Personalize your registry at local shops

Wedding registries are now considered the norm, a considerate way for couples to tell friends and family what they prefer for wedding gifts.

Registries also are declarations of a couple's personalities, though it might not feel that way when registering with national chain stores.

The Seattle area, however, is overflowing with small, independently owned home stores that sell unique wares — and many offer wedding registry services.

Most wedding experts recommend registering with at least one national chain so that guests who like to shop in-store can do so, while other guests have access to convenient online shopping. While some convenience may be sacrificed in registering at smaller local stores, depending on the store's registry policy, couples will likely be rewarded with gifts that speak to them personally.

Be sure to ask your favorite local home stores if they have registries. Chances are they do. Here are a few local stores that offer unique wedding registry items:

Velocity Art and Design

Those with modern design sensibilities should consider registering at this Belltown treasure trove. Velocity Art and Design offers an abundance of trendy bedding, with lines like Dwell, Amenity and Inhabit, in addition to furniture, lighting and artwork. Couples can choose from Chilewich place mats, Jonathan Adler ceramics and whimsical plates from Thomas Paul.

Velocity is also a great place for pieces people may not think of, like artwork, lamps and clocks.

Couples and guests can use the registry online or in the store. The Web site and registry are updated immediately, said co-owner Lara Coffman Tusher. (Velocity Art and Design, 2118 Second Ave., Seattle, 866-781-9494, www.velocityartanddesign.com).

Laguna Pottery

This Pioneer Square pottery store specializes in American-made, collectible pottery from 1920 to 1970. Couples can choose styles including mission/arts and crafts, California modern and midcentury modern.

Once a couple picks their dinnerware, the set is put aside for the registry, said owner Michael Lindsey. The pieces are posted online for guests to view, but purchases must be made by e-mail or phone.

Full sets are not always available depending on the style and date made, but with a little patience, couples will find unusual and distinct pieces that express their sensibilities.

(Laguna Pottery, 116 S. Washington St., Seattle, 206-682-6162, www.lagunapottery.com).

J.F. Henry Kitchen and Tableware

J.F. Henry in West Seattle caters to those seeking timeless china pieces, but don't worry about a narrow selection. The store carries more than 600 patterns, including brand names like Wedgwood, Lenox and Noritake.

The store also carries casual dishware, sterling silver, fine glassware and a whole complement of kitchen items.

The store still registers couples the traditional way with a registry in-store, though guests can call in their orders. The store will hold all items ordered until the couple can pick them up in one trip instead of having guests pay for shipping.

(J.F. Henry Kitchen and Tableware, 4445 California Ave. S.W., Seattle, 206-935-5150, www.jfhenry.com).

Sur La Table

This local store has gone national, but its original Pike Place Market location still feels homegrown. Head there to gawk at items you didn't know you needed.

Sur La Table carries a huge variety of kitchen items and great, high-quality choices. Look for items like Riedel stemware, Le Creuset pots and pans, and Global knives.

It also offers an online registry for out-of-town guests. (Sur La Table, 84 Pine St., Seattle, 206-448-2244 or 866-328-5412 for customer service. www.surlatable.com)

Mesolini Glass

If you're looking for dinnerware that gives your table an artistic touch, Mesolini Glass on Bainbridge Island makes luminous dinnerware to order.

The signature style of the husband-and-wife team of Gregg Mesmer and Diane Bonciolini is a cutoff edge on their plates and platters.

Couples have their choice of colors, and Bonciolini will work with them on a design if they want to deviate from the standard patterns.

They offer dinner plates, salad plates, bowls and platters in every color of glass imaginable. Guests can see the couple's choices online and call in their orders.

(Mesolini Glass, Bainbridge Island, www.mesolini.com. Call 206-842-7133 to make an appointment.)

Other ideas

Don't want to go the traditional registry route? Don't worry, there are many options.

If you love the outdoors, for example, register at REI (www.rei.com) for a tent, a canoe or a camping stove.

If you'd like your wedding guests to contribute to your honeymoon in Italy, a new computer or a fancy cooking class, TheKnot.com has a service called "Create-a-Gift" in which a couple can list an item they want and suggest increments, like $50, that guests can purchase. The couple receives an American Express check for the total amount.

Nicole Tsong: 206-464-2150 or ntsong@seattletimes.com