SimpleRegistry Blog

Your Wedding Registry Questions Answered: Can Our Guests Give a Surprise Gift?

2019-09-03T18:14:10Z

In the latest edition of the Registry Mailbag, SimpleRegistry editor Adam Warner answers a common question received from couples about the possibility of having anonymous gift givers.

Got a registry question for our next edition? Send it to blog@simpleregistry.com.

Q: Can our wedding guests send us a registry gift anonymously?

A: Yes -- absolutely! During the checkout process, your wedding guests will have the option to make their contribution a surprise gift.

By selecting this option, the wedding couple will not receive the names or contact information of their surprise gift giver(s). However, they will still receive the contribution directly to their registry account. This way the couple can start making those gift arrangements right away (or at their convenience!), if they'd like.

Guests will need to make sure they keep their custom gift message generic or blank so it doesn't spoil the surprise! By keeping their contact info hidden, the guest can later officially reveal their gift at a later time, like at the shower, wedding or another event.

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Our Favorite Do It Together (DIT) Wedding Registry Gifts

2019-05-01T17:50:31Z

This month, we're revealing seven of our all-time favorite "Do It Together" (D.I.T.) wedding registry gifts.

Whether experienced on a long weekend trip, anniversary vacation, or honeymoon getaway, these are all perfect as a post-wedding shared experience for newlyweds.

Check out our favorites below, then click on each one to discover the top spots around the country to try them.

Surfing Lessons

From Hawaii's tropical shores to Long Island's famous beaches, couples can find incredible surfing locales all across America. Surfing lessons are a fantastic post-wedding activity for newlyweds -- and likely an experience you'll remember forever.

Personalized Running Tours

Couples can choose exactly how far they want to run and which areas and points of interest of a city they'd like to see. Your guide will then design a run tailored specifically for you.

Hot Air Balloon Excursion

A hot air balloon ride is easily one of the best ways to take in a beautiful landscape. Many tour operators even offer a breakfast buffet and champagne toast as part of the package, which really adds to the overall experience.

Mixology Classes

From Moscow Mules to Margaritas, learn how to make classic and original drinks at home using authentic techniques and ingredients.

Stand Up Paddleboard Experience

Most tours, which range from 2 to 4 hours, enable couples to paddle along clear, blue waters, check out scenic vantage points, and discover some amazing locations (like private islands, beaches, remote coves, and other local attractions).

Museum Memberships

We've found the perfect wedding registry gift that keeps on giving. Not only is it a gift that can be enjoyed many times over, but it's also something that helps support the institution.

Sailing Classes

Whether you're just learning to sail or have years of experience, newlyweds can find a variety of sailing clubs and companies across the country that provide first-rate sailing instruction.

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SimpleRegistry Editors Reveal 5 of Their Favorite Wedding Registries

2019-01-07T18:07:40Z

Getting started on your wedding registry this month? Pick up some inspiration and ideas by viewing a few our favorite registries from the past 12 months created by real SimpleRegistry couples.

The following newlyweds registered for truly unique items and experiences, including hula dancing lessons, backyard fruit trees, and a brand new RV for road trips across the country.

Browse through the registries below to see what's possible with your SimpleRegistry wedding registry page.

Rebecca & Keith

These recent newlyweds crafted their registry completely around a new RV. Guests could contribute towards unique things like interior decor, national park passes, and RV goodies like silverware, pillows, and gear.

Leena & Michael

We love their registry mix of activities, experiences, and outdoorsy pursuits. Highlights include a Peloton bike, hula and Tahitian dance classes, and an Airbnb weekend getaway.

Kendra & Reeves

With a kitchen already stuffed with crock-pots and dishes, Kendra and Reeves used their registry to help start a small backyard farm. Their super-creative registry included items like a flock of sheep, fruit trees, fencing, tractor, and a rain catchment system.

Travis & Breanne

These outdoor enthusiasts registered for a brand new NRS Otter 140 Raft, perfect for day trip fishing, casual floats, weekend camping, and even whitewater. Even must-have accessories were added like oars, a raft frame, and more.

Taryn & Rebecca

Instead of wine glasses and waffle irons, they used their registry to help complete backyard projects. Notable items included raised garden beds, an outdoor fireplace, and a Weber outdoor gas grill.

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Our Latest Gift Obsession: On-Demand, In-Home Massage Services

2018-09-05T15:38:08Z

Does wedding planning currently have your back tied in knots? Or are you simply looking for a way to de-stress after the wedding and honeymoon?

If so, consider a massage experience in the comfort of your own home. Through incredible services like Soothe, couples can enjoy the benefits of an expert massage therapist without ever stepping out the door.

So how does it work exactly? First, you'll book an appointment (it only takes a few seconds through the Soothe app). Here you can choose your massage length, therapist gender, massage type, and date/time. From there an experienced massage therapist arrives when it's most convenient for you (sometimes in as little as an hour). The therapist will even bring the massage table, sheets, lotions, oils and music.

Popular massage options currently include Swedish, sports, deep tissue, couples, and prenatal.

We especially love the couples massage option as a unique post-wedding experience for newlyweds. Simply add it to your registry page and then look forward to months of on-demand massages at home or work.

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Photo by Toa Heftiba

Your Wedding Registry Questions Answered: What is SimpleAdder?

2018-08-14T17:00:35Z

In the latest edition of the Registry Mailbag, SimpleRegistry editor Adam Warner answers a common question about the SimpleAdder registry tool, a super convenient "pin it" button for wedding registry gifts.

Be sure to send your questions for our next edition to blog@simpleregistry.com.

Q: What is the SimpleAdder tool?

A: The SimpleAdder is a fantastic and unique tool that allows couples to easily add any item, on any website, with just one-click. Think of it as a "Pin It" button for gifts.

The items are added to your registry just as any other so your guests will not be directed to the source websites to purchase them.

Like any other item on your registry, once purchased, the gift funds will be placed in your account until you redeem them as cash.

To add SimpleAdder, first log in to your SimpleRegistry account before visiting the "Item List" tab. Then simply click and drag the SimpleAdder link to your favorites or bookmarks bar. It's that easy. Happy adding!

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Registry Ideas We Love: Outdoor Adventure Camp for Adults

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Registry Ideas We Love: Outdoor Adventure Camp for Adults

2018-07-02T17:21:33Z

Image by Jason Hatfield
If you're like us, you probably have a lot of fond childhood memories of summer camp; countless days making new friends, exploring the great outdoors, and learning new skills.

Well, adults can now get to relive their glory days thanks to The Pursuit Series outdoor adventure camp. This annual 3-day outdoor event will get you learning all the different activities you've already wanted to try, taught by experts via introductory or intermediate classes.

For instance, current class options include trail running, rock climbing, mountain biking, stand up paddleboarding, fly fishing and kayaking, among many others. On top of sports and outdoor pursuits, you can even take your skills to a new level with "Field Sessions" like night photography classes, outdoor first-aid, and cooking classes for camping.

Image by Scott Kranz

Meanwhile, on top of live music and nightly fire pits, all meals, beer, wine, cocktails, and coffee are included.

As far as accommodations, participants have the option to stay on-site with a camping pass or at luxury glamping camps, which are fully furnished and equipped with power and lighting.

Locations for this year include Hunter Mountain in New York's Catskill Mountains and Bear Valley, California (situated between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite).

Sounds pretty sweet, right? Be sure to add this to your wedding registry for an epic post-wedding weekend getaway.

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Real Member Registries: 5 Inspiring Pages Created by Recent Wedding Couples

2018-06-18T17:56:23Z

Are you getting ready to start creating your wedding registry this summer? Get inspired by browsing a few of our favorite registries from the past 12 months created by real SimpleRegistry couples.

The following newlyweds registered for things like "His and Her" bikes, kayak trips, Roomba robot vacuums and just about everything else in between. Browse through the registries below to see what's possible with your SimpleRegistry wedding registry page.

Curry & Chris

This lovely bride and groom built their registry around unique experiences, including cooking classes, coffee dates, kayak excursions, winery tours, and a couples massage.

Shabnam & Fernando

We can't get enough of this modern-themed registry, particularly items like the waterproof speaker, portable turntable, and Polaroid Cube camera.

Morgan & Mindy

From a Nest thermostat to camping gear to art prints, Mordan & Mindy designed a registry with a little bit of everything.

Annie & Alex

We absolutely love Alex and Annie's mix of household items, charity donations, and honeymoon experiences in South Africa.

Blake & Kendra

These newlyweds used their wedding registry to help them take the honeymoon of their dreams. Their Japan trip included a sake-tasting experience, a luxurious bathhouse soak, and even a stay in a traditional ryokan in Kyoto.

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Our Latest Gift Obsession: Surprise Getaways

2018-06-04T17:53:02Z

We've got a fabulous idea for engaged couples looking for an alternative post-wedding experience to remember forever.

Through travel companies like Pack Up + Go and Blind Experiences, newlyweds can embark on exciting trips around the globe. The best part? Your destination is a complete mystery.

Here's how it works: First couples will determine their trip budget for airfare and accommodations. Next, you'll fill out a simple questionnaire to help determine your destination and experiences. After that, the company will take care of all the planning. Simply show up and take off on an unforgettable trip.

Thinking about a memorable weekend getaway? Consider Pack Up + Go, which focuses on 3-day weekend getaways in the United States. The locations are usually within a 4-hour flight of your hometown, so this would be perfect fit for a post-wedding weekend escape.

Hoping for an epic honeymoon? Blind Experiences will work with you to create the vacation of your dreams. Our favorite aspect? Your itinerary gets revealed to you little by little through a series of ten envelopes (which you can only open when they say so). Safe to say, this is an ideal fit for couples who are incredibly spontaneous.

Ready to take the plunge? Hop along for the ride by adding this unique experience to your wedding registry.

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The Top 6 Cookbooks for Newlyweds

2018-05-18T17:50:04Z

No matter if you're an experienced chef or a rookie to the kitchen, we've got a half-dozen cookbook recommendations that are perfect for newlyweds.

On top of gorgeous photography, each selection features easy-to-follow recipes geared toward two-person households. Best of all, these are fantastic recipes you'll want to prepare time and time again.

1) Two in the Kitchen: A Cookbook for Newlyweds ($26.12): Features 150 recipes for every occasion (from weeknight dinners for two to weekend brunch).

2) The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook ($25.47): By engineering recipes for the two-person household, the test cooks at America's Test Kitchen have delivered the perfect cookbook for newlyweds.

3) One Pan, Two Plates: More Than 70 Complete Weeknight Meals for Two ($18.88): We love this cookbook for its efficient one-pan meals. Couples can reduce their prep time and not have to worry about a sink full of dishes afterwords.

4) Date Night In ($19.19): Spice things up with at home with mouth-watering meals for two. Our favorite: The honey and sriracha chicken wings.

5) The Newlywed Cookbook: Fresh Ideas and Modern Recipes for Cooking With and for Each Other ($18.87): The beautiful cookbook offers contemporary and classic recipes and overall is a definite keepsake for newlyweds.

6) The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science ($33.89): No matter your skill level, this is a must-own cookbook. J. Kenji López-Alt places an emphasis on the science behind classic dishes and reveals how home cooks can use new -- and simple -- techniques.

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Winners Announced for the 2018 SimpleRegistry Best Registry Contest

2018-05-04T17:23:19Z

Congratulations to Christina and Adam, winners of the 2018 SimpleRegistry Best Registry Contest! The newlyweds have won an Apple Watch.

Thank you to everyone who shared their wonderful registries with us along with their inspirational wedding stories. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we'll post the winning entry along with other top submissions.

In the meantime, read a few highlights from their winning entry below. Christina and Adam designed an incredible registry page featuring cooking classes, winery tours, dance lessons, a cozy hammock, and super useful items for around the house like the Magic Bullet.

"Before discovering SimpleRegistry, we had difficulty finding a registry that was right for us. We wanted the flexibility to put down experiences while in France, items for our future, as well as a general cash option that guests could use, which would give us the freedom to choose how we spent it.

Thank you SimpleRegistry for helping us make our wedding celebration exactly what we wanted, plus enabling us to continue our celebrations to this day with the exciting activities we have yet to accomplish."

To check out dozens of our favorite wedding registries, visit our Real Member Registry section.

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Do It Together (DIT) Wedding Registry Gifts: Stand Up Paddleboard Tour

2018-04-11T18:23:30Z

This week we've got an exciting and memorable post-wedding experience for newlyweds -- and overall a terrific item to add to your wedding registry.

By booking an SUP tour together, you'll head out on the water on your own paddleboard for a multi-hour trip through the great outdoors.

Most tours, which range from 2 to 4 hours, enable couples to paddle along clear, blue waters, check out scenic vantage points, and discover some amazing locations (like private islands, beaches, remote coves, and other local attractions).

Check out a few of our favorite spots around the country to get your SUP on. Then add this one-of-a-kind outdoor experience to your wedding registry.

Night SUP Tour (Miami, Florida)

Outfitters Kauai SUP Adventure (Kauai, Hawaii)

San Diego SUP & Brew Tour (San Diego, California)

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GIVEAWAY: Share Your Wedding Registry for a Chance to Win an Apple Watch!

2018-03-14T16:53:11Z

Whether it was great items for a new home, some killer honeymoon experiences, or even donations for your favorite charity -- we hope SimpleRegistry helped allow you to drive off with a great set of wedding gifts to start your new life together.

Think your registry was the best? Tell us about it!

In fact, we're so excited to hear from you that we're giving away an Apple Watch* to the winner.

To enter, just answer one simple question in 5 sentences or less: Why was your wedding registry the best?

The more creative and well written your response, the better chance you have to win! If you want some extra credit (and an additional entry), include up to 5 photos. We want to see you and even possibly some items and experiences you registered for and received.

Email your answer to registrycontest@simpleregistry.com. All entries must be received by March 31st, 2018 11:59PM PT. Be sure to include your full name and the email address on your SimpleRegistry account. Please attach up to 5 photos separately to the email using your last name as the filename and the # (i.e., Smith1.jpg, Smith2.jpg, etc.).

The winner will be announced on the SimpleRegistry Facebook Page on May 1, 2018. We look forward to reading your answer and seeing your smiling faces!

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Do It Together (DIT) Wedding Registry Gifts: Personalized Running Tour

2018-03-01T18:40:47Z

Lace up your running shoes. Couples can now add fully customized jogging tours to their wedding registry.

Through City Running Tours, couples can choose exactly how far they want to run and which areas and points of interest of a city they'd like to see. The CRT team will then design a run tailored specifically for you. They'll even meet you at your starting location, run at your pace, provide water, and bring along a camera for those "can't-miss" attractions.

Heading to San Francisco for a weekend getaway? Now imagine soaking in extraordinary views of the Golden Gate Bride, the San Francisco Bay, the Pacific Ocean, Alcatraz and many other sites during your running tour. Heading to Hawaii for your honeymoon? Top highlights from CRT's Honolulu runs include famous Diamond Head Crater, Iolani Palace, and Manoa Falls, among many others.

Meanwhile, with featured locations like Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC, New York City, Philadelphia, Toronto, and Vancouver, the possibilities are practically endless.

Whether for your hometown, honeymoon, or a post-wedding weekend getaway, we think this personalized running tour will be something you'll both remember for many years to come.

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Photo by Curtis MacNewton

Your Wedding Registry Questions Answered: How Long Does It Take to Receive My Gifts?

2018-02-15T19:40:04Z

In the latest edition of the Registry Mailbag, SimpleRegistry editor Adam Warner answers a common gift redemption question about the typical timing for a couple to receive their wedding gifts.

Be sure to send your questions for our next edition to blog@simpleregistry.com.

Q: How long does it take to receive my gifts?

A: SimpleRegistry offers four convenient delivery options: Checks sent USPS First Class Mail, PayPal, ACH Bank Transfer, or International Wire Transfer.

Our fastest redemption option is the ACH Bank Transfer or International Bank Wire Transfer. These are processed within (1) business day but please allow up to (2) additional business days for the funds to appear in your bank account.

PayPal redemptions are processed within (3) business days.

Finally, check redemptions are MAILED within (3) business days of the redemption and delivery time will vary by location. Please allow up to (8) business days to receive a bank check in the mail.

Don't forget: All U.S. gift redemptions are always FREE.

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Wedding Registry Ideas: Outdoor Rock Climbing Excursion

2018-02-01T17:48:17Z

Looking for a one-of-a-kind post-wedding activity for you and your love? Consider adding a rock climbing excursion or tour to your wedding registry.

Not only will you get to explore the great outdoors, but you'll also test your limits on a wide variety of incredible terrain. All in all, we think it's a fabulous idea for adventurous couples of all experience levels.

From Malibu to New York's Hudson Valley, check out our top picks for unforgettable rock climbing experiences all across the U.S.

Rock N Rope Adventures (Southern California)

This climbing company offers half-day and day-long outdoor rock climbing adventures throughout Southern California, including renowned outdoor locations such as Joshua Tree National Park and even Malibu.

Eastern Mountain Sports Outdoor Schools (The Gunks, New York)

Located about 90 miles north of New York City, the Gunks are recognized as one of the top climbing areas in America. Through this notable EMS program, couples can hire a guide for a private lesson or enjoy day of guided climbing with a small group.

Colorado Mountain School (Boulder, CO)

Thanks to the Rocky Mountains, it's no secret that Colorado is home to an incredible variety of world-class climbing. Through highly-regarded Colorado Mountain School, couples can test their mettle at locations like Clear Creek Canyon, Eldorado Canyon, and Boulder Canyon.

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