There’s a bit of a popularity contest running right now between the registries. (And no, I haven’t peeked.) Dillard’s is single handedly destroying the competition, as it seems that most people thus far greatly prefer shopping at Dillard’s over Williams-Sonoma or Crate and Barrel.
My explanation for that? It’s a generational thing. People in my parents’ generation much prefer to shop at traditional department stores, whereas our friends would be much more likely to go to Crate and Barrel.
And popularity items? China wins, hands down. Confirming the observation by Mr. Dahlia’s mom and her dear friend, people just love giving a 5 piece place setting. (Maybe it helps that our china pattern is priced at the totally-reasonable-for-china price at $70/place setting. But it’s so pretty)
Gratuitous china picture from here.
What registry have you found to be the most popular?
Oddly, Williams-Sonoma is winning over Macy’s, but we’re still 2 months out from the wedding. I really thought Macy’s would be more popular because it’s more accessible for many of our guests — in terms of brick-and-morter stores.
We had CB winning over Macy’s, but we didn’t register for alot at Macy’s.
I think you hit the nail on the head though in your china being reasonable so people are buying it. We have good friends getting married this month and their china is so expensive they’ve only gotten 2 place settings and barely any of the matching items. Keep in mind though the place settings are $160 each and a matching platter is around $200! I guess something to consider if you go with registering for bone china.
So far, nobody is in the lead. Too far out, maybe? (Four months away). We’ve only received one wedding gift, and it was cash.
BTW, I LOVE your china pattern. I wish Macy’s or BBB carried it (where we’re registered).
can I borrow some of your guests? Not one single plate or bowl has been purchased off our registry. I have serving spoons and muffin pans and a vase and comforter… but it’d be great to have some dishes…. or maybe sheets?
So far our Crate and Barrel and Macy’s have seen a few more purchases than the W-S registry.
Nobody’s bought anything yet… 
but I’m hoping I share your China success - our settings are also very reasonable ($80) All I really want, however, is the cupcake carrier from C&B
Ms. Dahlia, Detroit/Cleveland
Age and Occupation: 24, PhD Student
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, IT System Administrator
Engagement Date: December 31, 2006
Wedding Date: May 2008
Blogging Since: September 19, 2007
Venue: United Methodist Cathedral & historic downtown hotel in Cleveland
About Me: I enjoy cooking, dancing and swimming. I am a geek and apply game theory to my everyday life. Winter is my favorite time of year, especially when spent curled up with good coffee and a book by Madeleine L'Engle.
Well, so far Target wins over BBB but that’s because it’s cheaper…