Some wedding traditions die hard and it's taken a while for the culture around wedding gifts to change. But here we are. These days, online wedding registries like Gravy have thankfully made gifting less transactional and much more meaningful by enabling couples to communicate what they really want to kickstart married life. Spoiler alert: it's almost always money.
It's a truth that can sometimes feel uncomfortable or greedy to ask for, but the reality is that most couples are now living together prior to getting married and they don't need another toaster or a set of expensive tea towels (maybe an air fryer, though).
One of the main goals of digital wedding registries like Gravy is to help couples ask for what they really want in a way that doesn't feel ick, and for wedding guests to simultaneously feel good about the gift they're giving. It's a huge perk, but it's not the only one. Some other benefits of choosing an online wedding registry over a traditional wishing well include:
- Convenience. As long as couples have a reliable internet connection, an online wedding gift registry can be set-up anywhere, anytime. The same easy access applies for guests when they want to make a contribution or purchase a gift.
- More personalised gifting experience. A lot of these platforms enable couples to communicate what they will be using their funds for (eg. renovations, pet insurance, artwork, honeymoon fund, etc.). This means, guests understand they're giving the couple something much more meaningful than just cold, hard cash.
- More money. Data shows that people are more inclined to give generously (30% more) when using an online registry.
- Eco-friendly. One in five gifts end up in landfill and one in three gift cards are never redeemed. These statistics are rather shocking but fortunately there's an easy solution - online wedding registries.
- Secure transactions. Google "wedding wishing wells being stolen" and it's easy to see why more couples are choosing online gift regitries. With funds being directly transferred to your account, there's no risk of cash being misplaced or stolen.
- Avoid duplicates. Online wedding registries are like other ecommerce sites, with purchases being updated automatically. This makes it impossible for couples to receive duplicate gifts.
- No awkward conversations. Instead of receiving unwanted gifts or sending out a wedding jingle asking for cash, couples can direct their wedding guests to their personalised registry that clearly communicates what is on their wish list. Here are some helpful ways to word the request for cash.
The only dilemma for couples now is choosing which wedding gift registry to use. There are so many options available, and like with almost anything wedding-related, there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution.
To help reduce some of the overwhelm, we've listed the five best wedding registries on the market. Whether you're looking for flexibility, charitable options, or a mix of everything, there's something here for everyone.
1. Gravy
Why Gravy Stands Out
We mentioned this one first because, well, we built it. Gravy is the first wedding registry of its kind, allowing couples to receive gifts of time or goodwill from their community just as easily as physical goods or experiences. Think help renovating, a home cooked meal or a free haircut.
It's also a versatile and user-friendly platform designed to simplify the wedding registry process for couples. It allows you to create a personalised registry that reflects your unique tastes and interests, making it easy for your guests to choose gifts that you'll truly value and cherish.
Key Features
- Gift anything: Do you hate wrapping Christmas gifts and want someone to do it for you? Or do you want money to put toward IVF treatments? Gravy allows couples to ask for literally anything (as long as it's legal).
- Customisable registry: Gravy lets you add gifts from anywhere, allowing you to compile a list that truly represents your needs and values. You can also add gifts at any time (even once your registry is live) and customise each gift description.
- Group gifting: Big-ticket items are no longer out of reach. Gravy's group gifting feature means multiple guests can contribute toward a single item, ensuring you get exactly what you want without burdening any one guest.
- Cash funds: If you'd prefer contributions toward your honeymoon, a new home, or another big expense, Gravy allows you to set up cash funds. It's a modern and flexible way to receive financial gifts.
- Easy to use: The platform is intuitive and straightforward, both for you and your guests. Plus you can easily track who has purchased what (helpful when sending out thank-you cards).
- Coming soon:
- A fine tuned selection of products that you can have delivered directly to your loved ones.
- A playful collection of paper cards that you can "load up" with a digital gift anytime via a QR code. Sign up here for exclusive first dibs.
Why You'll Love It
Our platform is suited to couples who often feel they'd benefit from the support and skills of their community as much as money, or that also want to use their wedding to help make the world a better place. Gravy offers a seamless and stress-free experience, with the flexibility of adding any kind of gift and the ability to receive cash funds making it a top choice for modern couples.
2. The Hint Registry
Why The Hint Registry Stands Out
The Hint Registry is perfect for couples who want to drop subtle hints about their gift preferences without creating a formal registry. It's ideal for those who prefer a more casual approach to gift-giving but still want to ensure they receive items they will love and use.
Key Features
- Hinting system: Instead of a traditional registry, The Hint Registry allows you to create a list of hints about your preferred gifts. Your guests can see these hints and choose gifts accordingly.
- Social media integration: You can share your hints on social media platforms, making it easy for your friends and family to see what you're hoping for.
- Easy setup: The platform is incredibly user-friendly. You can set up your hints quickly and start sharing them with your guests immediately.
- Guest experience: Your guests can enjoy the fun of picking a gift they know you'll love without the pressure of a formal registry.
Why You'll Love It
The Hint Registry is a fantastic option for couples who want to keep things casual and fun. It allows you to guide your wedding guests without the formality of a traditional registry, making the gift-giving process enjoyable for everyone involved.
3. My Cause
Why My Cause Stands Out
For couples who are passionate about giving back, My Cause is the perfect wedding registry platform. Instead of traditional gifts, your guests can make donations to your chosen charities, allowing your wedding to make a positive impact on the world.
Key Features
- Charitable donations: You can select from a wide range of charities and causes that are close to your heart. Guests can then make donations in your name as their wedding gift to you.
- Personal touch: Each donation can come with a personalised message from your guests, making the gesture even more meaningful.
- Transparency: My Cause ensures that all donations are handled transparently, so you can be confident that the money is going to the right place.
- Wide range of causes: Whether you're passionate about the environment, animal welfare, or social justice, you can find a cause that resonates with you and your guests.
Why You'll Love It
My Cause allows you to turn your wedding into an opportunity to give back. It's a beautiful way to start your married life by making a difference and sharing your passions with your loved ones.
4. EasyRegistry
Why EasyRegistry Stands Out
EasyRegistry is all about flexibility and convenience, making it a favourite among couples who want a straightforward and hassle-free registry experience. It offers a wide range of options to suit different preferences and needs.
Key Features
- All-in-one registry: You can add items from any store, include cash funds, and even create custom experiences or honeymoon contributions. It's a truly one-stop shop for all your wedding gift needs.
- Group gifting: EasyRegistry allows for group contributions toward bigger ticket items, making it easier for guests to pool their resources.
- Customisable: The platform offers various customisation options, from the layout of your registry to the type of items you include. You can make your registry as unique as your wedding.
- User-friendly: Both you and your guests will find the platform easy to navigate, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Why You'll Love It
EasyRegistry lives up to its name by offering a simple yet comprehensive registry solution. Whether you're lookng for physical gifts, cash contributions, or experiences, Easy Registry makes it easy to compile and share your wishlist with your guests.
5. My Gift Registry
Why My Gift Registry Stands Out
My Gift Registry is known for its simplicity and effectiveness. It's a great option for couples who want a straightforward registry without any bells and whistles.
Key Features
- Universal registry: You can add gifts from any store, ensuring you get exactly what you want. There are no restrictions, so you can be as specific or as broad as you like.
- Cash and experience gifts: In addition to physical gifts, you can also set up cash funds or request contributions towards experiences, such as a honeymoon or a special date night.
- Easy tracking: My Gift Registry makes it simple to keep track of your gifts and who they're from, so you can easily send out thank-you notes after the wedding.
- No fees for guests: Unlike some platforms, this one doesn't charge your guests any fees to purchase gifts, making it a more attractive option for them.
Why You'll Love It
My Gift Registry is all about making the registry process as simple and effective as possible. With the ability to add any gift from any store and set up cash or experience funds, it covers all bases without overcomplicating things.
The Wrap-up
Choosing the right wedding registry is an important part of wedding planning, and the best option depends on your unique needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for flexibility, charitable giving, simplicity, or an all-in-one solution, there's an online wedding registry that's perfect for you.
- Gravy offers a highly customisable and user-friendly experience with the added benefit of group gifting and cash funds, plus the ability to ask for non-monetary gifts of time and goodwill.
- The Hint Registry is great for a more casual and fun approach, allowing you to drop hints rather than create a formal list.
- My Cause lets you turn your wedding into an opportunity to give back, with guests making donations to your chosen charities.
- Easy Registry provides a comprehensive and flexible
