Your wedding is all about you and your fiancé. Shouldn’t your registry be too?
Whether you’re theater buffs, weekend warriors or foodies who are more into enjoying a meal than preparing one, you don’t have to settle for typical wish-list items like casserole dishes and cutlery. We thought outside of the box about things you might truly want inside gift boxes.
Most of our ideas don’t come from conventional bridal businesses, but they’re sure to play more prominently in your happily-ever-after ending than a crockpot ever would.
The Wine Connoisseurs
You don’t have to go to Napa Valley in California to experience wine country. Couples can register by special request at Chateau Aux Arc Winery (479-468-4400, ChateauAuxArc.com) in Altus for a private tour of the vineyard or a romantic wine tasting at the top of St. Mary’s Mountain.
Imagine taking in scenic views of the Arkansas River Valley while sipping your favorite wine varietals or trying a vineyard special like Dragonfly Red Mystery Cuvee or St. Mary’s Mountain White. The winery can also make custom-designed labels that commemorate your happy union for any bottle of wine you register for. Nearby, Post Familie Winery (479-468-2741, PostFamilie.com) offers couples the chance to scour the gift shop for their favorite wines and related kitchen items — like bottle storage, specialty corks, gorgeous serving decanters and glasses.
After registering, guests can stop in or call to order. All but the wine can be shipped directly to your door.
The Host and Hostess
Ever the entertainers, you know how to throw a party with style. To serve your future dinner guests on the best, register at a local boutique like Fifth Season (501-225-0544, FifthSeason.com) in Little Rock, which sells exquisite European dinnerware and serveware from famous brands like Gein of France, Spode of England or Juliska of Portugal.
Smith-Caldwell (501-315-7700, SmithCaldwell.com) in Benton has items that speak more to the traditional duo. Soon-to-be newlyweds can set up a registry at this mom-and-pop shop for gorgeous Wilton Armetale serveware, Mikasa crystal, Oneida flatware, Tag’s ceramic dishes in customizable colors, and more. After creating a gift list, store staff will post the registry online for wedding guests’ purchase.
But maybe you’re the couple who has trouble entertaining a house full of hungry people — the food gets overcooked, you always run out of wine, and your table settings are never Emily Post-perfect. No problem. Wannabe hosts and hostesses can register with Catering to You (501-614-9030, CateringToYouInLittleRock.com) for seasonal table décor and supplies, or better yet, a lesson full of easy entertaining tips.
The Art Aficionados
The cultured couple hoping to adorn their abode in original art crafted by prominent or local artists can register with nearby galleries for specific pieces or store credit. Staff at Fusion Squared Gallery (479-253-4999, EurekaFusion.com) in Eureka Springs will set aside canvases, glass-blown bowls, jewelry and more for couples registering there, as will Eureka Fine Art Company (479-253-6595, EurekaFineArt.com), which will record each couple’s selections or do a consultation to determine their style, which will aid guests in buying gifts of art.
In Jonesboro, try Sara Howell Studio & Gallery (870-935-6336, SaraHowellGallery.net) for an assortment of different mediums. And in Memphis, Tenn., Ken Lecco, artist and owner of Cosmic Closet Modern Home (877-272-2259, CosmicCloset.com), creates metal art that’s available for wedding registries. Couples can choose from completed works or commission a personalized piece.
The Adventure Seekers
Rather be playing outside than setting a table, sipping Pinot or perusing paintings? This can be accommodated. Lovebirds who share a passion for the great outdoors will find plenty to register for at Arkansas outfitters like Pack Rat Outdoor Center (479-521-6340, PackRat.biz) in Fayetteville and Ozark Outdoor Supply (501-664-4832, OzarkOutdoor.com) in Little Rock. To get set up with the proper gear needed for nights by the campfire and days canoeing, kayaking or climbing, stop by or call in with a list of goodies, a clerk will set up the registry, and the items ordered by wedding guests can be shipped directly to you.
If you’d rather enjoy Mother Nature at a more leisurely pace, rent a boat and kick back for a cruise on the water. Of course, you can always do some water skiing if you start to feel adventurous. Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa on Lake Ouachita (870-867-2191, MountainHarborResort.com) in Mount Ida allows couples to register for ski boat or party barge rentals.
The Performing Arts Buffs
If browsing galleries sounds grueling and you’re a camper no one would define as “happy,” why not register for your favorite recreational delight — the stage? Ballet, symphony, opera, comedy, drama — whatever your pleasure, guests can purchase tickets for you at various Arkansas venues.
In Little Rock, register with the Arkansas Repertory Theatre (501-378-0405, TheRep.org) or the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (501-666-1761, ArkansasSymphony.org). Up north, call the Walton Arts Center (479-443-5600, WaltonArtsCenter.org) or The Foundation of Arts (870-935-2726, JonesboroFOA.com) in Jonesboro. Down south, The Perot Theater (903-792-4992, TRAHC.org) in Texarkana also allows couples to register for theater tickets.
The Epicurean Couple
For the culinary-inclined, the wedding registry is a dream come true. The Calphalon pots and pans you’ve longed for, the Teton grill set your beau has been eyeing for tailgate season, the Waterford china you fantasize using at Christmases to come — it’s all so exciting! But why not fine-tune your cooking skills with a class through Little Rock-based Arkansas Extended Learning Center (501-666-0759, ExtendedLearning.org), courtesy of your wedding guests’ pocketbooks? In Northwest Arkansas, register for A Fare to Remember’s (479-527-6400, AFareToRememberNWA.com) private cooking classes.
Not a domestic duo? Then register for delicious prepared meals from Catering to You (501-614-9030, CateringToYouInLittleRock.com) in Little Rock. You know you’ll be too exhausted after the honeymoon to cook anyway. Just save some store credit for when your finicky mother-in-law drops by. You’re sure to please the pickiest houseguest with gourmet meals catered straight to your door.
The Homebodies
After the nuptials are over, the nesting begins. But don’t worry if you’re not décor-savvy — you can register for the services of an interior designer. In central Arkansas, try Laura Bullock Interiors (501-425-5181 LauraBullockInteriors.com) or Interiors West by Larry West (501-779-1540, InteriorsWest@gmail.com). Try Swank (870-336-1620, SwankBasset.com) in Jonesboro.
You can also register for decorating, gardening and crafts classes at the Arkansas Extended Learning Center (details above). Already have a knack for decorating or just need a few accessories to jazz up the place? Cozy up your love nest with registry items from Little Rock’s Full Moon (501-663-4367), which stocks unique interior frills from barware and bath products to pottery and picture frames.