Registering On-Island
Story by Joyce Wagner
Photos by David Welch
Back in the 1950s and ’60s, in my blue-collar family, when we received an invitation to a wedding shower, the first act was to call the inviter to RSVP and to get the bride’s “colors.” What color is her bathroom, her bedroom, her kitchen? Then we’d hie ourselves to Sears, Marshall Field’s, or E.J. Korvettes to pick out home accoutrements, usually in avocado green or harvest gold. The bed was almost always a size “full.” And when in doubt, a fondue set always would do. The bride and groom usually lived with their parents until the happy day and were setting up cohabitation from scratch. They needed everything.
After the shower, the teal towels that arrived for the sky blue bathroom, the extra toaster, the four surplus fondue sets, and the talking toilet seat were returned to the stores. The hideous lamp was stored in the “gift closet” to be taken out and displayed once a year when the bestower visited.
Today, it’s much more complicated. Often the bride and groom are combining established households or are already sharing a living space and have accumulated all that they need. In the case of the former, they probably have already sold off excess in a yard or apartment sale. If you were to stumble off on your own to pick out a gift, it’s likely it would turn out to be something they either already have or have recently gotten rid of. This is the kind of dilemma solved by the bridal gift registry.
With this most ingenious of inventions – further developed since its birth at Marshall Fields in 1924 – the bride-to-be can now zip around her favorite shop, with groom-to-be traipsing behind, wishing he were with the guys watching the game on a flat-screen TV. Armed with pencil and clipboard or UPC scanner, she lists the exact comforter, toaster, bathmat, and gnocchi-maker she desires to fit in with their décor. Not only can she choose the precise colors and sizes she has in mind, but the exact makers and models.
Many shops on-Island cater to the wedding-minded and, before you can whistle Oh, Promise Me, a couple can be signed up to receive the gifts that will specifically enhance their modest Island home or Connecticut McMansion. Whether your guests are from the Island or not, registering on-Island is almost a courtesy; they needn’t be concerned about toting a gift from far and wide, and all will have the pleasure of the small-town shopping.
Although our Island shops may lack the sophistication of computer kiosks and UPC scanners, they all offer personalized service – guiding bride and groom, then the guests, in picking out the best gifts.
Failing all the choices below, the buyer can just throw caution to the wind and shop unaided. After all, what’s a wedding without at least one present for the gift closet?
BRAMHALL & DUNN, Vineyard Haven
Just a peek into the windows of this sophisticated store lures in the most shopaphobic of couples. Bramhall & Dunn dedicates its entire second floor to home giftables. A couple can just drop in during the off-season or call ahead during the spring and summer. A sales associate with clipboard and pen will accompany the couple through the piles of quilts, stacks of serving pieces, heaps of rugs, herds of lamps, and displays of the very popular Simon Pearce glassworks. Everything a couple needs to tastefully furnish a Menemsha cottage or Manhattan co-op is here.
ELORA’S AT VINEYARD DECORATORS, Edgartown
Elora’s is a linen store within a home decorating store, and it’s right at the airport, so it’s ideal for guests flying in to grab a last-minute gift. Elora’s contains a lot of personal luxury items, making it ideal for on-Island showers and bachelorette parties. Find bathrobes, cozy pajamas, silk slippers, quilts, sheets, towels, and lush accessory pillows. Extend the registry to the larger store for lamps, rugs, and other home furnishings.
BOWL & BOARD, Vineyard Haven
Like most of the Island home furnishings stores, Bowl & Board makes the registration process simple. “We have a three-ply form,” explains Maria Metters, who owns the store with her husband Garry. “One goes to the bride and groom, one behind the counter, and one in a file.” A pre-nup couple could spend a whole day perusing the extensive inventory in this spacious shop. Items range from elegant to fun and include bathroom fixtures, kitchenware, patioware, candles, soaps, rugs, and even kicky cabinet knobs. If the couple has something specific in mind that’s not in the shop, Maria can special order it. She also recommends that the bride and groom update their registry often, as inventory changes frequently.
CHILMARK POTTERY, Chilmark
Who would think that a small, specialized, out-of-the-way shop would have a gift registry? Chilmark Pottery produces functional and decorative stoneware and porcelain pieces, using a variety of techniques. They have an informal registry and will pack and ship.
L’ELÉGANCE FINE LINENS & FURNISHINGS, Oak Bluffs
For the technophile couple, there is one on-Island registry that’s moving into the world of cyber space. L’Elegance plans to have a new online and in-store registry running in 2008. The bride and groom will be able to pick out their Wedgwood china, Waterford Crystal, bed and bath linens – even casual outdoor tableware – on their home computer or in person at the shop. Ditto the guests seeking gifts. While the Internet site is in the works, the store will continue to use its in-shop registry, Microsoft Excel based.
LEROUX AT HOME, Vineyard Haven
Being the Island’s champion kitchen gadget shop, LeRoux at Home is either the most interesting or most annoying place for the groom – depending on whether or not he enjoys cooking. LeRoux carries everything for the well-furnished kitchen, from a gourmet garlic press to microwave ovens. But it doesn’t stop there. Pop up to the second floor to find a considerable assortment of bed and bath items. The large, brightly lit shop is well-organized and the staff helpful and friendly.
MIDNIGHT FARM, Vineyard Haven
You won’t find a more eclectic mix of merchandise than this store just off Main Street. Linens and bedspreads from exotic locales sit fold to cap with jars of gourmet treats in one huge room. Besides the usual gift items, Midnight Farm carries a large selection of antiques, fragrances, clothing, furniture, and many one-of-a-kind items. Couples should review their choices often, as inventory changes frequently.
PAST & PRESENT, Edgartown
Couples can acquire a bit of Island history by registering at these twin shops. Across the street from each other, Past & Presents boasts antiques from Island homes, as well as truckloads from England. Owners Bev Fearey and Jane Norton are frequently called to the disposition of Vineyard estates to pick over and purchase family heirlooms, and they make a yearly trip to England, traveling the country to find the best home accoutrements to ship to the Vineyard. Imagine registering for Spode, Majolica, barley-twist candlesticks, old silver gravy boats, and vintage tableware, gently used by old Island or English families. Antiques mix with new items such as lamps, pillows, placemats, and napkins, so there are plenty of shower gifts too.
RAINY DAY, Vineyard Haven
A hallmark of Martha’s Vineyard shops is service, and Rainy Day more than upholds the tradition. The staff at this bright, organized shop will gladly walk the bride and groom through the process, and even accompany them through the store to point out gift ideas they could miss. Rainy Day carries an assortment of home goods, from aprons to hurricanes to picture frames. Much of their inventory is summer home–oriented and a lot of ocean-themed items are available. Assistant manager Amber McLean explains, “We always suggest things a little different than what the couple might typically register for – [objects] I think are really special.” She suggests couples pick items in a wide price range. Little things can be combined in a basket and big-ticket objects allow the couple’s work associates or fellow club members to pitch in.
SHERLOCK & BARE, Vineyard Haven
Kitty Burke, owner of Sherlock & Bare, takes pride in the personal service she and her staff provide in their gift registry. “We sit down with the couple,” she explains, “and help them make their selections, but the big part of our job is when their guests come in.” Having gotten to know the bride and groom, Kitty and her staff can direct the buyer to the couples’ favorite registry items; Kitty will also phone the bride if the options begin to dwindle. “We also wrap, deliver, and ship,” she adds. Couples can choose from an extensive line of home entertaining items like Beatriz-Ball metalware, Dovis pottery, and Casafina china and glass. Although the small shop features casual and formal tableware, picnicware is also available.
OTHER SHOPS
If a couple wants something more specialized, like art from a specific gallery, supplies for their sailboat, or Island gourmet specialties, it’s not a bad idea to call the Island’s shops and see if they’re willing to set something up. After all, registries often mean more business for them. If the purchaser knows the couples’ interests and hobbies, gift cards or certificates from the couple’s favorite stores are still a lot more personal than cash or a generic card. Keep in mind, though, that opening a lot of envelopes with gift cards at a shower would probably take away a lot of the fun and drama.
REGISTRY TIPS
PLAN AHEAD
The couple should do an informal inventory and make a list of what they need.
REGISTER EARLY
This can be done right after the engagement, especially if an engagement party is planned. Additional items can always be added.
PICK ITEMS IN A WIDE PRICE RANGE
Guests can always combine small items and groups can pitch in for big-ticket gifts.
REGISTER AT TWO OR THREE STORES
The ideal is one chain store and one specialty store. For on-Island weddings, one off-Island and one on-Island store is best. Selecting more than three shops makes it difficult to keep track, especially at such a busy time.
UPDATE OFTEN
There should be plenty of choices throughout the process, especially for last-minute gifts.
BE TACTFUL
The registry information should be disseminated by word of mouth, on the wedding website, or in one of the informational mailings – never in the wedding invitation.