1.) Bed Bath and Beyond:
In-store vs. online: Registering online is smart, since each of the more than 960 stores have registry consultants who can help you figure out what to select. You can make changes or updates anytime on the website, bedbathandbeyond.com.
Return policy: Your registry itself serves as a receipt, what this means you can easily return items for either store credit or for a corporate check.
Length of time the registry’s active: Two years after the wedding date.
Discount: For 90 days after your wedding date, you’re eligible to use a 10 percent completion discount on both a one-time online purchase and a one-time in-store purchase.
2.) Crate and Barrel:
In-store vs. online: The advantage to registering at one of the 160 stores is that you can attend a Sunday morning Wedding Party event. There, you and other registering couples have the store completely to yourselves. On the Website, crateandbarrel.com, you can add items and update the registry anytime. Plus, the website features a visual cart that helps organize your selections and coordinate patterns.
Return policy: Merchandise can be returned within 30 days after purchase for store credit.
Length of time the registry’s active: It will automatically remain open for 18 months after your event date, but if you’d like to keep it active longer, you can simply call the toll-free gift registry number (888-249-4155) to request that it be extended.
Discount: You can purchase remaining registry items for a 10 percent discount after the wedding on two separate occasions: once in-store and once online.
3.) Macy’s:
In-store vs. online: In the more than 800 stores, experts are onhand to answer questions. At macys.com, you can update the registry anytime and use its thank-you card management system.
Return policy: Items can be exchanged in-store for a Macy’s gift card.
Length of time the registry’s active: Two years after the wedding date.
Discount: You’ll receive 10 percent off remaining registry items for 90 days post-wedding.
4.) Pottery Barn:
In-store vs. online: They offer exclusive in-store collections as well as online- and catalog-only products, so it’s best to register in one of the more than 200 stores and manage your registry at potterybarn.com.
Return policy: You can exchange gifts or return them for store credit.
Length of time the registry’s active: All registries close six months after the event date, but you can add as many items as you want to the registry during those six months.
Discount: You’ll get 10 percent off any items remaining on your registry or any other items you decide to add during the six months after your wedding.
5.) Target:
In-store vs. online: Target encourages couples to start a registry at target.com, then visit one of the more than 1,700 stores to make sure you haven’t missed anything.
Return policy: Registry items can be returned for cash if you have the receipt and the gift giver paid cash. Otherwise, gifts can be returned for a store gift card.
Length of time the registry’s active: Ninety days after the wedding date.
Discount: After the wedding, you’ll receive a 10 percent off coupon for all remaining registry items.
6.) Williams-Sonoma
In-store vs. online: You can schedule a private appointment to register with an associate at one of the more than 250 stores, and manage it at williams-sonoma.com.
Return policy: You can return items for store credit that won’t expire.
Length of time the registry’s active: For one year after the wedding, your registry will automatically remain active. And because the data’s maintained for years, you can always reactivate your registry past the 12-month period.
Discount: You’ll receive 10 percent off all un-purchased registry items, as well as any additional items you’d like to add for six months.
7.) Bloomingdales
In-store vs. online: The benefit of registering at one of the 40 stores is that a registry consultant can help you shop. The website, , allows you to manage the registry anytime.
Return policy: Items can be returned for store credit.
Length of time the registry’s active: Indefinitely. You can keep it open to use for future occasions such as housewarmings and anniversaries.
Discount: For six months after your wedding date, you’ll get 10 percent off remaining items, as well as periodic special promotions that offer additional discounts. At the one-year mark, you’ll receive 20 percent off anything left on your registry.