It offers 100% free gift redemptions in the US, and gifts by cash or check are free for both you and your guests. Credit card transactions incur a 2.95% service fee, and there is a small checkout fee for guests. You can register for a variety of travel-related funds, such as an upgrade to first-class airfare or a new camera.

Hitchd

Hitchd is a paid service dedicated exclusively to registries, with a focus on registry page design and a modern user experience. Plans range from $119 to $199, depending on your wedding size, but you can try it for free. You can customize your registry with different fonts and layouts, and choose from gift idea design templates. Credit card transactions incur a processing fee of 2.9% plus $0.30, which can be paid by the couple or the gift-giver.

Blueprint

Blueprint is a one-stop shop for your wedding's online presence, offering website and registry building. You can add traditional gift and cash fund options, including honeymoon experiences. It is free to set up, but there is a standard 2.5% credit card processing fee for guests.

WithJoy

WithJoy is a good option if you want to avoid fees, as it does not collect a fee on honeymoon funds. You can create a general honeymoon fund or specific funds for activities. It integrates with PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App.

Zola

Zola allows you to create several different cash funds and offers the option of contributing directly to your honeymoon fund. You can also set up different funds for specific experiences at various price points, such as breakfast or a private boat tour.

These options provide a range of features and benefits, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Gifts vs. experiences

When it comes to wedding registries, there are a plethora of options available to suit different preferences. Some couples may prefer to receive gifts, while others may opt for experiences or even charitable donations. Here is a detailed breakdown of the gifts vs. experiences debate to help you make an informed decision:

Gifts

Gifts are a traditional aspect of weddings, and there are numerous retailers that offer wedding registry services. These include popular options such as Amazon, Target, and Crate & Barrel, as well as specialty stores like Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn. By registering for gifts, you can enhance your living space with furniture, decor, and appliances. Many stores also offer completion discounts, allowing you to purchase any remaining items on your registry at a lower price. Additionally, some retailers provide perks like free design advice, monogramming services, and easy returns.

Experiences

On the other hand, experiences can offer memorable moments that will be cherished long after the wedding. Websites like Zola, MyRegistry, and Honeyfund provide options for registering experiences or cash funds for your honeymoon or other adventures. These platforms often have features that make it easy for guests to contribute, such as group gifting or the ability to split the cost of an experience into partial units. If you already have most of the essential items for your home, registering for experiences can be a unique way to celebrate your marriage.

Charitable Donations

Another meaningful option is to use your wedding as an opportunity to give back. Platforms like GoFundMe allow you to set up a charity fund as part of your registry, enabling your guests to donate to a cause that is special to you and your partner. This approach not only supports a worthwhile cause but also reflects your values as a couple.

Ultimately, the decision between gifts and experiences depends on your personal preferences and what you feel will bring you the most joy. You can also choose a combination of both by including some experiential elements alongside your gift registry or even opting for a hybrid approach with a platform like The Knot, which offers both gifts and experiences.

Frequently asked questions