A Couple's Registry Filled with High End, Specialty Items

Prior to the gorgeous spring wedding of Erika and Hayden Braider in California, they had to tackle their wedding registry.

“Hayden and I moved in together right after we got engaged, so we needed to completely build our serveware collection, china pieces, and appliances from scratch,” describes the bride. “I grew up in a home with a mom who loved to host and entertain. My husband and I share her love for entertaining, so we knew we wanted to invest in high-end specialty items.”

Photo by Michelle Beller Photography

“Edge” 15-ounce red wine glass, $15; Crate and Barrel

Rosenthal Tac 02 Platinum collection service plate, $76; Gearys Beverly Hills

“Silva” salad plate, $70 by Bernardaud; Gearys Beverly Hills

“Vertigo” wine server, $710 by Christofle; Gearys Beverly Hills

Lucite black-and-white backgammon set, $250 by Tizo; Gearys Beverly Hills

“Eye” small round vase, $1,450 by Baccarat; Gearys Beverly Hills

The couple went to luxury retailer Gearys for all their other household needs. “I have always wanted to invest in nice crystal and items I knew I would have forever,” Erika asserts. Hayden joined his bride on the fun and actually picked out most of the pieces while at their final stop. “He had the best time – only lasted an hour or so until we had to get him food and a drink, but he did a great job!” she smiles.

Erika also reveals that Gearys was a one-stop shop for them. “It was amazing!” she says, noting she and her mother loved that they were able to set up a whole dining table to see how everything would look together. “I could get my dream high-end Baccarat vase, while also getting my favorite brand of everyday plates from Juliska.”

The bride was careful to register for items she knew she would use and avoided investing in pieces that were limited edition or that she’d have to spend hours polishing. “I don’t have the patience,” she admits.

“Jasmine” juice carafe, $165 by William Yeoward Country; Gearys Beverly Hills

Berry & Thread collection whitewash mixing bowls, $195 (set of 3) by Juliska; Gearys Beverly Hills

Four-in-a-row in gold and black, $220 by Tizo; Gearys Beverly Hills

Berry & Thread collection whitewash challah board, $215 by Juliska; Gearys Beverly Hills

“Yaro” salad bowl with servers, $180 by Nambe; Gearys Beverly Hills

“Crystal Bauble” napkin rings, $14/each by Bodrum; Gearys Beverly Hills

The newlyweds went into the experience with an open mind, a willingness to compromise and make each other happy, and to have fun – and they did just that. They share that they are happy with all of their choices in retailers, registry selections, and the ease of the exchange process when needed.

“There is something so special to be able to gift newlyweds tangible pieces,” the bride reflects. “I will forever remember who gifted me what, and every time I use my seder plate or everyday water glasses, I remember exactly who gave them to me.”

Wedding Registry Tips from Erika & Hayden

Touch the items.

“In-person shopping will help you see how practical the pieces are. Will they fit in the dishwasher? Are they always in stock in case an item breaks? What needs to be polished?”

Ask seasoned professionals.

“There were some items we didn’t understand we needed at the time, but realized the importance of some pieces and what might be unnecessary.”

This story was originally published as a Wish List feature in the Fall 2024 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. To order a copy of the Fall 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 Michelle Beller Photography