How to Build Your Wedding Gift Registry and What to Add to It: Home Goods, Honeymoon Funds and More

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Skip the confusion and get the lowdown on everything you need to know about online wedding registries.

Weddings can be pretty magical. But to almost anyone, planning them is, at times, overwhelming — no matter how simple you try to keep things. Between saying yes to a dress (or a few), selecting the invites and finalizing the guest list, there's plenty to do when preparing for your nuptials. One thing many couples put off is figuring out how to create a gift registry. The good news is it's easier than you might think. And with wedding season almost here, now is the time to cross this one off the to-do list.

Gift registries give wedding guests and bridal shower attendees a better idea of what you actually need for your next phase of life together with your partner. If you're not entirely sure what to add to your wishlist because you already have all of the home goods the two of you could want, there are other options to consider, too, like honeymoon funds and cash gifts.

Many sites let you build a wedding registry, but you may be wondering which will work best for the types of gifts you're hoping to receive, as some let you register for just home goods, while others accommodate cash funds too and more. Find out what differentiates Zola, MyRegistry.com, Joy, Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, Williams Sonoma and Amazon below.

Then, get a few ideas for items you might not have thought to add to your registry, from kitchen appliances to decor.

Where to Start Your Wedding Registry

There are registry aggregate sites that allow you to select gifts from all retailers or retailer-specific registry sites and more online. Skip the confusion because we've broken down what each site offers ahead.

Zola

Zola lets you add gifts from any store to your registry and share just one link with your wedding guests. You can shop top brands, gift cards and experiences on Zola. You can also set up cash funds with zero fees. 

Get Started With Zola

MyRegistry.com

You can add gifts from any store to your MyRegistry.com registry. Simply click the downloadable MyRegistry.com extension to add any item from any store to your list. If you already have existing registries at different stores, you can use this site to sync them. Once the gifts start rolling in, the corresponding app can help you track thank you notes and more.

Get Started With MyRegistry.com

Joy

Joy lets you add gifts from any store to your registry and create unlimited cash funds with no fees. But there's more. The site also lets you ship the gifts when you want, so they don't arrive while you're on your honeymoon. All items from Joy Shop get free shipping and you'll get 20% off on everything that remains on your registry after your wedding day. If you change your mind, you can swap gifts for cash on all items you add to your registry. You can also choose to send automatic thank you notes with Joy.

Get Started With Joy

Pottery Barn

If you love Pottery Barn, there are some perks to registering on the retailer's site. You can save 10% on registry items remaining for up to six months after your wedding. There's also an expert design crew that can help you curate your ideal registry when you book an appointment. If your wedding website is with The Knot, you can easily add your Pottery Barn registry information for guests to see. 

Get Started With Pottery Barn

Williams Sonoma

Pottery Barn's sister company Williams Sonoma offers all the same benefits as Pottery Barn's registry. Williams Sonoma has especially good gift options for the home chef.

Get Started With Williams Sonoma

Anthropologie

For fun finds, make a gift registry with Anthropologie. After your wedding, you'll receive 15% off anything remaining on your registry to purchase for yourselves. You can also register for Anthropologie gift cards in case your registry is completed or guests can't find something in their budget to gift. 

Get Started With Anthropologie

Amazon

Amazon offers an undeniably huge selection of products that you can add to your registry. After your wedding, you'll receive a 20% discount on any items remaining on your registry. Members can enjoy free two-day shipping on eligible registry items. There's a group gifting option, where guests can contribute money to help purchase a single more expensive item. Guests can also contribute to an electronic Amazon gift card. You can personalize your registry by adding notes and by highlighting your most-wanted gifts.

Get Started With Amazon

What to Add to Your Wedding Registry

KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
Amazon

KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

Mix up to eight dozen cookies in a single batch and easily add ingredients with the tilt-head design that allows for better access to the bowl.

$330 $299

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Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi

Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi
Amazon

Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi

Greet your new spouse with a delicious brew each day by using the Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi.

Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer

Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer
Amazon

Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer

Ninja's SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer allows you to create an entire meal in just one pot in as little as 15 minutes.

$200 $130

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Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender

Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender
Amazon

Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender

This variable-speed Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender features five program settings to make your life easier: smoothies, hot soups, dips and spreads, frozen desserts and self-cleaning.

$700 $650

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Gleaming Primrose Mirror - 6' Floor

Gleaming Primrose Mirror - 6' Floor
Anthropologie

Gleaming Primrose Mirror - 6' Floor

Stunning, vintage-inspired, and social-media-famous, the Gleaming Primrose Mirror is Anthro's bestselling style of all time. It's an icon, beloved for its exquisite details, including elegant adornments along its apex and edges.

$1,198 $958

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iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum

iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum
Amazon

iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum

Let this robot vacuum handle tidying up all on its own. Its three-stage cleaning system lifts dirt and debris from both hard floors and carpet with a 90-minute runtime to cut down on charging.

$275 $75

Shop Now

American Soft Linen Luxury 6-Piece Towel Set

American Soft Linen Luxury 6-Piece Towel Set
Amazon

American Soft Linen Luxury 6-Piece Towel Set

Fresh towels are usually a good idea, especially when they're on sale.

$80 $34

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