wedding 2024 | Crafting Your Gift Registry

date posted: March 06, 2024

Get creative together about what you’ll both enjoy.

Wedding gifts originated with the dowry custom of centuries past, in which her family gave his family money, land, and possibly livestock as a gesture of gratitude, shall we say. Young women were given “dowry chests” in which to stash gifts and resources that would sustain a newly forming household. Gems, precious metals, and the like were in vogue before the French started a trend toward linens.

In the American South, it was tradition that the bride receive a key basket with the keys to her new home. In 1924, Macy’s came up with the marketing concept of the wedding registry, and soon every retailer was doing it. Twentieth-century wedding gift concepts were wonderful for people who’d been living with their parents until their wedding night and lacked housewares and appliances—which applies to fewer and fewer couples these days—but the custom of showering couples with treats as part of a wedding celebration remains strong.

Creating a registry helps your loved ones do that, so enjoy the process. Get creative together about what you’ll both enjoy. Find a registry site that allows maximum variety in sourcing, and think about the gaps in your cookware and gadget world, your decor, your library and music collection, your garden, home improvement, sport, or camping setup. Hit a wide range of price points.

Register for more items than you have guests invited, so people will have plenty of choices. Consider offering a charitable donation option or two. It may be that the most wonderful thing your loved ones could do for you at this life-altering moment is to kick in toward a home improvement, down payment, or other shared journey of your dreams. Etiquette purists may sniff, but ought to remember that there are cultures in which it’s still good manners to slip the bride cash, Macy’s best efforts notwithstanding.

And that the entire intent of a wedding gift is to bless your union and Don’t include your registry information or alternative plan on invitations, but do put it on your wedding website, and make sure word gets around via friends and family.

Do say thank you, by hand, on paper, by snail mail, within a couple of months. Let them know how much it meant to be celebrated, and keep right on taking joy in it together.

GATHER CATSKILLS

Delaware County, gathercatskills.com

The wedding of your dreams awaits in the Great Western Catskills. From timeless venues in the forest to renovated barns with modern amenities, the venue you long for is at your fingertips. Gather Catskills brings all the wedding resources of the Great Western Catskills together to make your planning process as easy as can be.

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.

JOVIE, NANNIES + SITTERS

Delaware County, joviecare.com/weddingvortex.com

Jovie offers customizable childcare for weddings, offering age-appropriate activities to keep children engaged and entertained. Whether you need care for a few hours or full-day supervision, you can relax knowing that you and your guests can fully enjoy the celebration while the children have a memorable time of their own.

MOLLIE FOX STUDIO

Hudson Valley, 718-840-8182, molliefoxstudio.com

Today’s couples are commissioning custom art for that breath of luxe fresh air to showcase their love story. Live, watercolor illustrations of your guests, painted at the reception, or a live-event painting of your wedding celebration can each capture the emotional impact of your special day in real time and become personal bespoke heirlooms to be cherished for years to come.

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.

SULLIVAN CATSKILLS

Hudson Valley, 800-882-CATS, sullivancatskills.com

Say “I do” in New York’s legendary Sullivan Catskills. We’ll help you throw an extraordinary event that will keep your guests talking long after the wedding. Choose a grand ballroom or the quiet confines of a boutique inn. Our outdoor scenery is perfect for warm-weather weddings—lakeside, riverside, or even at historic sites. And there are nearly two dozen wedding planners, caterers, florists, transportation companies, and more.

THE MAD HATTER

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.

THE NEW YORK PHOTOBUS

Tri-State, @NYPhotoBus, 845-303-2019, bookthephotobus.com

More than a mobile photo booth built inside a classic VW, the New York PhotoBus will make your wedding unforgettable. It’s a conversation piece and micro venue where people can get in, have fun, and connect, all while getting photos printed on the spot + social media sharing. Also lighting, music, props, and, most importantly, a sensibility of how to create a good time for your guests. Indoor booths also available.

ULSTER TOURISM

visitulstercountyny.com

Searching for the perfect venue in a picturesque setting worthy of your big day? Look no further than Ulster County, where you can exchange vows in a Victorian mountain castle, a rustic farmstead, or a sprawling Catskills vineyard. Cater your reception with local flavors and libations from world-renowned chefs, vintners, and brewers. Make memories that last a lifetime.

WILLIAMS LUMBER & HOME CENTERS

Hudson Valley, 845-876-9663,, williamslumber.com

Give the perfect wedding gift and NAIL IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME with a Williams Lumber and Home Centers gift card. With seven locations and since 1946, Williams Lumber and Home Centers has been regularly recognized for the best service, quality, and price. Give the gift of home improvement from Williams Lumber and Home Centers!