My Crate & Barrel Wedding Event + 5 Must-Have Registry Items!

This post was sponsored by Crate & Barrel, but (as always) all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Lake Shore Lady possible!

As some of you may recall, I got to be a co-host at a Crate & Barrel Registry Event a few weeks ago… and it was so. much. FUN! I’m a huge fan of the brand and I always knew we would register there when the time came, so it was such a dream to be able to work together!

Turns out the event itself was a dream, too! I was a little stressed the morning of the event (Luna kept us up for most of the night and I left my engagement ring at home ?), but all of that fell away as soon as I walked into the store.

I mean, Crate & Barrel stores always look beautiful, but Shannon Gail and her team of vendors transformed the space into something truly magical. Registering is fun on it’s own, but registering with flowers and fringe and donuts all around?! What could be better?!

Shannon Gail was the master planner behind the event, and she could not have been lovelier. Her whole team completely blew me away – not only were they friendly and fun to chat with, but they were also so calm and collected throughout the whole event. I loved them so much, I want to hire her team for my wedding day now!

She told me that she works with the team at Revel Decor often, and I now understand why. The hanging floral arrangements, colorful fringe, and stunning entryway were unlike anything I’d ever seen. So creative and detail-oriented! This event may have been the day after it snowed here in Chicago, but they made sure it felt like Spring in the store.

The Other Vendors

Since most of these couples are in the thick of wedding planning, this event wasn’t solely focused on registering. Paper Source was there to chat with the attendees about invitations – something I keep putting off because I find it really overwhelming. There are so many options!

There were also representatives from The Black Tux and Brideside. Both companies have showrooms here in Chicago, so it was a great opportunity for guests to see some of their pieces in person… and then finally set up that appointment ?

And my favorite station was Mineralogy! I’ve heard a lot about them, but I’ve never seen their rings in person before – holy moly, they are beautiful! Each one is super unique, even the wedding bands!

In addition to all that, guests could grab a donut and iced coffee from Bombo Bar, or get a top knot by Blowout Junkie, pose for the digital illustrators, listen an amazing singer, and more! I loved that there was so much to explore even after they finished registering… or just when they needed a break. See? Registering doesn’t have to be overwhelming!

Also, thank you to The Bosco and Custom Neon for the gif booth and VIP Valet for security, too!

5 Must-Have Registry Items

Prior to the event, I picked out my Top 5 Registry Items, so guests could find them throughout the store. I still have a lot more registry research to do (a really comprehensive registry guide is coming for you guys soon – stay tuned!), but it was really fun to pick these out! Here’s what I chose…

1. Le Creuset Dutch Oven

True story: I almost cried when I got a Le Creuset for Christmas a few years ago because I’ve always thought of it as something you wait to put on your registry! It’s definitely an investment, but you will cook countless meals in it throughout your marriage. (I’ve made TONS of Lake Shore Lady recipes in mine!) I think it’s such a special gift for that reason!

2. Ceramic Muffin Pan

Okay okay, maybe this muffin pan isn’t essential, but it’s so darn PRETTY! If you love baking, or you want to bake more, I love the idea of registering for something that will make you happy every time you pull it out of the oven. Plus, could it be more instagram-able?!

Also, that peach Kitchen Aid Mixer would look good in ANY kitchen ?

3. Grilling Accessories

I totally understand that it can be hard for your man to get excited about spoons or a peach Kitchen Aid (?), but a lot of men I know love grilling… so why not register for some grilling accessories?!

You could add a practical grill basket and steam brush, but you could also have some fun with it! I mean, wouldn’t he be so happy to grill with his buddies if there’s a big tub of cold beers on the patio?! We also got an iGrill Thermometer when we got our grill and we are SO excited to use it!

4. New Silverware

I know we all already have some sort of silverware, but if your drawers are full of hand-me-downs, this might be the perfect time to upgrade! Especially if you’re like us and have spoons and forks from multiple old sets… you never know which one you’re going to get ? Find a place to donate what you have, and start fresh! (I’m loving this set!)

5. Nespresso Aerocchino 4 Frother

I actually wrote about this frother in a blog post already – that’s how obsessed I am! Long story short, we got it as an engagement present and now I’m telling every coffee lover to get it. It makes perfectly frothed milk for homemade lattes, and all you have to do is press a button. It’s amazing!

Shop my registry picks:

A bunch of you asked about my outfit during the event, and I was so sad that I had to tell you all it’s unavailable. Unfortunately, I got it last year from Abercrombie, but the skirt on this dress is pretty similar! I also love this one and this one, too. 

PS. If you’re a bride-to-be, don’t forget that I have a shop page just for you! I’m constantly adding dresses for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and other bridal events to that page, so click here to check it out!

Big thanks to Kent Drake Photography for these photos!

—

Need help planning your wedding?

Wedding planning can be stressful, so I put together a bundle of wedding planning resources to help you out! It includes a Printable 12 Month Wedding Planning Timeline, Wedding Registry Checklist with helpful insights from my married readers, a customizable Budget Template, a Venue Comparison Sheet, and EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS! Sound good? Click here to purchase!

—

PS. You might also like Where To Shop For Wedding Dresses in Chicago, Our Engagement Story, and my Bride-To-Be Shop Page.