Ask the Expert

What You Need to Know Before Registering

We asked Stephen Dankesreiter of local registry boutique Polly DuPont everything you need to know before you register.

How long as Polly Dupont been in the business?
Polly DuPont has been serving Dallas brides and their families since 1946.

How early in the process should a bride and groom begin their registry?
Six months is usually best. But more couples are having engagement parties thrown in their honor, so I do recommend starting a small registry after your engagement is announced and your wedding date is set. Guests at your engagement party are likely to bring gifts, so it’s a good idea to have a list started. Suggestions for the small registry are items such as toasting flutes, a cake knife, and a few special serving pieces.

What do you advise brides as far as selecting items of varying price points?
Having items of varying price is one of the most important things to remember when registering. Your guests come from all different backgrounds and economic situations, so having options for them in every price range is important. Grandma may be able to afford those $300 candlesticks, but your cousin who’s still in college can’t.

What are some of your favorite items at the moment? 
Julia Knight! Her richly colored, hand-enameled, aluminum serving pieces have been a huge hit with our brides, and their guests have really enjoyed selecting them from registries. Juliska’s Berries & Thread is still one of our most popular “everyday” patterns for brides. Being able to add a little color to your table with one of their brown or blue salad plates is great.

What are some important items that brides sometimes forget to register for?
Two things: extra place mats and napkins. You always need more than 12, and you need them in varying colors. And extra salad plates. I always suggest registering for eight or 12 additional salad plates. They are great to have for dessert, cocktail parties, or events when you won’t be pulling out your entire place setting.

Illustration by Carrie & Seash.

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