2023 Wedding Registry Trends
Nothing lasts forever…..the more things change, the more they stay the same….some things never change…. to everything (turn turn turn) there is a season (turn turn turn). 2023 Wedding Registry Trends are in and whichever school of thought you subscribe to – we’re ready for ya! And, one thing that hasn’t changed, your loved ones want to celebrate you and kick off your next season of life by showering you with gifts at your event…..which means, you’re going to need a registry, and boy, have registries changed!
Gone are the days of you and your mother or MIL heading down to the local Woolworth’s to manually record the items you needed to get started in a new home. Shoot, I’m aging myself here but the days are also gone in which you have to even go into the store to make a registry! Maybe some of you remember a few short years ago we got to HOLD THE SCANNER GUN IN TARGET!!!!! Like, it felt epic, I ran all over that store scanning things ’till my heart’s content – but not racking up a bill! But, I’m getting off-topic here!
We wanted to make it easy for you! So, without further ado….here are The MWC 2023 Wedding Registry Recommendations!
target
Because… who doesn’t love Target?
Between some of our favorite Target exclusive brands, their recent partnership with HoneyFund, and in-store shopping options Target can hold its own among these registries. This registry is for the couple who wants and needs a little bit of everything. Towels, books, gift cards, and honeymoon funds galore!
Pros:
- Fantastic selection of home goods, small appliances, electronics, and Target-exclusive brands
- One-year return policy
- Honeyfund partnership
- In-store shopping at nearly 2,000 U.S. stores
- 15% completion discount
- Universal registry capability
- Customizable interface
- Gift Tracking
- Group gifting
- Registry Checklist
- Price match promise
Cons: We are hard-pressed to find one!
amazon
Because one simple stop.
Overall, Amazon is a solid choice. With an unending amount of products to choose from as well as the ability to use gift cards and funds for Prime Video Rentals and Kindle E-books, we love the overall ease and flexibility the site offers. The registry also allows for group gifting options, contributions to gift card funds, and a simple customizable registry interface. Amazon Registry has the capability to become a “universal” registry with the installation of an “Amazon Assistant Add-On”, to your browser, that will enable couples to list third-party website items. We’ve added a link to assist with this process as it can be tricky for first-time users.
Pros:
- Huge selection of items
- 20% completion discount
- Easy shipping and returns
- Conveniently tracks who purchased which gifts
- Group gifting
- Gift card funds
- Amazon Assistant Add-On
Cons:
- 180-day return policy
- No brick-and-mortar location
- Amazon Assitant Add-On installation may be tricky
zola
Stuff + Experiences, Oh my!
The most universal of all the universal registries! Zola allows couples to create a registry with traditional gifts and household items as well as add experience gifts, gift cards, and cash funds all in one place. It also provides additional wedding planning services and tools such as wedding website hosting and guest list management, with integration for your registry, to couples at no additional cost. We recommend Zola for the tech-savvy couple that likes to keep tabs on their goodies.
Pros:
- A flexible registry that allows couples to combine gifts, experiences, and cash funds all in one place
- Digital Exchanges: convert any gift to credit or exchange it online before it’s even shipped
- Control when your gifts are sent to you
- 20% completion discount
- Universal registry capability
- Group Gifting
- Gift Tracking
- Registry Checklist
- Registry Advisor for couples and guests
- Free wedding website hosting and guest list management tools
Cons:
- 2.5% credit card fee on cash gifts (or zero fee Venmo integration availability)
my registry
For niche + small shop lovers…
Are ya’ll commited to shopping small and supporting local? Or, maybe you have some really specific items on your gift wish list?!?! If so, MyRegistry might be the registry for you. We like the in-app barcode scanner for adding products while on the go, the registry syncing function, and the ability to add gifts from local stores with instructions for family and friends who can pick up items in person.
Pros:
- In-App barcode scanner to easily add gifts you see in-person
- Ability to sync with other registries
- User-Friendly App
Cons:
- 2.5% fee on cash gifts (for couples), plus a processing fee (for guests)
- Takes some effort to find return policies for third-party sellers
honeyfund
For the “experienced” couple
Honeyfund, how fun are you? Let us count the ways! But seriously, how cool is this service? Rather focus on the honeymoon? Maybe you already have a solid foundation on home items or maybe you’re saving towards the downpayment on that new little nest. Whatever the case, Honeyfund is for you! Not to mention, their registry doubles as a precious little user-friendly wedding website!
Pros:
- No fees for guests or couples
- Gift card selections are available
- Gift amounts can be applied to travel plans or other Honeyfund partners
- Able to double as a wedding website
- Discounts available with partner brands
Cons:
- The only option for making a traditional registry is through the Target partnership.
slow dance
For a highly curated + lux experience
We don’t think we can say it much better than Jung Lee does but if it’s the ultimate luxury registry experience you’re looking for, look no further. Slowdance experts guide couples through a signature process that includes style consultation, initial registry design, ongoing product selection and optimization, and guest concierge services.
Pros:
- Unique + designer, designer/vintage goods
- Hands-on wedding and registry guidance from expert curators
- 20% completion discount for six months
Cons:
- This experience comes with a price tag
- Isn’t the best option for household basics
- Strict return policy
- Only one location for in-store consultation experiences; New York City, NY
the good beginning
The charitable donation registry.
We couldn’t leave this one off the list! Created by a global event planner, The Good Beginning seeks to make the process of making charitable donations simplified for newlyweds. The site offers guidance for choosing organizations, tracks each donation for gift acknowledgment, and facilitates all donations to charity organizations on behalf of the couple; making for a stress-free, impactful start to married life.
Pros:
- No fuss set up, donation collection, and donation presentation
- Couples are given a customized link to share with guests or embed on any wedding website or registry.
- Choose up to 3 charities to receive funds.
Cons:
- 89% of funds are donated to the selected charities
- 3% of the remaining amount covers credit card fees and 8% covers administrative fees for The Good Beginning.
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