Wedding Registry Tips & Advice from a Real Couple

They settled on established retailers: Gearys and Williams-Sonoma. “We only looked at those two shops and really liked them,” says the groom. “We wanted to have a mix of casual and fancy fine china, and Gearys has great options. We also needed a lot of kitchen and bar items, so Williams-Sonoma was perfect.” Chelsea appreciated that Williams-Sonoma had a little bit of everything. “Small silly gadgets, like citrus sprayers, and large appliances, such as pressure cookers – so you get a wide variety without having to register at too many places,” she explains. “Gearys offers an incredible selection of china, glassware, barware, and silverware from luxury brands to much more reasonably priced items, so there would be something for everyone to buy. We didn’t want to limit our guests based on how much they could afford.”

Their choices from Gearys included a multitude of china pieces from the “Chinoise Blue” collection by Mottahedeh, Juliska’s Berry & Thread stoneware collection, a lavish “Callista” decanter designed by William Yeoward Crystal, and a centerpiece bowl in an antique gold finish by Michael Aram. At Williams-Sonoma, Chelsea and Dominic selected cutlery and electrics and covered their baking needs with cookies sheets, pans, and a six-piece set of essentials. They rounded out their list with barware gadgets, tools, and a silicone ice sphere set.

One aspect that the couple did not enjoy during the registry process were the checklists of sales associates dictating what they needed to add to their lineup. “I wish someone had told me to go with my gut more,” she affirms, remembering all of the unsolicited outside opinons they received. “If I like nonstick pans more, even if they’re less professional, I should be able to have nonstick pans. Sometimes you really do know what you want and like.”

Chelsea was thrilled to learn about Gearys’ store policy, which is convenient for all engaged couples: “Everything that is purchased for you, they hold until after the wedding. That way, it’s treated like a big gift card and if you change your mind about what you want, they can move the money around.” Fortunately, the newlyweds adored each gift they received and did not return or exchange anything at either retailer.  

Chelsea and Dominic were happy with their choices, and were able to complete their entire wish list. “I think two registries was perfect for us. Any more and it would’ve been too overwhelming. Any less, and I don’t think there would’ve been enough variety,” Chelsea describes. She also expresses the importance of selecting items you and your soon-to-be spouse love – without worrying what others will think. “Register for what you want. You’re the one that has to live with the items that people buy for you. Find things that make you happy, even silly things like those citrus sprayers that you screw into lemons. One of your friends that thinks they’re as silly as you do will buy them for you!”

Registry Tips from Chelsea & Dominic:

Find a range. “Select items with various price points, so everyone feels accommodated.”

Select superb stores. “Register at stores where you really like what they have.”

Avoid older collections. “Don’t select something that is going to be discontinued soon. You want something you’re able to replace when it breaks.”

Have clear ideas. “Register for what you really want, not what you’re told to register for.”

See Chelsea and Dominic's wedding in our summer issue, on newsstands now or available digitally on Issuu. For more ideas, discover another real couple's registry, view 15 popular wedding registry products, and see this couple's registry tips.