Your presence is present enough – the well-meaning but dreaded words to appear on the invitation, when actually you genuinely want to (despite their generous protests) give the happy couple a wedding gift they’ll use and enjoy, hopefully for many years to come.
As a bride-to-be who has recently gone through a full home renovation with her fiancé, our dream list would no doubt be a combination of specific interiors pieces that work in our new space (something fun and decedent that we want, rather than a practical item we really need) plus group contributions towards a fun experience, trip or bigger item (the iconic Big Green Egg has long been top of our wishlist).
Step forward the modern bridal gift registry, where you can purchase not just stunning dinnerware and bedlinen, but contribute to a honeymoon fund, book a fun experience as a day out to make lasting memories; or even make charitable donations to that altruistic couple’s favourite cause.
The question is then, not if to register, but where? To make the choice easier, here are three fabulous wedding registry companies we love – The Wedding Present Company, Prezola and The Wedding Shop – which each offer unique features to suit the needs and tastes of different couples.
The good news? All three are free-of-charge to the happy couple (there’s only a two per cent transfer fee on cash funds) and have a handy thank you manager to make writing your cards a breeze. Plus they all have a group gifting function – allowing guests to contribute towards an extra special wedding gift that will be treasured forever.
And don’t worry all three of our favourites – The Wedding Present Company, The Wedding Shop and Prezola – ring-fence donations made by guests, so you have total peace of mind that all wedding presents are completely secure.
1. The Wedding Present Company
The most lux of lists (if you can’t be spoiled on your wedding day, when can you?) is The Wedding Present Company, which has been delighting engaged couples for 30 years. Begin your private appointment in the brand’s Chelsea showroom, where you can enjoy pours of sublime English sparkling Nyetimber while browsing a curated selection of thousands of wedding presents.
Everything about The Wedding Present Company says sophistication and elegance, from the bespoke service throughout (every couple has their very own personal Wedding List Advisor) to the exclusive portfolio of brands like Kalinko, Forwood Design, Fermoie and Rebecca Udall – to name just a few choices from the company’s exclusive gifting range. Plus if there is something on your dream wishlist that The Wedding Present Company doesn’t stock, you can curate up to ten custom products of your choice from UK-based suppliers.
Where: 533 King’s Road and virtual
Who: Our aspirational couples, and those looking for that extra level of spoiling service from a company with impressive heritage. Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo are recent Wedding Present Company newlyweds we love, who entrusted the company with tailoring their bespoke wedding gift list. The focus on a truly bespoke experience means that all The Wedding Present Company couples can have a distinctive registry tailored to their specific style.
What we love: Indulging in taking quality time together to fully enjoy the registry process, while sipping champagne at the gorgeous Chelsea flagship and curating an entirely personalised list with the choice of both well-known and smaller indie brands.
Instagram: @weddingpresentco
TikTok: @weddingpresentcompany
Create your own wedding gift list with The Wedding Present Company here.
2. The Wedding Shop
For brides and grooms in their peak wedding era, the name The Wedding Shop is likely to already be familiar. With showrooms at both Selfridges and a dedicated flagship in Chelsea, plus the option to book a virtual appointment, the award-winning Wedding Shop makes it super convenient for couples to tailor their perfect list from a choice of over 450 brands and personalised funds (which can cover anything from travel to a Michelin-starred meal). Plus for added flexibility, couples can opt to build their dream gift list online too.
Where: 321 Fulham Road flagship, Selfridges and online
Who: Couples who love a truly flexible and personal service, complemented by the invaluable support of a dedicated gift guru. For inspiration look no further than super chic food writer and Wedding Shop bride Alexandra Dudley.
What we love: The personalised service and flexibility to build your list from the comfort of your home or at the gorgeous showroom. We love the perks too, from exclusive showroom events like wine tastings to wedding stationery workshops. Not to mention lifetime rewards – Wedding Shop couples benefit from a 10 per cent lifetime discount; plus a tempting 20 per cent discount on any top-up gifts bought after spending guest pledges.
Instagram: @theweddingshopuk
TikTok: @theweddingshop
Start your journey with The Wedding Shop here.
3. Prezola
If you’re looking for a registry with super convenient online service, why not consider Prezola. As someone in the early days of wedding party planning myself, Prezola’s Bestsellers tab on their website was an exciting place to start when navigating everything from a heavenly White Company scent diffuser to a stunning flower subscription from Bloom and Wild. Plus, Prezola offers total freedom to add homewares, honeymoon funds, and custom gifts all on one flexible list. If you can dream it, you can add it. There is a reason that Prezola is the UK’s most popular listing service.
Where: Online at prezola.com
Who: Modern couples who might prefer experiences over traditional gifts, or who already have their home essentials and are looking to fund their dream honeymoon. Prezola is also perfect for couples who like the convenience and flexibility of browsing online – and let’s face it, who doesn’t enjoy a bit of online retail therapy?
What we love: The ease and accessibility of Prezola’s amazing website, which is a hub of inspiration for everything from honeymoon funds and epic travel experiences to gifts which suit a range of budgets and tastes. They’re got everything from the traditional brand names you’ll recognise to artisan makers ready to be discovered. Mix up the classics like a chic set of Falcon enamelware with a new discovery (hello gorgeous Crosley vintage-inspired record player!)
Instagram: @prezola
TikTok: @prezola.com
Register to create your ultimate wedding gift list with Prezola now.
Related Article: Our Co-Founder’s Favourite Wedding Presents