Out of the Box Ideas to Plan Your Perfect Wedding Wish List
Create a wedding registry as unique as your love
A wedding registry often brings to mind things like bedding, linens and stand mixers. They’re classic additions for a reason—but that doesn’t mean you can’t think beyond the basics when you’re creating your own wish list. A curated list that’s as unique as you and your partner will add value to your new life together. Maybe you’re world travelers or looking for a new hobby to explore locally. Perhaps you’re the type of couple who prefers sleeping bags to luxe linens.
“This is a special moment in time when you have dozens of loved ones focused on helping you start your life as a married couple,” says Laura Stroud of Homefest, so think about the things that will enhance each day in the present and be a part of your love story in the years ahead. Don’t be afraid to put some splurges on your list, too. “People want to give you an heirloom,” says Emily Gardner of White Peacock. So why not let them?
Here are some out-of-the-box ideas to get you thinking:
INTER-VINED
Just like marriage, “wine is a journey throughout your whole life,” says Samantha Heuker of wine subscription service SommSelect. Whether you’re new to tasting or you’re building a collection, exploring wine can be a fun hobby for two, or to share with friends and family. It might also inspire to you travel to different regions to taste your new favorite varietals on-site.
Where to buy
sommselect.com
CHEERS TO YOU!
You won’t regret a beautiful pair of monogrammed champagne flutes that you can use for your first toast on your wedding day—and many toasts thereafter. Cheers to your love story on anniversaries or make any day a special occasion.
Where to buy
White Peacock
2440 E. Third Ave., Denver
303-954-8333
A BRIGHT IDEA
As you’re making your house a home, don’t forget that lighting sets the mood—so opt for versatile statement pieces. “Lamps create ambience and welcome you into a space versus harsh overhead lighting,” shares Jill Livran, owner of The Lark. “We always tell brides to make sure they have a set of lamps on their registries. These are wonderful gifts that last and grow with you through the years.”
Where to buy
The Lark
1219 E. Fourth Ave., Denver
303-744-7464
PERFECT (MIS)MATCH
Your basics don’t have to be boring. Make your own customized table settings by mixing and matching pieces to create something unique to you. When you’re trying to layer your decor, it can be really helpful to go in-person to work with a pro who can share insights and suggestions you may not have considered. “There are so many wonderful small boutiques that can help bring that personal touch,” says Homefest’s Laura Stroud.
Where to buy
Homefest
5912 S. Holly St., Greenwood Village
303-741-3920
COFFEE MATES
Why not upgrade your morning coffee routine? For a totally luxurious, barista-level experience on demand, go for a Swiss-made Jura machine, which will grind beans and brew it right into cups. And don’t forget to register for spoons, mugs and a sugar bowl. “You want it to be an event, even if it’s only for 10 minutes,” says Chef’s Corner Store’s Rachael Murray.
Where to buy
Chef’s Corner Store
9800 E. Easter Ave., Suite 125, Centennial
720-545-1303
PLAY IT AGAIN
Playing games in a relationship can sometimes be a good thing—especially when they’re custom-made for you. Get your wedding details or monogram (or show your state pride) on a custom cornhole set that can add some fun to tailgates and social events for years to come.
Where to buy
ColoradoJoes@etsy.com
PICTURE PERFECT
Great artwork is a meaningful gift, but it’s something you want to pick out for yourself. Register for a gift certificate to a local gallery, or try the “Curate Your Space” service offered by Abigail Kreuser of Kreuser Gallery and Gundega Stevens of G44 Gallery, where they work with you to find something perfect for your space and budget. With art, as in love, when you know, you know. Says Kreuser, “If you can’t stop thinking about a piece, then it should probably be yours.”
Where to buy
G44 Gallery & Kreuser Gallery
121, 125 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs
NET POSITIVE
The couple that fly-fishes together, stays together—and sees a lot of beautiful places along the way. If you’ve already got your rods and reels, consider upgrading the rest of your fly-fishing gear. The River Armor edition is called a “net for life”: You’ll never need another one. It’s a perfect gift for a pair of newlywed anglers.
Where to buy
fishpondusa.com
FORWARD-LOOKING
Give yourselves the gift of a closer look. For birding, hiking, sporting events or even the theater, top-of-the-line binoculars are going to serve you well. These Leicas are small, lightweight and feel like they were made to fit your individual hand. “They’re like little jewels,” says Mark Steinberg, senior technologist at B&H. They’re so well made, you may even hand these down to future generations.
Where to buy
bhphotovideo.com
HOME BASE
For the campers (and glampers), REI’s Wonderland X Tent is practically a home away from home, with lots of space and tons of accessory options to create your perfect set-up. It sleeps up to four, so you can spread out—or bring friends on your adventure!
Where to buy
rei.com or in stores across Colorado
REEL THEM IN
You’ve found a great catch—and you both deserve some fabulous outdoor gear! Tibor Reel lets you customize its top-quality fishing reels with your favorite colors, a monogram or a special message. The fly’s the limit.
Where to buy
tiborreel.com
BLANKET STATEMENT
If you’re park-lovers, an upgraded picnic blanket can make a difference. TBCo’s recycled wool blankets are cozy on one side and have a water-resistant backing on the other to keep you warm and dry. You can add your names and wedding date with custom embroidery as a reminder of your “I dos” every time you use it.
Where to buy
tartanblanketco.com
TUNED INTO EACH OTHER
Some songs are so special, they’re part of the soundtrack of your love story. Get your first dance or another meaningful melody made into a personalized artwork that reminds you of important moments in your life together. Lime & Lou lets you choose the text, colors and material for your musical memento.
Where to buy
limeandlou.com
TRAVEL COMPANIONS
Quality luggage is a key addition for all of married life’s new adventures, and ROAM lets you create custom pieces that are totally “you.” So whether you each create one- of-a-kind designs or go matchy-matchy, you’ll be traveling together in style.
Where to buy
roamluggage.com
MAKE A MEMORY
If you’re a couple who wants to collect moments, not things, try Spur. The company offers experiences from cocktail-mixing classes to private castle tours abroad. Do something amazing on your honeymoon, or register for experiences closer to home. “Couples connect through their shared experiences,” says Cody Sudmeier, Spur’s co-founder and CEO. Just don’t forget to take some photos!
Where to buy
spurexperiences.com
GIVE BACK TOGETHER
You can share the wealth—literally—by asking your guests to give to a cause you care about. Colorado Gives 365 allows you the option to create a fundraiser for an organization that’s meaningful to you, and ask your guests to give on your behalf.
Where to buy
coloradogives.org
Ann Kaiser is a design-and-lifestyle writer and marketing strategist based on the East Coast. She has written for Women’s Health, Connecticut Magazine, Cottages & Gardens, Florida Design and more.
