I read somewhere recently that the most popular day to get engaged is Christmas Eve (followed by Christmas day and New Year’s Eve). And with the holidays just passing and one still on the way (NYE), it has me thinking back to when Jeff and I got engaged and then married and everything in between.
I distinctly remember that we kind of had no clue what we were doing. Not the marriage part, but the wedding and registry part. There were SO many decisions to make, it felt a bit overwhelming at times. And (of course), I wanted to do everything myself….DIY all the wedding decorations, make the bouquets, etc, etc. I DO NOT RECOMMEND DOING THAT BTW! So, when our guests started asking us if we had a registry, we haphazardly threw something together, not really knowing what to ask for. We had already been living together for a few years before we got married (even bought a house together), so we had a lot of the basics already.
Long story short, we were a little clueless in that department. And ended up adding a bunch of stuff that we thought we needed (the more practical items, like more kitchen stuff) rather than the things that we really wanted for our lives together (the fun stuff – like the decorative items that would make our house a home, etc).
SO, I partnered with Zola, a new way to register for gifts, to help anyone getting married who’s feeling a little lost in the registry department. I created my dream registry as a guide for getting a wedding registry right from the get-go, now that I’ve been there and done that. It’s filled with design-focused practical items (kitchen and entertaining) along with the a bunch of the fun stuff (amazing decor items, etc). Hope you’ll find it useful – there’s more than 40 products on the registry list!
I don’t know if you’re familiar with Zola already, but they have 50,000 gifts from over 500 top brands you can register for! You can even register for experiences and cash funds, which I love because who wouldn’t want a little extra cash or a fun experience to kick off a marriage together! It’s so, so nice to be able to direct guests to one spot for every kind of gift! MUCH better than we we ended up doing when we got married (long before Zola existed).
To try it for myself, I played with building a Zola registry before recommending it here, and ordered a few of my favorite pieces. And I LOVED the process. Ordering was super easy. Shipping was fast. And I am pretty much freaking out about everything I bought. Here’s how I styled what I got from Zola (these are unofficially on my dream registry too)…
A simple dinner outdoors. Shop this look: Recycled Double Old Fashioned Glass Set // Simple Salad Plate // Sand Finish Vase // Circle Tray // Pico Stripe Napkin Set
A minimal meets earthy modern entryway. Shop this look: Meet Bench // Pleated Planter // GM30 Pendant // Small Faux Fur Pillow // 24 Inch Hub Mirror // Nomad Runner
Now onto the more official registry lists! As you can probably imagine, with 50,000 gifts to choose from, it took a while to narrow things down. I probably could have added 300+ items to this dream registry. BUT I didn’t want to overwhelm anyone, so I picked my absolute favorites. (And if you want a little more guidance, Zola’s got you covered with starter guides and registry checklists to help you get started!)
Don’t see what you’re looking for? You can always shop around and add your own favorites.
Let’s start with kitchen and entertaining. Some of the gifts I’ve included I actually have in my house already and others I’m dying to get – like that saucepot at the top!
Tosca Dish Storage Rack // Terra.Cotto Muted Saucepot with Lid // Heritage Loaf Pan // Spiga Serving Set // Kettle Teapot // 4-Slice Metal Classic Toaster // Heritage Covered Round Casserole Dish // Leo Grilling Tons Set // Cast Iron Skillet // Duo 20-Piece Flatware Set // Tosca Drainer Rack // Salt & Pepper Bottle Grinder Set // Chambord Classic French Press Coffee // Artisan Series 5 Qt Tilt-Head Stand Mixer and Ice Cream Stand Mixer Attachment // 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plate // Simple Glass Set // Espresso Maker // Marble Enamelware Coffee Pot
Okay, now onto the decorating – my favorite part…Again, a bunch of these items are things I already have and can attest to the quality and awesomeness (the grid pattern bed linens, the planters, one of the benches, etc).
Simple Linen Duvet Cover // JWDA Dimmable Concrete Lamp // Norm Oval Mirror // Afternoon Bench // Large Concrete Pot // 2-Piece Sweeper & Funnel Set // Conic Table Lamp // Hawkins Scented Candle // Jewelry Box // Meet Bench // Bandelier Leather Weave Accent Chair // GM30 Pendant // Cross Throw // Wool Striped Rug // Plant Box // Classic 7-Piece Sheet & Duvet Bundle // Plant Stand // Linen Pillow with Tassels
Want to create your own registry on Zola now? If so, you’ll receive $50 to spend on Zola when you set up your wedding registry on Zola.com, and receive $500 in Zola gifts.
*Zola gifts will be defined as any physical products purchased on Zola.com. Cash funds or third party gifts from other websites are not considered Zola gifts. The $50 Zola credit can only be redeemed for Zola gifts and cannot be redeemed for cash, cash funds or third party gifts. Credits will be placed into the couple’s Zola account 4 weeks after a couple receive $500 in Zola gifts. Offer starts now 12/28/17 at 12:00am ET and runs through 6/28/18 at 12:00am ET.
What did you register for when you got married? OR what are you hoping to register for when you get engaged?!
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This post is in partnership with Zola and ShopStyle. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Paper & Stitch running.
5 comments | Click here to reply
I love when gifting or receiving practical gifts, especially when someone can use them around the house. Great ideas
KMP Furniture BlogThanks Pink Pineapple!
BrittniBeautiful inspo
The pink pineapplehttps://thepinkpineappleblog.blogspot.com/2017/12/3-makeup-trend-you-should-try-this-new.html
Thanks Marlene! Haha. Def don’t have to be married to order! Gifts for yourself is always a good way to go. 🙂
BrittniLooooooove how you styled these beauties! That entryway setup with the blush details is divine, and your outdoor table looks so lovely. All of these items are GORGEOUS. Do I have to be getting married to buy them, because, I kind of just want them for me lol!
Marlene @ Idle Hands Awake