Discover a Couple's Wedding Registry Journey at Five Retailers
Get wedding-registry advice from a recently married couple who registered at five stores.
Be inspired by this couple, who created wedding registries in-person and online at Bloomingdale's, Food52, West Elm, Williams Sonoma, and Zola.
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Since Alana (née Essig) and John Fairbairn (see their Old Hollywood wedding!) had been living together for several years when they created their wedding registry, the couple had almost everything they needed for everyday use and instead wanted to focus on selecting specialty entertainment pieces and having a cash fund for their honeymoon.
“We are the household that throws holiday and dinner parties throughout the year, so I started our list with items I had been holding off buying, like a fancy menorah and seder plate,” explains Alana. “We were also gifted my grandmother’s fine china and my mother-in-law’s Baccarat collection, so instead of starting from scratch, we were looking for pieces to fill gaps that would match the discontinued pieces and give us a complete set of 12 for each item.”
They began their registry journey at Bloomingdale’s for two simple reasons: they wanted to visit the store in person and the luxury retailer carried the brands the bride was set on, including Michael Aram, Baccarat, and Chilewich. Next, they registered at Williams Sonoma, selecting a gorgeous set of Jean Dubost Laguiole flatware that was exclusive to the retailer. “I enjoy cooking and baking as well, so the registry allowed me to ask for some specialty bakeware and accessories that were less-expensive options for guests,” adds Alana.
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Photo by Andrena Photography
“Don’t go live with your registry until you are sure you want everything on it!”
Dinner at 5.8 Undersea
Restaurant in the Maldives, price varies; Zola
Crate and Barrel “Atwell” ribbed highball glass, $42 (set of six); Zola
Atelier Saucier linen napkins, $78 (set of four); Bloomingdale's
Noting that they wanted to round out their collection of dinnerware, Alana and John opted to register at Food52. “Since we had bought a new set there two years prior, we chose to register for more dinnerware and some napkins from this site,” explains the bride. “We registered at West Elm solely for the bedding that we liked. I had looked at a lot of places, but I preferred their patterns and price points over others!” Finally, the affianced pair chose Zola for not only their registry services, but they also took advantage of their honeymoon cash fund since the company only keeps a small percentage.
Though they visited Bloomingdale’s in person and attended exclusive registry events prior to their nuptials, which did help to decipher what the couple actually loved and wanted to add to the wish list, they primarily registered online. When it came time to determine final selections, Alana compiled a list and discussed with John. The groom pointed out redundancies, what was realistic based on the storage space of their townhouse, and asked how they planned to use each piece and if they needed it now. “From there, we were easily able to narrow down what we both liked and wanted,” Alana admits.
Hawkins New York Essential Stoneware dinnerware cereal bowls, $40 (set of four); Food52
“Dogwood” bud vase, $130; Michael Aram
Round-trip airfare to Fiji, price varies ; Zola
Despite Alana nixing John’s idea to register for a plethora of power tools, the groom encourages couples to have fun with the process: “Ask for all the BBQ stuff you want... Maybe even a grill!” he exclaims. The couple is thrilled and grateful for all that they received, including the cash fund that provided a memorable honeymoon excursion to Fiji. Alana adds that it’s nice to use new pieces in their home and to think of the gift giver. “It’s like a little nod to the wedding,” she smiles.
Wedding Registry Tips from Alana & John
Use your imagination.
“Don’t become ‘scan happy’ and add everything that you remotely like. Pick and choose what you really want in your home and will use in your married life.”
Be mindful of storage.
“If you live in an apartment or townhouse and there really isn’t room for dream items, select a few key pieces and then stick with a cash fund you can both enjoy!”
Cull your list.
“Don’t go live with your registry until you are sure you want everything on it!”
Take advantage.
“Knowing the perks of each registry will help you really get what you want, even if guests don’t give you each item.”
This story was originally published as a Wish List feature in the Fall 2023 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. To order a copy of the Fall 2023 issue, visit our library of Inside Weddings back issues available for purchase. For more ideas, find out what wedding registry items couples often forget and see popular wedding registry items!
Opening photo by Dina Douglass of Andrena Photography; Planning & Design by Natalie Sofer Weddings and Events; From Real Wedding: Old-Hollywood Wedding Inspired by the Oscars in the '30s & '40s
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