A Useful Wedding Registry Put Together by the Bride's Aunt

Preceding their spectacular June wedding in Santa Susana, California, Talula (née Holt) and Tyler Gibbons discussed a strategy for their wedding registry. They decided they would focus on adding beautiful, matching silverware and plates, so they could seamlessly host parties with style. “We also wanted some fun appliances to cook with, so we could try out new recipes for an experience together,” adds Tyler.

Taking the nontraditional route, the groom and the aunt of the bride took the lead on the wish list due to Talula’s busy work schedule, and despite the duo being a bit out of the norm, they admit they had a great time together building a registry with pieces that Talula and Tyler would love for years to come.

Tyler was looking forward to picking out new items to make their dining room table look presentable. “I didn’t really mind where we registered; I was just happy to get married to my wife,” the groom shares.

Photo by Photos by Dee

“Beaded Coupe” dinnerware, $68-120 by Pillivuyt; Williams Sonoma

Soft-serve ice cream and slushy maker, $230 by Cuisinart; Bloomingdale's

“Puck” tealight holder, $80 by Orrefors; Bloomingdale's

Breville Control Grip™ immersion blender, $130; Bloomingdale's

Tall ramekins, $24 (set of four); Crate and Barrel

They opted for a variety of items, ranging from a high-end Shun Premier three-piece knife set to a useful All-Clad D3® stainless-steel fry pan set, and a pretty “Hibiscus” fluted vase by Vietri at the luxury department store.

Crate and Barrel was another retailer that was a must. “They have a lot of beautiful serving dishes,” says the bride. There, they chose a lovely Carson acacia cheeseboard and Boska stainless-steel mini cheese knife set that would be used often when hosting.

Williams Sonoma carried a plethora of lovely everyday pieces perfect for the couple, such as the Fortessa “Lucca Faceted” five-piece flatware set, Pillivuyt “Beaded Coupe” dinner plates and bowls, and a marble paper-towel holder.

Though Talula and Tyler were fortunate and did not need to exchange or return any of their gifts, they do recommend to other couples that they research these policies before settling on any retailers or department stores at which to register.

Crescent double old-fashioned and highball glasses, $8-9/each; Crate and Barrel

Berry box white colander, $13/each; Crate and Barrel

Fletchers’ mini stainless mill, $30; Crate and Barrel

Carson 36” acacia cheeseboard, $70; Crate and Barrel

In reflection, Talula and Tyler say they are so grateful for every gift received, and they are very happy with their decision to allow the bride’s aunt to take charge. “We put a lot of trust in her to tell us what we would possibly need because we had no idea, and we do not regret that decision at all,” confides Talula. “We are thrilled!”

Wedding Registry Tips from Talula & Tyler

Make room.

“Be sure you have room in your kitchen – or home, in general – for all the gifts!"

Live in the moment.

“Enjoy your time together and avoid getting stressed over the small stuff.”

Retailer Rules.

“Take a moment to learn the exchange and return policies to avoid mishaps!”

This story was originally published as a Wish List feature in the Summer 2024 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. To order a copy of the Summer 2024 issue, visit our library of Inside Weddings back issues available for purchase. For more ideas, find out what wedding registry items couples often forget and see popular wedding registry items!

Opening photo by Callaway Gable; From Real Wedding: Colorful European-Inspired Outdoor Wedding in Southern California