Like most couples, when Freddie and I first moved in together we combined a ton of our belongings. While some items were kicked to the curb, our kitchen somehow managed to become a melting pot. You can never have too many forks, right? It was a mix and match heaven; glasses, plates, and spoons, nothing was a proper set. It secretly drove me crazy, but I knew the day would eventually come when we would sit down and come up with our wish-list of all of the things a host needs to entertain properly.
Our wedding colors were French Blue and Gold so we envisioned that our pieces for entertaining would reflect this. Your wedding will fly by very quickly so to be reminded of it through your wedding colors when entertaining is a beautiful sentiment – or, at least, I like to think so. We had a handful of heirloom pieces created for our wedding, one item being white embroidered linen napkins with our wedding crest on it. I used these as a springboard when selecting other items to entertain with. White plates with gold trim led to gold flatware and gold trim champagne glasses. All gold everything!
It was about one year ago to date when we began this somewhat tedious process. I remember thinking, “How do I even determine what I need”? I have to be honest, in addition to everything else I had to think about, registering was one of the last things on my mind. Looking back, I do wish I spent more time so I thought it’d be helpful to give all of you brides-to-be a few tips on how to approach this process.
And for those of you that are going to be in New York this weekend and want to ask me wedding related questions in person, I will be speaking alongside Martha Stewart for a special Q & A for her annual Wedding Party Event! It will be taking place at Gotham Hall, January 24th from 10AM – 4PM.
Five Tips for Registering
- Make it easy for your guests and start your registry at a familiar department store. Macy’s has done an outstanding job at curating a beautiful selection of a broad range of designer who offer an eclectic mix of trendy and traditional wedding registry items. Marches, Waterford, Kate Spade, Martha Stewart, Ralph Lauren, Lenox, Wedgwood; designers that everyone from my grandmother to my niece would recognize and feel confident gifting.
- Timing is everything! It’s entirely acceptable to start registering as soon as you are engaged. This way, guests have an idea of what you are looking for and can give freely for any pre-wedding celebration like your engagement party, bridal shower or just a casual congratulations.
- Keep returns in mind! One of the best things about ordering from a department store like Macy’s is that they have an incredible return policy. Say you change your mind a few months down the road and now prefer silver to gold flatware! That way, you won’t be stuck with something you don’t like.
- Do it together and politely decline if he gives you the go ahead to do it all alone. Carve out some time to curate the aesthetic that you two will be entering into married life with. You will be enjoying these items in your home for years to come so it’s important that you both like everything. And if you prefer, divide and concur categories.
- Write your thank you’s early! Forget a list, as gifts roll in make it a priority to write thank you notes. Hand written personal notes are the best way to anyones heart.
Photos by Jessica Alexander
Dear Jenny,
where did you order these pretty personalized paper napkins? I need those for our wedding!
Thank you so much,
Love, Lara
OBSESSED!!! You’ve definitely inspired me to style a Bart cart into my new (yet tiny) San Francisco condo’s kitchen!!! Thanks for the beautiful photos and ideas!
Xo
Mona
http://theurbanmonarch.blogspot.com
I’m obsessed with gorg stationary! I would love to see your favorite picks on where to purchase custom stationary as well as packaged, your taste is timeless! XoXo
Love this post and your style as usual. You rock Jenny!
https://livinglifefullyalive.wordpress.com/
Your dress and heels are absolutely lovely! Also, love the gold pieces! It all looks so elegant and classy! =)
~Alyssa~
shesalyssarenee.com
Shop My New Online Store Below! =)
policyofstyle.com
Thank you smooch, Alyssa! 🙂
I’m loving all the rose gold detail!!
http://www.maggiealamode.com
Such helpful tips to keep in mind for when the time comes! Love the personalized napkins and the stationary, and I’m a huge fan of anything with gold too!!
xo – Marianne
http://www.thematimes.com
Right, Marianne?! Why is gold so good? 🙂 hahah!
you are such a vision in that dress!
registering was definitely a shot in the dark for me, too… I went with one of those online aggregate registries (Zola) and it was so nice to add gifts from anywhere on the internet!
Thanks, love! Glad I wasn’t the only one 🙂 xo
Great guide and agree on thank you notes-so much more efficient to write them as the gifts come in. Handwritten. Always.
xx
Carly
http://bunbunbook.com
Totally, self confessed stationary hoarder! xoxo
Gorgeous dress!
http://looklikeget.com
Thank you M!
You are so stunning here! Love the stationary and your beautiful home. Hope you had fun in Ojai!
xoxo
http://theindiegirl.com
Thank you so much! Your tip for vintage shopping was so helpful! Appreciate it so much! xoxo
Crushing on that gold silverware!
http://www.tusksandtails.com
Great tips<3
Shall We Sasa
oh wow. you looks amazing
http://www.thefashionfraction.com
I´m so in love with your dress <3 You look gorgeous!
XOXO
Luise | http://www.just-myself.com
Thank you for always being so sweet, Luise! xo
Amazing dress!
This is so pretty, i love the gold cutlery
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com