How to create a wedding registry — plus example gift lists

If you’re here, you’re probably wondering how to create a wedding gift registry. Well, you’re in the right place! We don’t like to brag, but here at Prezola we stock epic gifts from over 450 brands, but you can also add gifts from anywhere to your list. We’ve got everything from the big name brands that you love, to the smaller undiscovered artisans you'll soon love. Our gifts are just waiting to make your house a home.

So, let’s get down to business with our step by step guide to creating your wedding gift list. It can be daunting knowing where to start but the good news is that you can take your time, there’s no need to rush. We recommend starting 4-5 months before the wedding so you have plenty of time to pick what you’d like, include your gift list details in the wedding invite, and give guests time to purchase the gifts. Here’s our top tips to get you on the right track.

1. Don’t be shy

Though gift lists are part of wedding tradition, it’s not uncommon to feel weird about asking for gifts. Remember that guests want to buy you a present and feel relieved when they see a gift list because it makes their life easier. It removes any doubt they might have like "will they like this?" or "how much to spend on a wedding gift?". If you've been a wedding guest before, this probably sounds familiar! It’s better to take charge and give guests options rather than leaving friends and family in the dark.

2. Think about your needs

If you’re not already living together, you may need a home starter kit. We have just the thing. Our Essential Collection has everything you need to build up your home. From saucepans and ironing boards to toothbrush holders and laundry bags, you can get it all sorted at once (and with style!).

Or if you’re living together already, chances are you have the basics. In this case, this is the perfect chance to upgrade your items to pieces that will last a lifetime and scrap the student buys and flatpack furniture. Alternatively, add a honeymoon fund where your guests can pitch in to build your romantic getaway.

3. Make your list reflect your style

The gifts that get bought first on lists are those that really show your personality. If you're a dog lover, perhaps choose a dog-themed cushion or add a map of where you got engaged. It’s all about you so make sure what you choose will go well with your personal style. Guests love getting a gift where they feel “that is so them!” but if you’re stuck for inspiration, check out our guide to the best wedding gift ideas, or our most popular wedding gifts, because they're loved by almost everyone.

4. Give guests choices

Guests usually want to buy you a gift that you'll love more than anyone else's and that reminds you of them. They'll feel a sense of warmth every time they see the vase you love sitting proudly on your mantlepiece when they visit. Provide different options that stand out so you’ll be able to look at the gift and remember who it was that sent it. Mix between affordable items and luxury buys so there's something for every budget - and there's always group gifting to get the gifts you really want.

Registering with Prezola is easy and takes less than 2 minutes, so you don’t need our help to do that bit… But, we’re here to give you our advice, tips and expert inside knowledge as to how to make the perfect gift list. Just for you, just the way you want it. Oh, and we’ve even thrown in some example gift lists, just to get your juices flowing.

Let's do this!

1. Personalise your list

Once you’ve registered, it’s time to personalise your list. Simple ways to do this are to add a profile picture of the two of you (cute!) and add a message for your guests. You can even personalise your cover photo. Consider a photo of your honeymoon destination or something to suit the theme of your wedding. If you’re planning a chic London wedding, how about a city skyline? 

2. Browse our expertly curated gift suggestions

Here at Prezola, we take care of thousands of couples’ gift lists a year. So we would like to think we know a thing or two about gift registries. With that in mind, we have created the holy grail of gift list inspiration. Browse advice, wedding planning tips and tricks, real Prezola couples and seriously gorgeous gift list collections.

3. Get adding, and add lots!

You’ve created your list, now for the seriously fun bit: adding gifts! It is simple, just click the ‘add to list’ button and boom, done. Browse our website, add homewares, honeymoon funds and experiences all under one roof. 

When you’re adding gifts, be mindful to add gifts at a variety of different budgets so that no one has to spend more than they’re comfortable with. For the bigger ticket gifts, enable group gifting so you loved ones can easily club together towards a truly epic wedding present.

You may feel like having a lengthy wedding gift list is presumptuous, but it’s not. Just because you add it, it doesn’t mean you’re expecting all of it to be bought! Giving your guests plenty to choose from means they can get you a gift that feels personal to both you and them.

For more help, check out our nifty wedding registry checklist, where you can go room by room to make sure you’re not missing anything. You’re welcome!

4. Share the joy

Don’t forget to let your lovely guests know that you’ve got a wedding gift list! The best way to do this is on your wedding website and on your wedding invitations, but you can also share via WhatsApp, Facebook or even text. If you’re not sure how to word it, we have some suggestins on our wedding gift poems blog, and we can also advise you on how to ask for money for a wedding gift.

Before you share your list, don’t forget to set it live. You can do this on your Prezola dashboard. Then sit back and wait for your guests to start buying you things! We’ll let you know by email each time a gift is bought, eek!

5. Don’t forget your Ps and Qs!

After your wedding day has been and gone and you’ve had your delivery day (AKA Christmas 2.0!), it's time to thank your guests for their lovely gifts! Can’t remember who got you what? No drama! We’ve made it simple with the handy Prezola Thank You Manager. We track everything for you making thank you notes a breeze.

If you’re looking for a little inspiration to get you started, we’ve put together a few example gift lists for you to have a nosy at. Your perfect wedding gifts are just moments away. You’re welcome!

So there you have it, our guide to creating a wedding gift list that reflects you. Don’t forget with Prezola, your wedding gift list is totally safe and secure, so you have total peace of mind when creating your dream gift list online. What are you waiting for?