Here, four couples just like you share their registry choices—take a peek and find inspiration for your own much-haves.
The Couple: Lindsay Issacs & Jordan Hirsch
From: Houston, Texas
Registered at: Crate and Barrel
Wedding Date: May 15, 2010
photo: David Lazarus
Why did you register at Crate & Barrel? “It offers everything from practical to fanciful that we needed. The prices are fair, and the quality is exceptional.”
Can you tell us about your registry process? “The store met all our needs. The merchandise selection is up to date and the staff is knowledgeable, realistic and honest.”
Did you consider price when registering? “We were aware that some of our guests might not be able to afford some of the more extravagant items. So we chose a wide spectrum of items at affordable prices.”
You chose a number of items for entertaining. Do you throw a lot of parties? “As a couple we plan to entertain our business associates, as well as friends and families.”
Any advice for other couples starting the process? “Make a practical list of the things you will really use, as well as a few special items. It’s important to have a sense of the budgets of your guests. Register for durable items that are rated highly by others.”
Credit Information (Clockwise from top left): Hand-blown teardrop vase; hand-blown pilsner glass, $9.95; mini stainless cocktail shaker, $20.95; square stoneware appetizer plates, $5.95 ea.; multicolored cotton cocktail napkins, $19.95 set of 12; hand-blown stemless martini glass, $1.95; hand-blown and hand-pressed glass bowl, all from Crate & Barrel, crateandbarrel.com.
The Couple: Andrew and Mary Boyd
From: Seattle, Washington
Registered at: Sur La Table
Wedding Date: May 9, 2010
photo: David Lazarus
Why did you register at Sur La Table? “They have such an amazing selection that we could hardly narrow down what we wanted! Also, we loved that our friends and families would be exposed to such a great place to shop.”
Did you register in the store or online? “Andrew and I scoped out the store without letting the staff know we were looking to register. That gave us a good sense of what we wanted, and ultimately, we did the entire registry online. The best part is that we did the process together.”
You registered for an eclectic assortment of kitchen tools and gadgets. Do you cook often? “We’re definitely not chefs, but Andrew is adventurous. He’ll choose a gadget or tool that seems intriguing and find a recipe that calls for it.”
Did you consider price when registering? “Yes, We chose a wide variety of items at different price points.”
Any advice for couples starting to register? “ First, have fun. Go through each section of the store carefully, and make sure you cover all your needs. When in doubt about any item, ask a sales associate for help.”
Credit Information (Clockwise from top left): Cuisipro stainless tower grater; Microplace citrus tool, $13; Le Creuset basting brush, $14.95; Rösle stainless vegetable spoon, $29, garlic press, $39, pizza cutter, $23, cheese plane, $32 and wedged apple cutter $30; Epicurean grooved and nonporous cutting surfaces, $48-$74; striped cotton towel; egg whisk, $14 all from Sur La Table, surlatable.com.
The Couple: Natalie Rotella & Matt Sheinfeld
From: Lindenhurst, New York
Registered at: Bed Bath & Beyond
Wedding Date: September 11, 2010
photo: David Lazarus
Why did you register at bed Bath & Beyond? “We found no other store that offered so many options in one place. It has everything from fine china to bedding to appliances and much more.”
Did you register together? “Yes. We went to our local store so that we could see everything in person. But I often checked the registry online, and I especially love that it gives me a countdown until our wedding day.”
What appealed to you about Kate Spade by Lenox dinnerware and Lenox stemware? “We love to entertain, and the elegant platinum leaf pattern exudes our style—modern yet classic. The stemware was a perfect match, and we couldn’t resist adding it to our list.”
Did you consider pricing when registering? “We only registered for things we could afford ourselves.”
Do you have advice for other couples? “Consider your groom: It’s your day, but he wants things too! For example, we added a back massager that Matt was dying to have.”
Credit Information (Clockwise from top left): Nambe metal alloy salt and pepper set, $99.99, chip and dip tray and candle holders (tapers not included); Mikasa etched glass stemware; Kate Spade by Lenox 5-pc. platinum bone china setting, $138.99; Lenox crystal stemware, $29.99; Yamazaki Aquatique stainless dinner fork and knife, $59.99 5 pc. Place Setting; Lenox tablecloth in aqua, $19.99 (as background), all from Bed Bath & Beyond.
The Couple: Nicoletta Kirkitos and Steve Savod
From: New York, New York
Registered at: Williams-Sonoma
Wedding Date: November 15, 2009
photo: David Lazarus
Why did you register at Williams-Sonoma? “They had everything we wanted in one place—appliances, cookware, even kitchen gadgets. Plus, the products are beautiful, and the service is amazing.”
Did you register together? “Partially. I went online first, and made a list of everything we wanted. Then we went to the store together and expanded the list when we saw the products firsthand.”
Your list was surprisingly short and well edited. How did you do it? “It was difficult. When you get in the store with the scanner, your instinct is to add everything. But we thought about what we really needed and had space for—in New York that’s a priority—and registered accordingly.”
You chose great kitchen appliances. Do you cook often? “In this economy, we cook almost every night. And with all these new appliances, it’s so much more fun to entertain. We especially love the Breville convection oven,”
What attracted you to the KitchenAid blender? “KitchenAid has a great reputation, and the blend got rave reviews online. I like that it’s smaller than most models and takes up less space.”
Any advice for other couples? “Try to register as soon as possible. We added and deleted items after the initial ‘wow’ factor.”
Credit Information (from left): All-Clad stainless roaster. $199.95; ceramic and stainless canisters, $34.95; KitchenAid 5-speed blender in brushed nickel, $149.95; Cuisinart toaster, $69.95; ceramic and stainless utensil holder (no longer available) All-Clad stainless utensils (in canister and on book) $129.95 7-Piece cooking set; Williams-Sonoma Bride and Groom Cookbook, $34.95, all from Williams-Sonoma, williams-sonoma.com.