Wedding Registry Advice from California Couple, Stacy and John

Get insider tips on the experience of registering at Gearys, Heath Ceramics, and Zola!

Interested to hear from a real couple regarding their registry experience? Get advice from the newlyweds on their online and in-store registry experiences at three retailers!

Photo: Laurie Bailey Photography

When Stacy (née Lee) and John Niemiec wed in a romantic California setting, they were sharing an apartment that was fairly well-stocked. “However, we were sleeping on sheets I’d had since college and using glassware that had seen more than its fair share of parties in my early 20s,” admits the bride. “I really wanted to use the registry as a chance to upgrade all our basics.”

Photo by Laurie Bailey Photography

Registering at Heath Ceramics was an obvious choice, as Stacy has loved the brand for ages. “Where to register for dishware was an easy decision!” she notes. Here, the couple decided on classic serving dishes, bowls, and plates in neutral hues.

Heath Ceramics Mix & Match Dinnerware Set

Mix & Match dinnerware set, $88; Heath Ceramics

Orrefors Pulse collection tumblers, $50 (set of 4); Gearys

BergHOFF "Concavo" 8-piece knife block set, $200; Zola

Zola was a go-to simply for its easy-to-use online platform. They settled on luxurious Coyuchi linens, sturdy Staub cookware, and a sleek BergHOFF knife set. “We also knew we wanted to go on a pretty epic European honeymoon, so we used Zola to register for a honeymoon fund,” adds Stacy.

Cuisinart tri-ply copper 10-piece cookware set, $270; Bed Bath & Beyond

L'Objet Alchimie collection large black coupe bowl, $208; Gearys

Large covered serving dish, $158; Heath Ceramics

Coyuchi "Twilight" organic quilts, $297/each; Zola

At Gearys, the pair started their wish list online, and then later, Stacy went in person to make adjustments. “In general, I get less overwhelmed shopping online than in-store,” confides the bride, “but seeing things in-store certainly helps you avoid returns.” Stacy loved Gearys very well-curated selection and chose elegant vases, cool L’Objet dinnerware, and timeless crystal glassware pieces. “When I couldn’t decide on what color salad plates I wanted, my consultant even let me bring my Heath Ceramics items in to set the full table in store!” muses the bride of their excellent customer service.

"When I couldn't decide on what color salad plates I wanted, my [Gearys] consultant even let me bring my Heath Ceramics items in to set the full table in store!"

Danby 36-bottle wine fridge, $260; Zola

Georg Jensen "Alfredo" vase, $195; Gearys

Menu salt & pepper bottle grinder set, $80; Zola

Stacy reveals that she preferred all three retailers in part because each was credit based: “None of the gifts shipped until after the wedding, eliminating that unfortunate pileup, and I was able to make sure I got exactly what we needed, such as getting our silverware, instead of the fifth bowl.”

Registry Tips from Stacy and John

Take a peek.

“Every time I go to a restaurant and like the plate, I check to see who makes it. I wish I had noticed and done that before I got married!"

Consider your tastes.

“You want a registry that is right for you as a couple, but don’t neglect to register for ‘classics.’”

Lifestyle changes.

“You never know when you’ll decide that you do, in fact, want to host Thanksgiving, and you wish you had a platter that you could bring out and say you got it as a wedding gift.”