It’s been over two years since Nick and I got married, but we still get hit with wedding planning nostalgia (and a little PTSD, ha!) especially around now, when social media feeds are rife with engagement announcements. As some of you may know, once that adrenaline wears off, a long list of bridal to-dos starts settling in as reality. Part of that list is the wedding registry, so we’re partnering with Zola to share some tips and ideas (they were actually the only place we registered at for our own wedding!).
One of the challenges when choosing where to register was the fact that Nick and I were already living together in a small apartment, so we didn’t have space for a lot of traditional gifts like fancy China or crystal punch bowls that get used once every five years. We opted instead to do customized cash funds on Zola that our guests could contribute to, combined with a few select products, like this Smeg Toaster that Nick was lusting after.
Zola’s offering has expanded since then to a lot more products (with price matching and free shipping), as well as unique experiences to choose from. Plus, they have a group gifting feature so guests can chip in on more expensive items. Right now, couples registering with Zola will also get a $50 credit after they receive $500 in gifts from guests.
We put together some ideas below on how to create a more personalized-feeling registry. It’s loosely based on our own interests, but hopefully it can inspire a registry full of things that you will actually love and put to use!
For the couple who loves to travel
A honeymoon / future airfare fund – Monetary gifts are great but who wants to deal with rounding up all the cash and checks (or red envelopes) and taking them to the bank the morning after your wedding? Also, some couples might be uncomfortable asking for cash, so these personalized, themed funds make it feel more approachable. (Note: Zola charges a 2.5% credit card transaction fee for cash fund contributions. In our opinion it was worth it, even just to have an electronic record of all gifts in one place for thank yous, etc.)
Luggage set – I’ve been using my Bric’s Bellagio carry-on for years, and Nick has this sleek, lower-maintenance Capri spinner (note: inner capacity is a little smaller than the Bellagio) that I’ve been itching to borrow!
Airbnb gift card – We’ve had some good luck with Airbnbs in London and Hawaii, and are always on the lookout for unique rental spaces when we travel. This lets people give you a gift for lodging without locking you into a specific hotel.
For the couple who loves to cook
KitchenAid Stand Mixer and its amazing attachment options (fresh pasta, zoodles, or homemade ice cream, anyone?) – This is one gift we wish we had registered for, especially since it now comes in a mini size – perfect for smaller kitchens!
Kitchen remodel cash fund – A remodel fund for a current or future home is a way to make guests feel like they’re quite literally helping you build your new life together! Also, funds are customizable with your own titles and imagery so you can make it as personalized as you want (i.e. “Nick’s Mad Men-inspired Mancave Bar Fund”).
Monthly Wine Club – A subscription gift that’ll keep the wedding day bliss going for months to come.
Le Creuset Signature Dutch Oven – We received one at our wedding and use it so much we ended up getting another. We have both the 3.5 qt and the 5.5 qt – the latter is perfect for families or for making extra portions to enjoy later or freeze!
Congrats to all the newly-engaged couples reading, and good luck to everyone who is currently in the midst of wedding planning!
Thank you to Zola and Shopstyle for partnering on this post.
Hi Jean, can you tell me where did Nick get his coat in this post please? Thanks 😄
do you know any good stores for EXTRA petite lingerie for my girlfriend. she’s smaller than you. thanks!
Can you post information on Nick’s boots?
Great recommendations for newly engaged couples! You and Nick are so sweet together.
http://www.yzwears.com
I am in the process of planning my wedding now (5 months to go!) and finalizing our registry is definitely something on my to-do list. We have a Zola registry set up already but I have yet to look into the cash funds in addition to the products. I know what I’m doing this weekend now! 🙂
http://www.fizzandfade.com
I love the idea of personalizing a registry and not having to ask for cash but still receiving money towards experiences like traveling and things!
XOXO
Charlie
Stylish couple! 🙂 I love your polished modern luggage bags 🙂
BeautyMarkLady
This was such an informational post! I have passed it on to friends who are taking the plunge to getting married. But to be honest, if I had known about this when I was getting married I would definitely be first in line because these are things that are very useful in a household or even traveling for those couples who are adventurous! 😀 Lastly, you and Nick always put a smile on my face. You guys are too cute!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
You and Nick are super adorable! No where near getting married yet but lots of helpful information on this post =)
You always have the prettiest photos! I will definitely keep Zola in mind for my wedding (: What kind of camera do you use? I’m looking for a camera that I can carry around with me for my travels! Looking for recommendations please. Thanks!!
Loved this post as I am in the midst of wedding planning. Your blog posts are always so helpful. 🙂
http://www.allthatjae.com
Love your photos together! (: Using Zola sounds like a great idea.
Narhee | Made in Mauve
Great tips. Will remember this for when I am engaged.
xx, Meghan | http://tanlinesanddaisies.com/
i love this
xx
https://closettostreet.com/
I love your outfit! Got to pin it right away!
Absolutely love it!
Oh I’ve heard such great things about Zola too! 🙂 I’m glad that they’ve expanded to include more experiences now hehe! Those are seriously some of the best and most unique gifts! Loving all of these photos, btw! <3
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
These are great ideas. All my friends are getting married in 2018, so definitely going to be using this!
Thank you for the guide! 🙂 I wish we had wedding registry traditions here in Hong Kong, though. I love the photos all the same, so sweet! ❤️
http://charmainenyw.com
I cannot wait until that next faze of my life!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
Which coat is Nick wearing? Did Santa bring him the J-Crew Ludlow he wanted for Christmas?? 🙂
You two look the best together … and this is a wonderful post as always! 💗👍🏼💗
Your photos look so sweet together, Jean! These gift ideas are fantastic – I love them! I can’t wait for one day when I’ll (hopefully) be getting engaged! Ha ha!
I hope you’ve had a lovely Wednesday,
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com