Industry Expert - Karaline Loiterton, Wedding List Co

Karaline Loiterton created Wedding List Co in 2003 following a less than inspiring experience with a department store registry. “We were handed a clip board and sent off to write down 13 digit barcodes. With each new department we had to find a new member of staff to help us with any questions,” says Karaline. Two years ago they launched another website www.weddingco.com.au which offers personal wedding websites, the ability to book honeymoons, and a shop offering all things bridal.

How has it grown and evolved since then?

In 7 years we have opened stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and most recently Brisbane. We are the only specialist registry to have stores around Australia. We've done registries for over 3000 couples and delivered over 150,000 gifts. We like to think we are the registry of choice for anyone who values service and appreciates good design and great prices. Our offering is broader than the department stores as we also offer the option of a Contribution (wishing well style) Registry, Artwork, Wine, and Experiences. We also have the privilege of exclusively offering Coco Republic furniture. Our in store consultants are Style Consultants, which means they are trained to give the best advise around creating the best table setting, matching beautiful bed linen, and creating colour stories with furnishings.

What are the best features of the service you provide?

At Wedding List Co we believe that setting up a bridal registry should be FUN. Dragging your partner around a department store, till screaming do you part? We think not. This is your big chance. Your ultimate fantasy shopping trip. It's your right to have fun. The key word is choice - and lots of it. From exclusive designer brands to your department store favourites, we have them all. Fancy something slightly different? We have that too. Wine, art, spa treatments, honeymoon or mortgage contribution You name it, we do it. You'll be saying "I do" over and over again. 

Set up and choose gifts in a free consultation at one of our national showrooms with the help of a Style Consultant, or entirely online from the comfort of home. Guests can choose to buy gifts from your list online with great images and descriptions of everything (even a handy currency converter for those overseas), or in person from one of our stores. Its custom designed for both time-poor web-savvy friends, and older traditional relatives.

What's more, you are able to make changes after the Big Day to ensure you receive complete sets and avoid double ups.

Registry is all we do so we're the experts and we've thought of everything.

Which are the most popular products?

Although most couples tell us they have ‘everything', once they start perusing the store or browsing the web most are still drawn to the traditional such as entertaining dinnerware or great quality cookware. These are gifts you will treasure forever, and more importantly, that guests love to buy.

We have also found that our couples are starting to really think outside the square when it comes to their gifts and so are drawn to the unique products we offer - from Missoni homewares to seriously special items from Christofle, right thru to Art Vouchers, Ginger and Smart candles, Coco Republic furniture and so much in between!

We also have the Boys Toys and gadgets category to keep the grooms interested - who doesn't want an Aston Martin? That said however, these days the guys seem to be the ones picking the cookware and kitchenware anyway. The male celebrity chef is certainly a trend being mirrored in newly weds homes!

What are some of the "must have" products?

Most couples will already have the basics - an everyday white dinner set, some mixed glasses and cookware they bought while at University.

Their bridal registry allows them to choose more qualitative items that they will use for entertaining and enjoy using everyday. We enquire as to their entertaining style and get them to think about what suits their lifestyles. Are they more likely to have friends over for a BBQ than a formal sit down dinner party?

At the same time they need to think about entertaining in the future - will they host Christmas lunch or Friday night Shabbat? Guests prefer to buy gifts they know the couple will use for a long time like a Kitchen Aid Artisan Mixer or a gorgeous Decanter from Georg Jensen - so we like to give our couples these options!

We also encourage couples to keep their more traditional guests in mind when choosing gifts so there is something to suit every guest's taste and budget.

What exciting new products will soon be available?

We have just added the latest Missoni Home range (not available at any other registry) and from the reaction of our Buying team and in-store Style Consultants this should be a favourite!

We have also added new French cutlery by Andre Verdier. Lagioule is always a classic part of any home setting - and we offer a few options including some great bright colours that will look just as great on the table as they do outdoors at a picnic - plus there is always the elegant option of Black or Light Horn.

Keeping in line with this love of outdoors we have added some new fab bright outdoor melamine dinnerware by Jacqui Shapiro for French Bull - we really encourage our couples to mix and match this range to create a really eye catching and unique setting - and given we live in such a beautiful country, it really fits in with the Australian lifestyle.

Having just returned from the annual homewares trade fair there will be a load of new brands and gifts on the site by the end of this month so watch this space. We actually have a link on our site where couples can see our Latest Gifts. Our buyers add anywhere up to 100 new items a month...so the range is constantly expanding to delight and excite.
https://www.weddinglistco.com.au/listproductslatest.asp

What is your favourite product at the moment?

I always love the organic hand made pieces by David Edmonds. A local Sydney ceramist, he only supplies to a few select stores and we feel privileged to range him. Pieces include full dinnerware through to the more popular serving pieces and dip dishes in sublime natural hues. There would be few couples who don't get at least one piece purchased!

Where do you hope to take WLC in the next few years?

To be the most recognized and respected bridal registry in Australia so that when a guest opens a wedding invitation and sees our name they are delighted as they know they will have a choice of beautiful gifts at great prices. And that every couple who comes to us will do so because not just 1 but several of their friends recommended our outstanding service.

What advice do you have for brides about how to start their registry?

More recently there has been a trend in couples saying they would like to ask for cash in lieu of a gift. We undertook a survey* asking over 1000 guests their thoughts on this. An overwhelming 89% responded they felt it was distasteful and were uncomfortable. Many of those said they would just take a gift of their choice instead. The 11% who didn't mind were of cultural backgrounds where giving cash is the tradition - such as Chinese, Greek and Lebanese weddings.
Couples need to remember that the registry is as much about their guests as it is about them. Just because you ask it doesn't mean you will receive! Guests will buy a gift or other as they choose and don't feel pressured to use your registry or respond to your request for cash. The best way to encourage guests to use your registry is by choosing gifts with a large cross section of prices, ensuring there is plenty to choose from right up to the week before, and giving them the option of buying online or in store. These are things that Wedding List Co. offers.

What do you think is the mark of a great wedding registry?

A good selection of prices and items to suit every guest...even up to the day of the wedding. It's not just about what the couple would like to receive, but what your guests would like to give. The option for guests to buy online or in store these days is crucial to accommodate time poor guests, and those like Granny who like to peruse and spend time choosing in person.

Wedding List Co

http://www.weddinglistco.com.au

http://www.weddingco.com.au