Made In The USA Wedding Registry
Marc and I have not picked a church in which to marry, nor have a caterer, musician, or rentals in contract, so we have in no way started a registry. Frankly, I am not sure how I feel about wedding registries at all, but when speaking with my future sister-in-law, registering for plates and such popped up in conversation.
See, Marc’s twin brother is also planning a wedding to his longtime girlfriend (and no, we are not having a double wedding). Stacey is so excited about registering for Fiesta dinnerware, something I had never heard of or noticed. Her excitement regarding their quality and USA-made craftsmanship got me intrigued, though.
I checked out Fiesta dinnerware, and while it is very much not for me, I do like that it is made in America.
Which got me thinking, what other dinnerware companies are still made in America? Who knows… maybe I will register for plates.
I found a few interesting websites. Still Made in USA, Made In USA, and Americans Working all inspire me to research whatever we do choose to register for very carefully. Anything we can do to support Americans staying employed seems socially-conscious to me, since kitchenware is something we need anyhow.
No decisions on a company or style now though. We have much bigger concerns to tackle first.
Sustainably yours, Ashley Sue
I’m going to throw my .02 into the mix here. I’m all for registries and I’ll tell you why.
(1) Only the wedding couple truly knows their style, their preferences, their likes, their colors, etc. You may have *good* friends that can say they know you like the back of your hand, sure. BUT, considering your guest list, that’s few and far between. See my point?
(2) If a couple has a particular desire for certain products (i.e. sustainable, American-made, etc.) the only way your guests are going to know is if you tell them. Registries are a sure fire way to make your preferences known.
(3) When couples have been together as long as you have, you’ve already accumulated STUFF. What more “stuff” could you want? Once again, by registering for certain needs (or desires), it eliminates the possibility of 4 toasters and two paper towel rolls. Again, see my point?
While it may seem like a “oh gosh, do I really need to do this task? It seems kinda tacky” task, in reality…and in my opinion…it actually works to your advantage and you REALLY shouldn’t feel bad about having specific requests at all. People love to buy gifts for the bride & groom. Giving them a little idea as to what they wish for makes it easier & helps the receivers enjoy what they receive.
Now…you will have those select few that will want to go against the grain but then again, that’s a few (think of those close friends I mentioned in #1). And…that’s OK. Most of the time it will still be a gift to treasure, may not be exactly what you wanted but it will still be something marking the significance of your day. OR..it could also be just the opposite – Toaster #3 in which case returns & exchanges are in your future!
Anyway, speaking from experience & remember this is MY opinion but I hope it provides you less stress with that decision. And hey, if you have to register at several stores to get the products you wish, then do that. Plates here, glasses there, placements over there, who cares! Just make a list of what you wish for and start registering. You’ve got time. Spread it out & have fun with it!
Wedding planning is FUN. Let it be, my friend. Let it be!
HUGS
Just happened to stumble upon your post when I googled “made in usa wedding registry”. I am also planning my wedding right now, and am trying my best to only place items on my registry that are made in the USA and safe for us and the environment (i.e., glass instead of plastic, sustainable materials like bamboo, etc) – quite a daunting challenge! But I wanted to give you another option for dinnerware – awesome company, made in the USA, but pretty pricey: http://heathceramics.com/heath/
Good luck!