A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Sep. 27, 2024
With these wedding registries, you'll find the perfect match to help you celebrate the big day—and make things even easier for your guests.
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You may think that wedding registries take all the fun out of gift giving, but trust us, your guests want to get you something you’ll love and use forever. As much as you think your family and friends know you, they aren’t mind readers. A wedding registry is the easiest way to tell them what you like, ensure you receive what you need, and avoid the hassle of returns.
While the long-established method of wandering around big-box stores like Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s and scanning your favorite items still exists and is a bona fide wedding tradition, there are now also more specialized options to fit every personality type. Have a bohemian design sense? Check out Anthropologie or the Little Market. Want modern and sleek home furnishings? Opt for Crate & Barrel or Snowe Home. Prefer to fund a honeymoon? Traveler’s Joy gathers the experiences and excursions for a dream trip. If you’re indecisive, an aggregate site like MyRegistry or Blueprint will be your best bet. And that’s just the beginning of the many online wedding registries at your fingertips.
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If you’re looking for the world’s largest selection of items, this e-commerce giant is the place to be. A one-stop shop with literally millions of items available, Amazon boasts products from both well-known brands and independent names. Amazon’s ratings and reviews help you make the best decision on what to buy, and curated collections organized by hobby, most-loved, best-selling, and trending deals can help you narrow things down even further. Free two-day shipping, a 180-day return policy, and a 20 percent off completion discount are among the many perks that make Amazon one of the best universal wedding registries.
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With 1,800 locations and stores in all 50 states, this beloved budget retailer makes things super easy for couples and guests. It also lives up to its tagline, “Expect more, pay less,” with its bounty of affordable items that range from grills and glassware to lighting and linens. And you can rest assured that you snagged the best deal with Target’s price-match guarantee. Plus, you’ll find a selection of exclusive brands available only at Target, such as Chip & Joanna Gaines’ Hearth & Hand, Made by Design, and Opalhouse.
If you’re trying to decide between Target and Walmart, here’s how to figure out which is best for your needs.
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As its name suggests, you’ll find everything you need for your bedroom, bath, and beyond here. Aside from the basics, Bed Bath & Beyond also offers a treasure trove of useful accessories and gadgets to make your home life easier. Plus, there are (free!) useful online tools and perks for couples, such as bonus gifts and discounts if you add certain brands to your registry and meet purchase requirements. To help with the sometimes-overwhelming experience, you can browse curated collections, consult with a Decorist design pro, reference a Registry Price Analyzer to ensure you have gifts for all budgets, and use a thank-you manager to track who gave you what so you can easily send thank-you notes.
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If you’re looking for a trusted all-in-one wedding destination that offers tools, guides, and the ability to create your own personalized free wedding website, this is it. More than 25 million couples have used this registry, and it’s easy to see why. The Knot offers its own expertly curated store with thousands of gifts from more than 20 retailers you know and love (such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Amazon, Crate & Barrel, and Target), including exclusive items you won’t find anywhere else. Using a proprietary technology, the site also makes it possible for you to add literally any item—even if it’s from a small boutique or a store without a registry program—to a universal gift wish list. But our favorite part? Your gifts give back. The Knot will donate up to 3 percent of qualifying purchases, at no extra cost, to the charity of your choice.
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Zola’s online shop offers more than 100,000 products from 1,000 top brands, plus nontraditional options like cash, cool experiences, and honeymoon funding. If you can’t find what you want, you can add gifts from anywhere else on the web. And for the younger generation who prefer to do everything on their phone, a comprehensive app offers a fun Tinder-like feature that lets you swipe left and right to discover new products. In addition to wedding registries, you can also connect with vendors, design a free wedding website, build your guest list, customize save-the-dates and invitations, ask questions (or vent) on a community forum, add a countdown widget, and more—all on the go.
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Anthropologie is the best place to discover eccentric essentials. If you’re looking for bold, never-boring home goods, this whimsical destination is for you. Fun finds include fruit-pattern bedding, iridescent stemware, vibrant floral-print furniture, textured tassel-adorned throws, and hand-painted dishes. For the one-of-a-kind couple that marches to the beat of their own drum, these uncommon gifts for her and him will hit the spot.
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This beloved department store offers everything you need to stylishly outfit a home from its well-known, brand-name goods and designers. On the Bloomie’s site, you’ll find helpful guides with tips and advice, and a section that breaks everything down by category (bedding, kitchen, bath, entertaining, etc.). Because it can be overwhelming to navigate such a large selection, there are also expertly curated collections (think: romantic dinners, the perfect staycation, the best brunch ever) and an area dedicated to Bloomingdale’s exclusives. As a bonus, registry consultants are available to offer one-on-one support, as well as personalized suggestions and recommendations.
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You can buy bakeware, bedding, bar tools, and more timeless pieces for the abode at Crate & Barrel. For inspiration, browse a list of the most-purchased items, check out other real couples’ wedding wish lists, and peruse easy-to-add one-click bundles. Guests can take advantage of the group gift fund if you request larger and pricier items like furniture. Other perks include a price-match guarantee and free shipping for items over $49.
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CB2 is like Crate & Barrel’s trendier little sister, and it’s especially suited for style-minded apartment dwellers or new homeowners. It’s best for small-scale furniture and home accents, plus stylish kitchenware, entertaining essentials, and even tech gifts. The standouts on this wedding registry site are the decorative pieces, which include unique artwork, vases, and sculptures.
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This easy-to-use site allows you to sync all your store registries to one location. With MyRegistry, you’ll still get the perks from each store, but with the convenience of a universal registry. Having everything in one sharable, shoppable list will help you assess, manage, and organize everything at a glance, ensuring you’re not forgetting any essential items. It also lets you add gifts from any e-shop or brick-and-mortar store (regardless of whether it has a website)—from anywhere in the world. You can also get creative and request airline tickets or add experiences like cooking classes, dance lessons, and basically any activity you can imagine.
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If you prefer going the traditional route of scanning items in person, there are more than 500 Macy’s locations to get a hands-on experience. But whether you’re in a store or online, you’ll find just about anything you need for every room in your home at this beloved department store. Book an appointment with a Celebrations Consultant to navigate the wide selection of goods so you can craft the perfect gift wish list—and when you’re done, head over to the bridal salon with your bridesmaids to find the perfect dress for the big day.
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This comprehensive platform lets you browse more than 5,000 items from top retailers and brands like West Elm, Crate & Barrel, Wayfair, and Anthropologie. You can also add gifts from any website, import existing registries, and even request cash to fund a honeymoon or donate to your favorite charity. This aggregate wedding-registry site sets itself apart from others with its visual room blueprint tool. Explore products room by room with virtual layouts that let you see exactly what you need and want—and figure out what looks good together.
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Lovebirds who prefer to fill their home with special, one-of-a-kind pieces can turn to Etsy. The online marketplace offers endless options to personalize everything from wall art to kitchen items to plants. Choose from a treasure trove of handmade creations, rare vintage finds, and unique novelty items (like look-alike bobbleheads). You can also get some inspiration from this list of Etsy gifts that are perfect for every occasion.
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Cooks of all levels can equip their kitchen with the best cookware, cutlery, gadgets, and appliances at Williams Sonoma. Unsure of the difference between copper, cast iron, and stainless steel? Helpful product guides offer tips on what to look for and how to choose the perfect pieces for you. If you need more assistance, get the VIP treatment and have the store to yourself with a private tour, registry help, and complimentary demos.
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Anyone with an elevated eye for design will love Restoration Hardware’s classic selection of goods for the home. Shop timeless furniture, luxury linens, and vintage-inspired gems for rooms that will look like they belong in a home-design magazine. Beyond wedding registries, you can create wish lists for RH Baby & Child and RH Teen collections, making it a go-to spot for all your future milestones.
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It’s obvious why more than 400,000 couples have used Wayfair’s registry: With millions (yes, literally) of products to choose from, it’s easy to find gifts to fall in love with, especially since you can browse curated collections—by category and what’s trending—to spark inspiration. From furniture to art to appliances, there’s something in every price point. And you can decide when and where you want everything sent, as well as swap gifts before they even ship.
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In a sea of home-goods stores, Pottery Barn stands out with its 100 percent free design services. A fancy interior designer could cost a fortune, but PB offers gratis one-on-one sessions with experts who will help you curate the home of your dreams. They’ll gather exact measurements at your place and provide mood boards, product recommendations, customized room plans, and cost estimates. You can shop with confidence for furniture and accessories, knowing it will all come together seamlessly.
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For eco-conscious newlyweds, Made Trade exclusively carries ethically made goods for your home and wardrobe. Register for a wide range of artisan-crafted offerings, including furniture, kitchen and dining essentials, bedding and bath goods, and decor—all Fair Trade-certified, eco-friendly, and sustainably made.
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For high-end-brand enthusiasts, Neiman Marcus is one of the best wedding registries for top-of-the-line goods from Hermès, Baccarat, Lalique, Waterford, and more. This beloved department store carries everything from dinnerware and decor to bedding and barware. Expert associates can help guide you through the process, and free shipping makes the high price tags a little more bearable.
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Want your home to look like it could be featured in Architectural Digest? Snowe has all the fundamentals to create a picture-perfect bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and beyond. Perennial hosts will appreciate the high-quality assortment, which offers luxury-level merchandise that won’t put you into debt. Our favorite offerings are the good-looking vases, trays, and bowls that double as statement-making decor. One special perk is a 15 percent off one-year-anniversary discount. And speaking of which, here are the traditional anniversary gifts by year to celebrate each major milestone in a marriage.
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The Little Market is a nonprofit organization that sources goods from women in underserved populations around the globe. Every purchase generates meaningful income for these independent artisans. On the site, you’ll find a bounty of unique handmade gifts to deck your home, and the fact that these pieces make an impact in developing communities is icing on the cake.
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What began as a small pottery store in the ’40s has expanded to sell everything you need to adorn a home. The husband-and-wife-owned shop puts a focus on independent companies and quality makers who create items designed for longevity. Browse the Heath Ceramics website for unique, thoughtfully made goods to eat, live, and connect. There are two choices for wedding registries: A conventional option ships presents as soon as someone makes a purchase, while a virtual version allows you to choose a single ship date for everything all at once.
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Shop in store or online at Dillard’s for a wide variety of gifts at every price point. Snag affordable home goods from Meri Meri, Southern Living, and Oxo, or higher-priced items from must-have brands like Le Creuset, Cuisinart, and Waterford. (These also make excellent housewarming gifts that guests can purchase after the big day.) You can also add wedding-day essentials like bridal lingerie and accessories to help cover the cost of those pricier picks.
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Create your dream home with the help of West Elm’s free design services. You can book an at-home, in-store, or virtual appointment to get styling tips and product recommendations to build the perfect registry. Plus, West Elm’s original modern designs (dreamed up in their Brooklyn studios) can be paired with sustainably sourced goods and handcrafted artisan pieces from around the world. A 3D room-planner tool helps visualize how pieces will fit and look in any space.
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Walmart has more than 5,000 locations in the United States, so there’s a good chance there’s one right around the corner for convenient shopping. The retail behemoth is a dependable destination for affordable gifts to furnish your home and beyond. Shop exclusive brands like Gap Home, Better Homes & Gardens, and Allswell, plus designer collections from Drew Barrymore and The Home Edit.
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Instead of registering for traditional gifts, ask guests to contribute to the honeymoon of your dreams. With monetary donations, your loved ones can help pay for hotels, flights, tours, and other memorable experiences. And this fundraising platform isn’t just for trips. Raising money for a down payment? Saving for a puppy? Honeyfund can be used for virtually anything.
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For wine lovers who already have a fully stocked home, go to Gary’s for an alternative take on wedding registries. You’ll find a wide range of expertly selected wines, spirits, and craft beers, along with gourmet treats and booze-related gifts (like glassware, accessories, and gift baskets). Cheers to a gift you’ll get to enjoy when having a romantic night at home or entertaining guests long after the wedding festivities are over.
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Sur La Table is the premier destination for both serious cooks and novice chefs alike. You’ll find premium-quality merch for all your cooking, dining, and entertaining needs. Since there are thousands of products to choose from—from bakeware and kitchen tools to appliances—a personal registry concierge can help you through the process. The culinary-obsessed couple can also sign up for in-store or virtual cooking classes.
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Gastronomes with a taste for fine dining will appreciate Food52, with its skillfully assembled food-centric gifts. There are more than 5,000 products from a selection of well-known brands, plus small merchants and independent artisans. In addition to registering for all your cooking and table essentials here, you can hit up the pantry section for artisan cheeses, specialty meats, international delicacies, and sweet treats.
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Whether you’re jetting off to a romantic Caribbean resort, backpacking through Peru, or sightseeing at the Grand Canyon, guests can help fund the vacation of a lifetime. Traveler’s Joy is a free-to-use site that lets you customize your dream list with images, descriptions, and travel plans. You can register for anything, anywhere—there’s no requirement to book your honeymoon with a particular travel agency or airline. And if your plans change, all gifts can be redeemed as cash.
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For newlyweds who value experiences over material goods, this wedding registry site is a tactful way to ask for moolah. You create a list of desired activities—say, snorkeling with sharks in Hawaii, taking cooking lessons, or seeing a Broadway show—and guests contribute any amount of money to fund the activity. Personalization options like a custom URL, wedding hashtags, and photo displays add a special touch.
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Even if couples request no gifts for their big day, guests often still want to give something. So, set up a donation registry at Wish Upon a Wedding, a nonprofit that grants weddings and vow renewals to couples facing serious illnesses or life-altering health problems. It’s a special way to spread the love to those in need.
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REI has partnered with MyRegistry to offer outdoorsy couples everything they need to outfit their action-packed life. Get gear for camping, hiking, biking, and more, then add on REI Adventure trips and outdoor excursions. Bonus: There’s a 100 percent satisfaction-guaranteed policy, so purchases can be returned within a year if you don’t love them.
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Can’t decide what to register for? That’s OK—Thankful is here to help. This all-inclusive website mixes traditional gifts with honeymoon contributions, gift cards, experience gifts, and charity donations. An “Add to Thankful” bookmark lets you add products from any online store (it works just like Pinterest’s “Pin It” button), and you can request funds for your favorite nonprofit—100 percent of donations will go straight to the cause. A one-time $30 fee keeps your registry active forever, which means you can alter your list to commemorate future milestones.
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Turn your house into a home with all the essentials needed to create a well-loved space that perfectly reflects your individual style. Ballard Designs reinterprets classic designs in a modern way to make pieces that feel fresh but also timeless. For a more personalized approach, there are more than 300 offerings you can customize, from finish to fabric.
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Create an inviting home with Belk’s well-priced offerings. There’s a never-ending selection of anything you could need to stock your space—from the bedroom to the bath to the kitchen and beyond. And while you’re registering, don’t forget functional add-ons like decor, organizational tools, cleaning essentials, and electronics. If you visit one of the brick-and-mortar stores, you can also use your smartphone to scan items directly onto your registry.
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Fortunate couples who want to pay it forward should consider this philanthropic approach. JustGiving allows wedding guests to donate to the nonprofit of your choice. There are thousands of charities to choose from, or you can create a new fundraising campaign for any local or overseas community in need.
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SoKind proves that the greatest gifts don’t fit in a box. For lovebirds who want to forgo traditional wedding registries, this online service encourages couples to create alternative wish lists that reflect their values, needs, and lifestyle choices. Build a completely customizable registry that can include homemade gifts, charitable donations, secondhand goods, experiences, services, day-of-event help, and traditional presents too. Looking to reduce your consumption? Register for non-material gifts like homemade dinners, music lessons, a museum membership, babysitting help, event tickets, or donations to your favorite charity.
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Sought-after event planner Jung Lee wanted to shake up the impersonal, cookie-cutter wedding registry approach. Her registry program at Slowdance offers one-on-one style consultations and handpicked product selections curated by industry experts, and she travels the globe to find unique products suitable for everyday use, as well as heirloom-quality pieces worthy of passing down for generations.
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Young newlyweds furnishing their first home can turn to this Swedish retailer for sleek design essentials. Here, your wedding registry can include everything from furniture and mattresses to lighting and appliances, plus accent pieces like colorful art, storage necessities, and trendy accessories for your abode. You can also revamp your space with IKEA’s custom closet and kitchen design services.
OK, let’s back up for a minute, just in case you’re not quite sure exactly what a wedding registry entails. It’s essentially a long list of wedding gifts assembled by the couple. As guests purchase items, they are removed from the list. It’s important to add to your registry often, especially after events like engagement parties and bridal showers, to make sure it isn’t depleted.
No two couples are alike. Some might prefer more classic presents like cookware and bedding, while some may want to fund a honeymoon. Others may choose more unconventional options, such as requesting cash to put toward a down payment on a home or asking for donations to their favorite charities. A registry is a foolproof guide for your loved ones: It eliminates the guesswork of gift giving and guarantees their money will be well spent.
There is no one-size-fits-all checklist when it comes to wedding registry ideas. Traditionally, household items like dishes, towels, and glasses were the most popular items requested by newlyweds. But today, there are no rules, and the options are endless. You can even embrace the group gift and let guests pool together for bigger-ticket items like a grill, luggage, or furniture. It’s also important to include plenty of affordable presents for those on a tight budget. No matter the item or activity, don’t hesitate to ask for exactly what you want. And if you’re wondering how to notify guests about your registry, check out this list of wedding etiquette rules for the proper protocol.
