wedding 2022 | ON GIFTS AND REGISTRIES

date posted: March 20, 2022

A wedding may well be the only time in your adult life when it is considered entirely proper and expected to make a wish list that your family and friends will then fulfill.

This may well be the only time in your adult life when it is considered entirely proper and expected to make a wish list that your family and friends will then fulfill. Enjoy it: They’ll enjoy choosing a treat for you. To maximize the joy for all concerned, make your registry a thoughtful one.

It’s fine and fun for your registry to reflect exactly who you are. Are you moving to a new, larger space where you plan to do some entertaining? Get set up. Is there an outdoor sport you love doing together? Get outfitted. Renovating an indoor or outdoor space? People will love giving you tools and supplies that will become part of your home; you could even register for paint or a load of patio stone.

There are websites that will aggregate you a list from any website in the whole wide world, such as MyRegistry.com. Make sure your registry has choices for every wallet. You don’t want younger or strapped friends feeling like they can’t afford to give you anything you want; conversely, it would be a shame if some well-heeled, would-be benefactor didn’t have a couple of good ideas to choose from.

The proper place for your registry list is on your wedding website, never in your invitation materials, although you may certainly share it on request and make sure your inner circle has it handy to share. If someone is throwing you a shower, it’s perfectly acceptable to include your registry in that invitation. Remember that you can register for experiences like cooking lessons (your friends may even find this pays off nicely), ziplining, couples’ massage, membership at your favorite museum or nature preserve...whatever sparks you.

Despite cash being a time-honored wedding gift (remember the envelopes in The Godfather?) it’s gauche to request it directly. There are, however, specialized registry sites out there that allow you to raise funds for a goal or for charity. When the wedding is over, and you’re reveling in the bounty provided by the kindness of your friends and family, your duty is not over: Thank-you notes are a lot more manageable if written (yes, written, by hand) as gifts come in, rather than waiting until you have the whole pile to do. It’s also a lot easier to make the notes heartfelt and personal if you’re not tackling them all at once. Aim to get these in the mail within two weeks of a gift’s arrival, and you’ll never regret it.

binnewater

Kingston, 845-331-0237, binnewater.com

It is very important to keep guests hydrated for any event, large or small. Binnewater can provide New York’s finest spring water and Mountain Valley Spring Water, in addition to ice for keeping those drinks nice and cool.

herzog’s home center

Kingston, 845-338-6300, herzogs.com

Herzog’s gift department is truly one of a kind. Whether you’re shopping for a wedding, engagement, bridal shower, or bridesmaid party, you will be pleasantly surprised by their selection. Offerings include an exceptional selection of home décor pieces, tabletop and cookware, jewelry, and local handcrafted gifts. The best part is that they will take care of the gift-wrapping, free of charge.

the mad hatter chimney sweep

Accord, 845-687-4745, madhatterchimney.com

Now that you’re hitched, you may decide to purchase a new home. Make that new home warm and cozy with The Mad Hatter’s expert chimney and fireplace services. From chimney installation and ventilation to chimney cleaning and fireplace/chimney repair, they do it all. With over 35 years of experience in the industry, you can be sure that your home is in good hands.

stone ridge insurance

Stone Ridge, 845-687-2828, stoneridgeinsurance.net

Since opening in 2009, Stone Ridge Insurance has taken pride in providing clients with outstanding service and a personalized experience every time. Owner Donald has grown into insurance education, and helps people understand why they pay what they pay, to know how to be treated, and to help them protect themselves if they ever need it. Donald is an invaluable resource to his community and is always happy to share his knowledge of the insurance industry.

vip to go, luxury restroom & shower trailers

Haverstraw, 877-564-6977, viptogo.com

VIP To Go is your go-to source for luxury restroom and shower trailers. What do you need a portable restroom or shower for? A weekend wedding? Commercial bathroom renovations? An emergency recovery effort? Whether for an upscale event or a high-traffic situation, long-term or just overnight, trust VIP To Go to provide just what you need. Visit viptogo.com and get a quote or even reserve your trailer in 5 minutes or less!

williams lumber & home centers

Hudson Valley, 845-876-9663 (Rhinebeck), williamslumber.com

At a loss for what to give? You can never go wrong with the gift of home improvement. The Williams family and staff have been committed to providing unsurpassed excellence in service, quality, and price for 76 years. Pick up a gift card at one of their eight locations throughout the Hudson Valley..

ej bonbons & confections

Woodstock, ejchocolates.com

Available year round, our customizable box of assorted chocolate bonbons is the best special-occasion favor. Enjoy each piece one by one and find your favorites along the way. From weddings and baby showers to corporate presents and welcome bags, our customizable two-, four-, five-, and twelve-piece boxes of handmade and painted chocolate bonbons are the perfect gift for your next event.

get grounded

Hudson Valley, Catskills, 917-331-5473, yogairis.com

Yoga, Breathwork and Great Coffee. Offering private group classes as well as couples and individual sessions. I am available to teach at our studio in Accord or in the comfort of your home. A great way to connect with your wedding guests, bridal party, or just unwind as a couple. Contact Sibylle Jud at sibyllejud@gmail.com

hudson valley seed co

Accord, 845-204-8769, hudsonvalleyseed.com

Plant seeds of joy with wedding favors that incorporate open-pollinated, heirloom seeds! Now with customizable stickers, Hudson Valley Seed Company Art Packs are the perfect way to make a special day even more memorable. Choose from over 100 unique seed pack designs to match your theme, and send guests home with memories they can grow!

rail explorers

Catskills, Cooperstown, 877-833-8588, railexplorers.net

Rail Explorers brings you the magic of riding the rails in our custom pedal-assist Railbikes. Ride with us at our Catskills Division or our NEW location in Cooperstown, NY. Season runs May 1st through October 31st, 2022.

riotworks

Marlboro, 347-326-3114, info@riotworks.com

Riotworks is a family business that builds custom items for weddings, including bespoke chuppas, ceremony arches, custom hashtag or name signage, personalized wedding gifts, and anything else the couple can imagine out of any material desired, including wood, acrylic, aluminum and other composites. Ideas are drafted, designed, cut, and built in our New Paltz area shop using CNC machinery and traditional crafting methods. Routing and laser services available.

zephyr float

Kingston, 845-853-2400, zephyrfloat.com

Named one of the top 6 spas in the Hudson Valley, Zephyr Float offers something different. Floatation therapy is a state of total relaxation in an environment free of stimulation. Floating in 1000 pounds of Epsom Salt relieves sore muscles and chronic pain, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep. Pair your float with a massage by the best massage therapists in the area. Perfect for relaxing before the big day or as a wedding gift for the people you love.