What is a wedding registry?
What is a wedding registry?
Everything you need to know
May 18, 2025
Getting married? Then chances are, someone’s already asked if you’ve “sorted your registry.”
But what even is a wedding registry these days? Do you really need one? And how does it all actually work?
At Moonsift, we’re all about making it easier to get the gifts you genuinely want (and avoid the ones you don’t). So we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to clear up the confusion and help you create a registry that works for you.
Let's break it all down.
Wedding registry definition
In its simplest form, a wedding registry is a list of items that you’d like to receive as gifts from your wedding guests – sort of like a wedding wishlist.
The difference is that, with a wedding registry, items are ticked off as they’re bought, so that you don’t end up with duplicate gifts.
In this way, it’s a fantastic opportunity to make sure you receive gifts you actually want and need as you start married life. Plus, your guests can stress less about what to get you, as they’ll know exactly how to put a smile on your face.
How does a wedding registry work?
It wasn’t long ago that wedding registries had to be created in-person.
Back then, the happy couple would have to visit a physical store to pick out items that they liked, which friends and family could then purchase for them.
But nowadays, wedding registries are almost always online.
Engaged couples simply set up an online wedding registry from their computer, choose items to add, and then share the link with their loved ones.
Wedding guests can then follow the link to see what items the couple has asked for and purchase a gift ahead of the big day.
Depending on the specific registry you choose, you may be able to have all the gifts shipped to you at the same time from the wedding registry provider. Or, your guests may need to arrange shipping themselves – either arranging to have the item delivered to your address or getting it shipped to their own address so that they can hand it to you in-person on the day of your wedding.
Is a wedding registry necessary?
If you hate the idea of asking for gifts, you might be wondering whether a wedding registry is really necessary.
And technically the answer is no – you don’t have to have a wedding registry.
However, we’d strongly recommend it.
Your friends and family will want to buy you gifts, whether you ask them to or not. If you don’t create a wedding registry, you simply have less control over what those gifts will be.
That means you’ll be opening the door to duplicate gifts and unwanted items that will likely sit collecting dust in storage or even getting thrown out in a couple of years.
On the other hand, with a wedding registry, you can direct your loved ones to the gifts you actually want and need.
In this way, you’ll reduce waste, as well as lessening the load for your friends and family, who can stress less knowing exactly what to buy you.
What are the different types of online wedding registries?
These days, almost all wedding registries are online, but that doesn’t mean they’re all created equal.
Most fall into two main types, each with their own pros and cons:
1. Store-specific
Store-specific registries are created via a specific store – for example, you can create a wedding registry at stores such as Target, Pottery Barn, or even Amazon.
Creating a store-specific registry does come with its perks.
Many stores offer bonuses like completion discounts, giving you money off any remaining items that weren’t purchased before your wedding day.
But there’s a catch. You’re limited to products from that store (or its partners), which means:
You might not be able to include your favourite items
You could end up adding things that are cheaper elsewhere
You’re unlikely to be able to include experiences, charity donations, or cash funds
If flexibility is important to you, a store-specific registry may feel a bit restrictive.
2. Universal
Universal wedding registries allow you to add items to your registry from any store in the world.
This means you can add all your favorite items to your registry, wherever they may be.
It also means that, in most cases, you don’t have to tie yourself to just physical items.
For instance, you could add experiences, subscriptions, vouchers or even a cash fund to your registry, so that guests can contribute towards bigger-ticket purchases like your honeymoon.
Key features to look for in a wedding registry
Although wedding registries all work in a similar way, they do still come in many different shapes and sizes.
We’ve done a ton of research so you don’t have to, and have picked out the key features to look for in a wedding registry. Here are those that tend to be highly sought after by modern couples.
Free. There’s no need to pay for a wedding registry as lots are free – but check also that they don’t have any hidden fees or markups for your guests.
Universal. A universal gift registry will allow you to add items from any store in the world, instead of limiting you to just one store or a few selected partners.
Cash funds. Registries that allow you to add a cash fund (or group gifting option) will allow your guests to help towards bigger-ticket items without paying more than they’re comfortable with.
Easy to set up. Look for a wedding registry provider that’s easy to use and has both a mobile app and browser extension so you can add items wherever you’re browsing.
Easy sharing. Check that your loved ones will be able to easily access your gift registry by clicking on one straightforward link.
Specific date delivery. Some gift registry providers will ship all gifts to you on a delivery date of your choosing, but gifts from universal registries usually arrive in more of a trickle.
Avoid duplicate gifting. Some gift registry providers will need the gift buyer to manually mark an item off your list once it’s been bought – make sure this is clear and easy in order to avoid duplicate gifts.
Aesthetically pleasing. For an occasion as special as a wedding, you’ll want your gift registry to be clean and slick in appearance as opposed to being clunky or riddled with ads.
Head over to our guide on the best wedding registries for more insights and help making your decision.
What do you put on a wedding registry?
Traditionally, wedding registries predominantly feature items for the home.
This goes back to the days when a wedding would typically mark the moment that a husband and wife would move in and set up home together.
Traditional Wedding Registry Items |
|---|
Towels |
Bed linen |
Cushions |
Crockery |
Cutlery |
Glassware |
Cookware and bakeware |
Jugs |
Tablecloths |
Vases |
Luggage |
Having said that, you can include pretty much any item you want on your wedding registry – as long as it’s for the two of you, and isn’t too clearly specific to just one person.
Modern Wedding Registry Ideas |
|---|
A cash fund |
Experiences |
Vouchers |
Camping gear |
Sports equipment |
Board games |
Just make sure that you include items that span a range of price points, so that nobody’s pressured into spending more than they’re comfortable with – and ensure there’s plenty of choice for your guests.
A good rule of thumb is to include around two times the number of gifts as the number of guests.
Head over to our guide on the best wedding registry items for more inspiration and ideas.
What are some alternatives to a wedding registry?
Not convinced that a traditional wedding registry is right for you and your spouse-to-be?
Wedding Registry Alternatives |
|---|
Donations to a charity close to your heart |
Guests contribute books to a ‘little library’ for your community |
Loved ones plant a tree instead of buying a physical gift (e.g. through One Tree Planted) |
Financial contributions toward your honeymoon or a home renovation fund |
Just bear in mind that pursuing these routes doesn’t necessarily have to be instead of a wedding registry.
Many wedding registry providers will let you request charity donations, honeymoon contributions and more through their platform to make life easier for you and your guests!
How to set up a wedding registry
Setting up an online wedding registry is quick and easy – although the process can vary a little from platform to platform.
Just follow these simple steps to learn how to make a wedding registry.
1. Choose a wedding registry provider
First things first, select your preferred wedding registry provider.
You can find reviews and comparisons on some of our favorite wedding registry providers over in our guide to the best gift registries.
2. Create your wedding registry
Follow the steps on your chosen provider’s website to create your wedding registry.
Usually, this just means creating an account, inputting some details (like your address and wedding date), and customizing your page.
Some wedding registry providers may ask you to provide payment information but others– like Moonsift – are completely free.
3. Add items to your wedding registry
Now it’s time to start adding items to your wedding registry.
Depending on your chosen wedding registry provider, you may need to select from items featured on their website, or you may need to copy and paste product information over to your registry.
Alternatively, if you use Moonsift, our universal ‘save’ button means you can add items wherever you’re browsing with just one click.
4. Check, hone and organize your registry
Before sharing your wedding registry with invited guests, you’ll want to check it thoroughly.
Make sure there are no duplicate items on there, and check that you’re happy with your selections.
Some wedding registry providers will also let you order items by category or by priority.
5. Share your wedding registry
Finally, you’ll need to push your wedding registry live and share it with your friends and family.
At Moonsift, it’s easy to share your registry with one simple link.
Add it to your wedding website, pop it on your invites, or send it to loved ones in a WhatsApp message. Easy!
Create a wedding registry
As you can see, a wedding registry is a great way to avoid waste and make sure you receive gifts you actually want. And it isn’t something you have to worry about.
Rather, modern wedding registries are typically versatile, easy to create and simple to share, making the whole process stress-free and, dare we say it, even fun!
At Moonsift, we truly believe that our platform is a cut above the rest.
Not only is it completely free, but it was designed together with stylists and interior designers to create a slick and clean look that’s ideal for a wedding.
Plus, it’ll let you add items from any store in the world – as well as giving you the ability to add experiences, vouchers, cash funds and more.
Things people also ask about wedding registries
Is it okay to not have a wedding registry?
Yes, it’s okay to not have a wedding registry if you don’t want one. However, we strongly recommend creating a wedding registry to avoid duplicate and unwanted gifts, as well as to remove the guesswork for your guests.
Does everyone have a wedding registry?
Not everyone has a wedding registry, but most couples nowadays do. Even if you don’t want to include traditional items, a wedding registry can be a great way to request financial contributions, for example for a home renovation fund or honeymoon.
What is the difference between a bridal registry and a wedding registry?
‘Bridal registry’ and ‘wedding registry’ are two terms that are often used interchangeably to mean the same thing – a list of items that a couple would like to receive as wedding gifts.
On the other hand, if you come across the term ‘bridal shower registry,’ this typically refers to a separate gift list featuring smaller items and personal gifts for the bride-to-be, ahead of her wedding day.
Moonsift makes creating your wedding registry simple, no matter what store you want to add something from.
Getting married? Then chances are, someone’s already asked if you’ve “sorted your registry.”
But what even is a wedding registry these days? Do you really need one? And how does it all actually work?
At Moonsift, we’re all about making it easier to get the gifts you genuinely want (and avoid the ones you don’t). So we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to clear up the confusion and help you create a registry that works for you.
Let's break it all down.
Wedding registry definition
In its simplest form, a wedding registry is a list of items that you’d like to receive as gifts from your wedding guests – sort of like a wedding wishlist.
The difference is that, with a wedding registry, items are ticked off as they’re bought, so that you don’t end up with duplicate gifts.
In this way, it’s a fantastic opportunity to make sure you receive gifts you actually want and need as you start married life. Plus, your guests can stress less about what to get you, as they’ll know exactly how to put a smile on your face.
How does a wedding registry work?
It wasn’t long ago that wedding registries had to be created in-person.
Back then, the happy couple would have to visit a physical store to pick out items that they liked, which friends and family could then purchase for them.
But nowadays, wedding registries are almost always online.
Engaged couples simply set up an online wedding registry from their computer, choose items to add, and then share the link with their loved ones.
Wedding guests can then follow the link to see what items the couple has asked for and purchase a gift ahead of the big day.
Depending on the specific registry you choose, you may be able to have all the gifts shipped to you at the same time from the wedding registry provider. Or, your guests may need to arrange shipping themselves – either arranging to have the item delivered to your address or getting it shipped to their own address so that they can hand it to you in-person on the day of your wedding.
Is a wedding registry necessary?
If you hate the idea of asking for gifts, you might be wondering whether a wedding registry is really necessary.
And technically the answer is no – you don’t have to have a wedding registry.
However, we’d strongly recommend it.
Your friends and family will want to buy you gifts, whether you ask them to or not. If you don’t create a wedding registry, you simply have less control over what those gifts will be.
That means you’ll be opening the door to duplicate gifts and unwanted items that will likely sit collecting dust in storage or even getting thrown out in a couple of years.
On the other hand, with a wedding registry, you can direct your loved ones to the gifts you actually want and need.
In this way, you’ll reduce waste, as well as lessening the load for your friends and family, who can stress less knowing exactly what to buy you.
What are the different types of online wedding registries?
These days, almost all wedding registries are online, but that doesn’t mean they’re all created equal.
Most fall into two main types, each with their own pros and cons:
1. Store-specific
Store-specific registries are created via a specific store – for example, you can create a wedding registry at stores such as Target, Pottery Barn, or even Amazon.
Creating a store-specific registry does come with its perks.
Many stores offer bonuses like completion discounts, giving you money off any remaining items that weren’t purchased before your wedding day.
But there’s a catch. You’re limited to products from that store (or its partners), which means:
You might not be able to include your favourite items
You could end up adding things that are cheaper elsewhere
You’re unlikely to be able to include experiences, charity donations, or cash funds
If flexibility is important to you, a store-specific registry may feel a bit restrictive.
2. Universal
Universal wedding registries allow you to add items to your registry from any store in the world.
This means you can add all your favorite items to your registry, wherever they may be.
It also means that, in most cases, you don’t have to tie yourself to just physical items.
For instance, you could add experiences, subscriptions, vouchers or even a cash fund to your registry, so that guests can contribute towards bigger-ticket purchases like your honeymoon.
Key features to look for in a wedding registry
Although wedding registries all work in a similar way, they do still come in many different shapes and sizes.
We’ve done a ton of research so you don’t have to, and have picked out the key features to look for in a wedding registry. Here are those that tend to be highly sought after by modern couples.
Free. There’s no need to pay for a wedding registry as lots are free – but check also that they don’t have any hidden fees or markups for your guests.
Universal. A universal gift registry will allow you to add items from any store in the world, instead of limiting you to just one store or a few selected partners.
Cash funds. Registries that allow you to add a cash fund (or group gifting option) will allow your guests to help towards bigger-ticket items without paying more than they’re comfortable with.
Easy to set up. Look for a wedding registry provider that’s easy to use and has both a mobile app and browser extension so you can add items wherever you’re browsing.
Easy sharing. Check that your loved ones will be able to easily access your gift registry by clicking on one straightforward link.
Specific date delivery. Some gift registry providers will ship all gifts to you on a delivery date of your choosing, but gifts from universal registries usually arrive in more of a trickle.
Avoid duplicate gifting. Some gift registry providers will need the gift buyer to manually mark an item off your list once it’s been bought – make sure this is clear and easy in order to avoid duplicate gifts.
Aesthetically pleasing. For an occasion as special as a wedding, you’ll want your gift registry to be clean and slick in appearance as opposed to being clunky or riddled with ads.
Head over to our guide on the best wedding registries for more insights and help making your decision.
What do you put on a wedding registry?
Traditionally, wedding registries predominantly feature items for the home.
This goes back to the days when a wedding would typically mark the moment that a husband and wife would move in and set up home together.
Traditional Wedding Registry Items |
|---|
Towels |
Bed linen |
Cushions |
Crockery |
Cutlery |
Glassware |
Cookware and bakeware |
Jugs |
Tablecloths |
Vases |
Luggage |
Having said that, you can include pretty much any item you want on your wedding registry – as long as it’s for the two of you, and isn’t too clearly specific to just one person.
Modern Wedding Registry Ideas |
|---|
A cash fund |
Experiences |
Vouchers |
Camping gear |
Sports equipment |
Board games |
Just make sure that you include items that span a range of price points, so that nobody’s pressured into spending more than they’re comfortable with – and ensure there’s plenty of choice for your guests.
A good rule of thumb is to include around two times the number of gifts as the number of guests.
Head over to our guide on the best wedding registry items for more inspiration and ideas.
What are some alternatives to a wedding registry?
Not convinced that a traditional wedding registry is right for you and your spouse-to-be?
Wedding Registry Alternatives |
|---|
Donations to a charity close to your heart |
Guests contribute books to a ‘little library’ for your community |
Loved ones plant a tree instead of buying a physical gift (e.g. through One Tree Planted) |
Financial contributions toward your honeymoon or a home renovation fund |
Just bear in mind that pursuing these routes doesn’t necessarily have to be instead of a wedding registry.
Many wedding registry providers will let you request charity donations, honeymoon contributions and more through their platform to make life easier for you and your guests!
How to set up a wedding registry
Setting up an online wedding registry is quick and easy – although the process can vary a little from platform to platform.
Just follow these simple steps to learn how to make a wedding registry.
1. Choose a wedding registry provider
First things first, select your preferred wedding registry provider.
You can find reviews and comparisons on some of our favorite wedding registry providers over in our guide to the best gift registries.
2. Create your wedding registry
Follow the steps on your chosen provider’s website to create your wedding registry.
Usually, this just means creating an account, inputting some details (like your address and wedding date), and customizing your page.
Some wedding registry providers may ask you to provide payment information but others– like Moonsift – are completely free.
3. Add items to your wedding registry
Now it’s time to start adding items to your wedding registry.
Depending on your chosen wedding registry provider, you may need to select from items featured on their website, or you may need to copy and paste product information over to your registry.
Alternatively, if you use Moonsift, our universal ‘save’ button means you can add items wherever you’re browsing with just one click.
4. Check, hone and organize your registry
Before sharing your wedding registry with invited guests, you’ll want to check it thoroughly.
Make sure there are no duplicate items on there, and check that you’re happy with your selections.
Some wedding registry providers will also let you order items by category or by priority.
5. Share your wedding registry
Finally, you’ll need to push your wedding registry live and share it with your friends and family.
At Moonsift, it’s easy to share your registry with one simple link.
Add it to your wedding website, pop it on your invites, or send it to loved ones in a WhatsApp message. Easy!
Create a wedding registry
As you can see, a wedding registry is a great way to avoid waste and make sure you receive gifts you actually want. And it isn’t something you have to worry about.
Rather, modern wedding registries are typically versatile, easy to create and simple to share, making the whole process stress-free and, dare we say it, even fun!
At Moonsift, we truly believe that our platform is a cut above the rest.
Not only is it completely free, but it was designed together with stylists and interior designers to create a slick and clean look that’s ideal for a wedding.
Plus, it’ll let you add items from any store in the world – as well as giving you the ability to add experiences, vouchers, cash funds and more.
Things people also ask about wedding registries
Is it okay to not have a wedding registry?
Yes, it’s okay to not have a wedding registry if you don’t want one. However, we strongly recommend creating a wedding registry to avoid duplicate and unwanted gifts, as well as to remove the guesswork for your guests.
Does everyone have a wedding registry?
Not everyone has a wedding registry, but most couples nowadays do. Even if you don’t want to include traditional items, a wedding registry can be a great way to request financial contributions, for example for a home renovation fund or honeymoon.
What is the difference between a bridal registry and a wedding registry?
‘Bridal registry’ and ‘wedding registry’ are two terms that are often used interchangeably to mean the same thing – a list of items that a couple would like to receive as wedding gifts.
On the other hand, if you come across the term ‘bridal shower registry,’ this typically refers to a separate gift list featuring smaller items and personal gifts for the bride-to-be, ahead of her wedding day.
Moonsift makes creating your wedding registry simple, no matter what store you want to add something from.
