Wedding Registry: 5 Registry Items to Splurge On

When choosing goods for your newlywed nest, everyday plates, stainless flatware, and small appliances are shoo-ins, but don't pass high-ticket items by because you think no one will buy them (guests can go in on gifts together), or that you'll never use them (think to the future). This is the time to upgrade the everyday versions of what you have, and also to get all the indulgences you need for special occasions (hosting Thanksgiving dinner four years from now.) So get that scanner ready for these five super-fine splurges:


Make a Sterling Choice

In our parents' time, sterling silver flatware was a fixed item on most wedding registries, and complete sets were passed down from one generation to the next. These days, couples tend to skip over sterling in favor of stainless, liking its lower price tag. But stainless will never hold the value, beauty, and heirloom quality of real silver. And it wears so well -- the more you use silver, the better it looks and the shinier the patina grows. Although it has to be hand-washed, the extra elbow grease is worth it for beautiful silver.

tip Work your china into your everyday dinners, as this top-quality tableware is meant for regular use.

Fine Dining

A lot of people shy away from fine dinnerware, thinking that usage once or twice a year doesn't make this fragile purchase worth it. But the truth is that porcelain and bone china are actually tougher and more durable than common stoneware. So don't save china for special occasions only, instead work it into your everyday dinners, as this top-quality tableware is meant for regular use.

Slice and Dice

High-quality knives are probably the single best investment you can make in your kitchen. Allowing you to prep meals faster, more easily, and more safely, you will immediately notice the impact of a quality knife on your cooking. Don't worry about getting the whole 23-knife set (although definitely do if you'll put them to good use). Instead invest in three basic types -- a chef's knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife. When you register, pick each knife up at the store, checking for comfort, weight (should be on the hefty side), and balance (shouldn't feel like it's toppling out of your hand). You can't go wrong with brands such as Wüsthof, J.A. Henckels, and Shun.

Stove-toppers

You need more from a stockpot than the ability to boil water -- after all, there's a reason half the food gets burned when you use your cheap college cookware: Inexpensive pots and pans won't heat evenly or properly. Upgrade to stainless (corrode-resistant) pots and pans with aluminum or copper cores (great for heat conduction), any other copper combination, anodized aluminum, and cast iron.

Perk Up

Stop relying on your neighborhood barista to get your caffeine fix. Instead, use your registry to treat yourselves to the sophistication of espresso at home, sipped from the comfort of your own kitchen table. Sleek espresso machines often come with a hefty price tag, so put one on the registry and look forward to brunches and after-dinner noshes full of fun cappuccinos, espressos, and happily caffeinated guests.

Engagement Rings: Ring Metal Glossary

Know your platinum from your palladium? Find the right fit for you with this ring metals rundown.

Platinum

A rare, natural white metal known for its strength and purity -- platinum is usually 95-percent pure.
Why you'll love it: Platinum's density makes it extremely durable, meaning it will keep your diamond or other gemstone protected and secure. It's also naturally hypoallergenic so it won't irritate sensitive skin. When platinum scratches (all metals do), there is very little metal lost, so your ring will withstand years of wear. Also, since it's a pure-white metal, it won't cast any tint onto your center stone.

Yellow Gold/White Gold

This naturally yellow metal gets combined with different metal alloys for added strength -- it is usually 70- to 75-percent pure. The result is jewelry available in a rainbow of colors, including white, green, and pink (see below). Yellow gold is turned into white gold when the surface is plated with rhodium, however, so the coating may eventually wear away and return to its original color.
Why you'll love it: It's also more widely available and therefore less expensive than some other metal options, and the various added alloys mean you can personalize your hue.

Rose Gold

This pink-tinted metal is gold with an added copper alloy. The more copper alloy in the metal, the deeper the rosy tones will be.
Why you'll love it: One of rose gold's especially attractive aspects is its underlying meaning. While white gold represents friendship and yellow gold means fidelity, rose gold represents love. Plus, it's durable and has a look that's pleasing against many skin tones.

Palladium

A lustrous silver-white metal, this natural ore is also used as an alloy in white gold.
Why you'll love it: Similar to platinum, palladium won't tarnish, is very flexible, and is hypoallergenic, but palladium's lower density makes it less costly. It also has a darker, grayer tone than platinum.

Titanium

This sturdy metal has a cool, gray finish or can be a polished black.
Why you'll love it: The tough name and rugged style of this metal makes it particularly ideal for men's bands. Corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic, titanium is as strong as steel but as weightless as aluminum, making it perfect for men who don't normally wear any jewelry.

Recycled Metals

Recycled metal comes from many sources, like platinum and gold, and takes on the color and traits of its dominant metal.
Why you'll love it: It's always in style to consider the environment. Combine recycled metal with conflict-free diamonds and other gems for a completely eco-friendly and custom look. Bonus: It's your something old and something new all rolled into one.

Bridal Shower Games and Activities


Which Games and Activities to Choose

Socializing and opening presents are at the center of showers, and when games and activities are planned with care and attention, guests will have a genuinely enjoyable time. The best activities are ones that the guest of honor will appreciate: maybe a funny multiple-choice quiz about her childhood, or a creative project made by all the guests. Keep in mind, an icebreaker works best when guests are arriving, whereas more time-consuming activities, such as a wine tasting, might be best after everyone has eaten.
Which Games and Activities to Choose

Click here for more information!

Bride’s Checklist


Bride’s Checklist

6 to 12 Months
❑ Announce Engagement
❑ Select Wedding Date
❑ Discuss Budget With Parents
❑ Decide On Kind Of Wedding (Formal,
Informal)
❑ Consider Hiring A Bridal Consultant or
Director
❑ Reserve Wedding Site
❑ Reserve Reception Site
❑ Meet With Officiant (with your fiance) To
Discuss Premarital Counseling & The
Ceremony
❑ Discuss Any Restrictions With The Officiant
❑ Develop Guest List (Bride & Groom) &
Determine Size Of Guest List
❑ Gather The Guest List Addresses
❑ Select Your Gown, Veil & Accessories
❑ Choose Your Attendants And Their Attire
❑ Select Photographer/Videographer/Florist
❑ Select Caterer/Musicians
❑ Pick Gift Registry - China/Silver/Crystal
❑ Choose Groom’s Attire
❑ Choose Flower Girl & Ring Bearer/Attire
❑ Discuss Where You Are Going To Live After
Marriage

3-5 Months
❑ Be Sure All Bridal Attire Is Ordered By Now
❑ Bride’s Mother Selects Attire Followed By
Groom’s Mother
❑ Order Invitations, Thank You Notes,
Napkins, Place Cards & Personal Stationery
❑ Select Ceremony Music & Meet Organist
Soloist
❑ Select Wedding Rings & Have Engraved
❑ Plan Honeymoon
❑ If Traveling Abroad - Passports/Shots
❑ Shop For Your Trousseau
❑ Discuss Hair Style Choices & Make-Up w
Professionals

2 Months
❑ Address Invitations & Mail
❑ Finalize All Details With Photographer/
Videographer/Florist/Caterer/Musicians
❑ Order Wedding Cake/Groom’s Cake
❑ Finalize Ceremony Specifics With Officiant
❑ Make Arrangements for Rehearsal
❑ Plan Rehearsal Dinner With Groom’s
Family
❑ Check With Local Hotels For Out-Of-Town
Guests
❑ Consider Welcome Baskets
❑ Finalize Honeymoon Plans
❑ Make Wedding Night Reservations/
Guarantee Late Arrival
❑ Make Appointment For Physical Exam

1 Month
❑ Finalize Wedding Gown Fitting &
Attendants’ Fittings
❑ Have Bridal Portrait Taken
❑ Finalize Transportation For Wedding Day
❑ Buy Groom’s Wedding Gift
❑ Buy Attendants’ Gifts
❑ Purchase Accessories (Toasting Goblets,
Ring Pillow, Garter, Candles, Cake Knife,
etc.)
❑ Purchase Guest Book
❑ Make Appointment For Make-Up, Manicure,
Hair, Massage, Facial, etc.
❑ Finalize Flowers For Church, Attendants &
Reception
❑ Acknowledge Each Wedding Gift As It
Arrives
❑ Plan Celebration With Attendants (Brunch,
Luncheon, Tea, etc.)
❑ Finalize Living Arrangements


2 Weeks
❑ Finalize Your Rehearsal Dinner
Arrangements
❑ Confirm Rehearsal Dinner Plans With
The Officiant & Attendants
❑ Have Printed A Wedding Program For
The Ceremony
❑ Confirm Accommodations For Out-of-Town
Guests
❑ Pick-Up Wedding Rings, Check Engraving
& Fit
❑ Arrange For Moving
❑ Together With Your Fiance Get The
Marriage License - Enjoy Lunch Together
❑ Celebrate With Your Attendants
❑ Change Name-License, Social Security,
Credit Cards, Bank Accounts, Insurance

1 Week To The Day Before
❑ Contact Invited Guests Who Have Not
Responded
❑ Give Final Guest Count To Reception
Facility/Caterer & Review All Details
❑ Review Final Details With Florist/
Photographer/Videographer
❑ Finalize Music Choices With Musicians
For Ceremony & Reception
❑ Confirm Honeymoon Plans And Start
Packing
❑ Confirm Wedding Night Accommodations
❑ Purchase Travelers Checks For Your
Honeymoon
❑ Pick-Up All Wedding Attire
❑ Make Sure Everything Fits
❑ Arrange For Wedding Gown To Be
Cleaned & Preserved
❑ After The Wedding Day Arrange For
Preservation Of The Bridal Bouquet
❑ Have Your Bride’s Day Of Beauty
(Manicure, Pedicure, Facial, Massage, etc.)
❑ Have Your Rehearsal. Make Sure Everyone
Knows Their Duties
❑ Write As Many Thank-You Notes As
Possible Before The Wedding
❑ Send Your Wedding Announcements To
The Newspapers
❑ Arrange For Wedding Gifts To Be
Transported From The Reception To Your
Home
❑ Arrange With Hotel To Deliver Welcome
Baskets To Guests’ Rooms Before
The Arrive

Your Wedding Day
❑ Relax & Pamper Yourself - Take A Leisurely
Bubble Bath
❑ Make Sure You Eat Something Before All
The Excitement Begins
❑ Have Hair & Nails Done (3-4 Hours Before
The Ceremony)
❑ Allow Plenty Of Time To Dress And Apply
Your Make-Up
❑ Give Your Honor Attendant The Groom’s
Wedding Ring
❑ Have Wedding Programs Delivered To
Ceremony Site
❑ Make Sure Your Father Has The
Appropriate Fees For: Organist, Soloist,
DJ/Band & Reception
❑ Have A Wonderful Day & Enjoy Every
Moment

Born in the USA!

In case any bridalistas were wondering, we are proud to carry certain designers that produce their gowns locally in the United States. Most gowns that are made stateside are not factory produced and are overseen by an artisan from concept to completion. The benefit of choosing one of these gowns is that any customizations, or design changes can usually be communicated directly with the designer and in turn the designer can keep us informed should any technical aspects arise. Please feel free to browse our website for designers  that keep their studios in New York.They are as follows: Marissa, Alvina Valenta, Jim Hjelm, Tara Keely and Lazaro.