If you found this post, I’m gonna guess you’re a bride- or groom-to-be who needs some serious wedding registry advice. Well, good news: You’ve come to the right place (and the right people, if I do say so myself). As a shopping editor, I know it’s not just about what you buy, but where you buy it from that makes all the difference for you and your guests—which is why I've rounded up the best places to register for a wedding in 2022.
From convenient retailers like Amazon and one-stop-shops for all things weddings like Zola to department stores with traditional gifts like Bloomingdale's, Williams Sonoma, and Neiman Marcus, the list below has something for every couple and budget. So whether you're looking to set up a honeymoon fund, furnish your dream home, or add unique wedding gifts to your list, registry services at the retailers below will make it happen (without making you want to pull your hair out).
If you've got a very specific taste (or can't stand being gifted random AF items you'll probably never use) make sure to register at a retailer that has a super curated collection and a distinct aesthetic. And for modern and chic home furnishings, there's no better option than CB2.
Has an in-house design crew to help you every step of the way
Cons
Does not have shoppable edits or wedding registry inspiration lists
There's a reason West Elm is a favorite amongst interior design enthusiasts. The clean, midcentury-meets-modern aesthetic of its kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom items is unmatched. Enjoy this, plus curated edits to help you get inspired, and one-on-one sessions with West Elm experts when you register here.
Luxurious selection of kitchen tools and accessories
Cons
Doesn't have furniture
If you and your future spouse are big home chefs (or you're trying to be) build a registry at this trendy retailer that offers upscale cooking and dining supplies.
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Zola
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Qt. Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
Zola
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Qt. Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
Can be overwhelming if you don't know what you want
This popular site is a one-stop-shop for all things weddings. Seriously. It allows you to create a registry with anything from anystore, including gift cards for airfare, home improvements, food, and wine. You can also set up a custom cash fund to help pay for your honeymoon (because gifting an experience is ~elite~, am I right?).
If you and your spouse want to fill your new spot with handmade, one-of-a-kind items, registering at Etsy is the best way to start. Since many items are customizable, Etsy allows you to add a note for the seller, so your wedding guests can simply "add to cart" when they find something they love.
Browsing tools for adding gifts is straightforward and easy to use
Cons
5% handling fee will be deducted from transactions made through cash gift funds
MyRegistry is another service that allows couples to have everything in one place (you can even import registries from other stores to add them to the universal one!). This site also has a mobile app, so if you see something you love, just scan the barcode with your smartphone and it'll automatically be added to your wish list. And our favorite part? MyRegistry gives couples the option to tastefully register for cash with a cash gift fund or add a charity to your list, so guests can support a cause you care about.
Registry service includes help with honeymoon planning
Cons
Fewer stores for in-person shopping
In my opinion, there’s nothing wrong with wanting nice things—it’s your freaking wedding, after all! If you agree, register at the luxury department store so you can add items like these candles, Arte Italica Guilietta Flower Napkins, and Jonathan Adler Brighton Fringe Pillows to your gift list. You’ll also get a free gift package, $100 off any $400 Neiman Marcus online purchase, expert assistance with proposal, honeymoon, destination wedding reservations, and more. J’adore!
If Crate & Barrel's ~stunning~ gift registry lookbook doesn't convince you to sign up, the retailer's list of real registries from couples just like you probably will! The site also offers a printable (and very organized) checklist of must-have products, plus expert recommendations of how many you'll need of each.
You know and love Walmart for being the one place you can count on to have what you need when you need it. From home decor and furniture to organizers and tech necessities, what doesn't that place carry?! Plus, they've got over 4,500 locations across the country for wedding guests who prefer to test drive a product IRL instead of just purchasing it online.
Not as useful for couples who don't know what they want, as gift possibilities are endless
This all-in-one service offers design templates for your wedding website, save the dates, and invitations, in addition to a section that allows you to build a registry with any gifts from any store. Despite having SO many features, Joy is super straightforward and easy to navigate.
Don't! Sleep! On! Pottery Barn! With timeless, high-quality designs, sustainable products, and curated registry edits for every type of bride, this retailer makes the process seamless and stress-free. What's more, Pottery Barn just launched a home collection with famed wedding dress designer Monique Lhuillier, and (spoiler alert) you'll want to add every single piece to your registry.
Lots of "bonus gifts" before and after the wedding
Cons
Expensive
Bloomingdale's wedding registry section has everything you'd expect from a luxury department store, including a wide selection of exclusive styles, registry consultants to help every step of the way, a printable checklist, and a thank you card manager. Before tying the knot, couples can enjoy in-store perks like relaxing spa days, lingerie fittings, and men’s styling events. Oh, AND you'll get 20% off dresses, suiting, intimates, and more when you register at Bloomingdale's. I meannnn, I'm not getting married just yet but, sign me up...?
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Williams Sonoma
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature French Oven
Williams Sonoma
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature French Oven
Includes a downloadable "registry checklist" so you don't forget anything
Cons
The home decor section is pretty limited
If you really want a personalized, in-store wedding registry experience, you'll definitely want to register at Williams Sonoma. The kitchen and home furnishings retailer invites couples into the store for a VIP experience that includes a private tour, expert consultations, registry help, and complimentary demos. Sounds pretty nice, huh?
Bed Bath & Beyond
Luigi Bormioli Crescendo Martini Glasses (Set of 4)
Bed Bath & Beyond
Luigi Bormioli Crescendo Martini Glasses (Set of 4)
Seasonal gift offerings and exclusive discounts when you register
Has plenty of inspiration pages and look books
Cons
Luxury selection is limited
Another popular option for wedding registries, Bed Bath & Beyond 0ffers tons of perks, including group gifting, free shipping, bonus wedding gifts, 20% off after your nuptials, annnnd—wait for it—365-day returns and exchanges!
Some products don't feel special or personalized enough for a wedding gift
Did you really think we'd leave Amazon off this list? I meannnn, c'mon, it's got everything you could possibly need during the honeymoon phase and everything that comes after. And of course, your not-so-organized guests will love that there's free two-day shipping on select items.
Described as a "gathering place for everyone who believes the kitchen is at the heart of the home," Food52 is the ultimate destination for kitchen accessories like these cute measuring spoons. It's also got small appliances, cozy blankets and bedding, and even a few outdoor items for your new patio. Navigating the site is easy and, when you register, all wedding gift information will live on one easy-to-navigate page. Oh, and Food52 offers a 10% discount off most purchases for six months after your wedding day!
Macy's
Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 21" Large Carry-On Spinner
Macy's
Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 21" Large Carry-On Spinner
Couples can earn rewards dollars for receiving their wedding gifts
Cons
If you don’t even know where to start, Macy’s is here to help. The department store features inspiration pages and online guides so you can create your ~perfect~ wedding registry, as well as one-on-one appointments with celebrations consultants to curate a list you’ll love. Couples who register at Macy’s will earn free rewards, plenty of newlywed discounts, and 25% off select products across all departments.
With a huuuuge selection of furniture, bedding, decor, organizers, kitchen accessories, and more (if you can believe it) to choose from, registering at Wayfair is ideal for couples who have a wide range of wants and needs. Additional benefits of registering here? Checklist and gift tracker tools, free returns for 90 days, a 20% completion discount for any unpurchased gifts, and a group gifting feature for big-ticket items.
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How many wedding registries should you have?
Couples traditionally have three to four different registries depending on the size of the wedding. This ensures there’s plenty for guests to choose from at various price points. Trust: It’s better to have a few items leftover than a super small list that’s completely picked through by the time the last guests go to purchase something.
Keep in mind that the days of in-person shopping and walking around department stores with a literal scanner are long gone—and keeping tracking of three or four different tabs on digital gift lists can be a pain—which is why websites that allow you to combine registries, like Zola, are so popular.
Where do you put your wedding registry?
You can put your wedding registry on your wedding website so guests can shop efficiently and refer back to it at any time. Easy enough, right? It’s also customary to include registry details on your save the date and bridal shower invitations (so basically, it’ll be impossible for your friends and family to forget a gift—because you deserve to be spoiled).
Hanna Flanagan is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, sharing her recommendations for everything from denim and eye creams to coffee mugs and silk sheets. Before joining Cosmopolitan, she wrote fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content at People (so, yes, she’s basically a professional product tester at this point). Follow her on Instagram for photos of Timothée Chalamet and #OOTD mirror pics.