REGISTRY TIPS FROM JESSICA AND MATTHEW
Be thoughtful. “Think of the different geographic locations and spending limits of your guests when selecting both retailers and products, so there will be a wide range of choices.”
Be mindful. “Consider store policies for exchanges and returns – and decide if you see those systems working well for your needs.”
Be flexible. “Similar to wedding planning, don’t let the registry process be so stressful that it’s not enjoyable. Try to have fun with the process and see it as something fun to do for just you and your partner.”
Though Jessica (née Priel) and Matthew Phelps’ wedding plans were thwarted by the pandemic, the bride and groom elected to move forward with their original wedding date and safely follow guidelines. They hosted a beautiful fall celebration in Santa Barbara with 16 loved ones in attendance. Though their guest list had decreased by over 200, family and friends still wanted to show their support and purchase gifts, so it was important that Jessica and Matthew complete their registry – and enjoy doing so in the process.
Since the couple already lived together, they had many of the necessary everyday household items. With their busy careers, she as an attorney, and he, a producer, they often work long hours, yet still love the opportunity to host friends for dinner as often as possible. Jessica and Matthew knew they wanted to add gorgeous entertainment pieces and fresh china patterns to their wish list, as well as sleek updates to basics.
Beginning with Gearys, a Beverly Hills retail classic, Jessica and Matthew joined other engaged couples who select the high-end retailer for their superb customer service, lavish products, and easy format for compiling gift purchases, which allows brides and grooms flexibility in finalizing their selections. The pair visited in-person and were introduced to a plethora of luxurious items. They opted for colorful salad plates by Ginori 1735, a variety of Georg Jensen silver bowls, and sparkling Baccarat crystal glassware. “Working with Gearys was wonderful,” assures the bride. “They were so helpful in curating our selections from all of the incredible items they have in store.”
At Williams-Sonoma, the couple enjoyed perusing the aisles for new kitchenware, tools, and gadgets to help make their kitchen flow seamlessly and become more efficient. They added a Rösle stainless-steel garlic press, a handy pizza Scizza, classic Calphalon and All Clad cookware, as well as various measuring cups and spoons to complete their collection. “We love Williams-Sonoma, so being able to register for some favorite classic items from the store was a treat,” admits Jesssica. “There are always new and inventive items for everyday use, so we definitely had our work cut out for us to narrow it down to our final selects.”
The last retailer the couple opted to register at was Bloomingdale’s due to their wide selection and accessibility for loved ones. Here, they were able to easily make additions or revisions to their wish list via the retailer’s app. They settled on lovely Bernardaud “Louvre” pieces, smart barware, and floral melamine plates for casual nights.
Though wedding planning through a pandemic definitely had its hardships, the couple has no regrets from their registry experience, as well as their wedding day. “Looking back, it was truly the best thing that could have happened,” reflects Jessica. The big day was perfect, as were all the beautiful and generous gifts they received from loved ones who simply wanted to celebrate them – whether present or not.