WISH LIST
Consider great registry advice from one recently married couple.
“We were looking for quality pieces, not just ‘right now’ things.”
As Ashley Berk and J. Hardy Ehlers planned for a beautiful fall wedding in Los Angeles, California, they also took time to create a wish list for their future. Though they already lived together and had what they needed, they used their registry as an opportunity to fine-tune their home and add items they truly loved.
Before they created their wish lists, Ashley and Hardy discussed their strategy and determined which retailers they would use. They thought it would be best to complete the registry process together and visit their selected stores in person. Later, they planned to continue adding products using the online format, making sure they continually had a variety of choices in different price points for their guests to choose from.
Gearys Beverly Hills was selected for its wide range of luxurious offerings. Ashley and Hardy began their appointment by meeting with a consultant who wanted to better understand what they were seeking to add to their wish list, and then helped them in selecting pieces and patterns that would work well with the couple’s style and the aesthetic of their interior design. They opted for classic Hermès plates, a sleek Alessi ice bucket, and modern Georg Jensen place settings to replace worn items they already owned. “We were looking for quality pieces, not just ‘right now’ things,” asserts Ashley. “We wanted sleek and modern utensils, glasses, and dinnerware.”
The bride adds that though the registry process at Gearys is more time-consuming than other stores, it’s well worth it. “We’re so glad we registered at Gearys because some of our favorite items are from there.” Another added bonus for Ashley and Hardy is that Gearys does not ship right away when a gift is purchased; they instead credit the couple’s account until they are ready to finalize the purchase. “Having boxes and boxes waiting at home when you return from the honeymoon can be overwhelming,” she admits.
When they visited Williams-Sonoma, the plan was pretty straightforward. “We wanted handy appliances and useful gadgets for the kitchen,” says Ashley. While at the retailer, they settled on Goldtouch® baking sheets, a kitchen torch, Wüsthof knives, a molcajete, a vintage-inspired Smeg toaster, and a Vitamix blender. “Another upside of Williams-Sonoma is that their gift cards are redeemable at sister stores, Pottery Barn and West Elm,” explains Ashley. “Many friends of ours who were recently married shared this tidbit with us – it’s a great way to buy furniture pieces without requesting them on the actual registry.”
At Bloomingdale’s, their selections were more of a mixture of items – from kitchen products to home décor accents – which is what the bride loved most about this store. “The overlap of choices was great!” she affirms. Ashley and Hardy found innovative new pillows, matching Victorinox Swiss Army luggage, a stylish Michael Aram vase, and Georg Jensen picture frames. “It was a pretty easy process, and I was happy to find many things I liked,” shares the bride.
Making selections together worked well for the couple. “We were on the same page as far as design: clean colors, sleek, and simple,” describes Ashley. For those engaged who are not on common ground, it’s helpful to discuss what you both want before visiting a brick-and-mortar store. Many retailers have checklists available online, and it’s a good way to get started.
In the end, the newlyweds were happy with their selections and were glad they had listened to the advice of their recently married friends. “Have fun with it!” encourages Hardy.