The wedding registry was created years ago to help guests determine what newlyweds want or need for their home as a married couple — think monogrammed towels, china and kitchen mixers. But in recent years, it has evolved into much more. The registry has become a place for gifting just about anything a couple may dream of, from designer furniture and wine collections to honeymoon excursions and even down payments on a home. Family and friends also like to give gifts that reflect their relationship to the couple as well as their own experiences and tastes. Narrowing down a gift selection, however, can be challenging.
Luckily, there are some great go-to gifts, and we’ve found a group of married experts to share their thoughtful reasons. After all, it’s the thought that really counts.
Ms. Lee is the owner of Fete, an event production company in New York, and Jung Lee NY, a home goods store, and Slowdance, a curated wedding registry shop.
Credit…All newlyweds need great trays. You’ll be prepared to host guests with drinks and food — and more importantly, your spouse can bring you breakfast in bed.
Credit…I love to give practical luxury gifts. The Thank You box is a beautiful box with personalized stationery, a pen, and stamps. Couples don’t realize they need it, but when they get it, they say it is a life changer!
JLNYThank You Box; $325.
Mr. Adler is a potter, designer, and author who is known for his namesake brand, which features modern furniture, lighting, and accessories.
Credit…Let’s face it, it’s a dirty world. Based on my extensive research, I’ve determined that disputes over sleeping temperature wrecks more marriages than infidelity and money issues combined.
Credit…Blender schmender. A petite lamp is always appreciated and memorable, you always have room for an extra light source. I like to give my Claridge lantern lamp — it’s small and curvy and goes with everything.
Credit…China becomes a staple that you’ll keep forever. I didn’t think I wanted to go the China route. It felt too fancy, and I wanted to be more practical. However, once I started putting my registry together, I changed my mind. There’s China that you actually use.
Credit…Every Hanukkah, we always panic about forgetting a menorah and then we run to a drugstore to buy one. Nothing makes you feel like a real adult like getting married; it’s time to have a nice one. (Kate Hudson got this one for us — no big deal!)
Ms. Bronfman is a D.J., the founder of the health and beauty website, HBFIT, and the author of “Do What Feels Good.”
Credit…Something I think is quite special is bringing our Leica to the wedding and snapping a few intimate moments, blowing them up, and framing them for the couple. We know everyone has wedding photographers that are amazing, but there is something different about the photos that your closest friends seem to capture.
Credit…I love to find out where the newlyweds are having their honeymoon and surprise them with sparkling wine and a spa treatment. Relaxation is necessary after wedding planning! Sending a bottle of bubbly allows for reminiscing about all the special moments and keeps the celebrations going.
