Waterford: Worth the Hype?

I have a friend who is OBSESSED with crystal. She is not a fan of Waterford.

I'm not a fan of fancy expensive dishes or anything really, because I'm klutzy and break things! The only time Waterford was a must for me was when I wanted to get it as a souvenir from our honeymoon in Ireland after we visited the Waterford factory, to have as a keepsake. Otherwise, for me personally, I don't understand having nor do I want to have crazy expensive stuff like that. To each their own though.

Macys generally has lots of promotional sales, which often times can be up to 50% off. No reason to pay full price for anything there. As for discounts as the wedding day gets closer, that I don't know.

Waterford is a status symbol. If that's not important to you, skip it.

I had two older great aunts that insisted I needed a "proper" vase so I put one on for them. I knew they were going to go together and buy one for us, so I thought it was better to pick one out. Without those two, I wouldn't have put any on there

@SSJKarigan: I get that because it's a very traditional look and not in everyone's taste. Totally cool. But let me just say, I got a pretty badass crystal-looking glass salad bowl from Rite-Aid during their after Christmas sale for $5. If it breaks I wouldn't be heartbroken or sick to my stomach because it's not like I'd have to replace a $200 picture frame. Not to mention bringing kids ito the picture or even pets.

FH's grandfather got our daughter a Waterford ornament for her first Christmas. I do have to admit, it's gorgeous. Especially when it catches the light.

I don't think I'd spend the money on something random like a butter dish, but perhaps for something with sentimental value (like wedding champagne flutes or something) it would be worth it to splurge.

@MrsSki: It's definitely not important to me, mainly bc I would much rather add 5-10 items we really like instead. Maybe I'm frugal, but you can find super nice stuff at a TJMaxx/HomeGoods! This is also stuff I'd probably NEVER buy myself, so why would I expect anyone else to spend that much on me??

I can't comment on crystal since I find them wasteful for our lives. I can comment on Macys since a reason we decided to go with them is for how often they have sales. We got some nice things that people normally wouldn't have purchased if fullprice. It was the only retailer that provided discounts as deep as they do so I would recommend them for a registry.

I think it's a brand recognition thing. My mom bought us our champagne flutes already and she raved about how they are Waterford (she can't afford much, so she was so proud to get us these). They are gorgeous but I would have been happy with some really cool ones from Home goods I'd been eyeing. I'm not a collector of it at all but I can appreciate the beauty.

@DeNigris2Be: Yes, I could see champagne flutes because you could use them on the day of and keep them for years to come (hopefully!!).

@Kate: I actually registered for a Le Creuset Dutch oven, as I have been wanting one for YEARS and it is something I will use almost every day. My current Dutch oven (from World Market) has held up really well and I love it! But it's probably an 8-9qt and I was thinking something smaller, like a 5-6 would be a nice addition. FH and I originally didn't go with Macy's because our store didn't have many things that caught our eye, but now I'm second guessing because I'm finding more and more things AND they're cheaper than some of the other places. Must. Step. Away.

@Bee: EXACTLY! Like I said, these sales are awfully alluring...

Waterford is good quality. All but 2 of the Waterford pieces we got for our wedding 24 years ago have survived. We use the good dishes as often as possible, too. I hate the idea of buying plates just to display them.

But I wouldn't register for anything that won't actually be functional for you. If you're going to be too afraid to pull it out of the cabinet, or the idea of handing to your preteen in some years makes you feel like you'll have an aneurysm, skip the crystal lol.

I have a lot of hand-me-down Waterford pieces from my mother and grandparents. Some of them are over 50 years old and are still beautiful.

I personally am not a "crystal person" (if there is such thing), and I would have never owned these items if I hadn't gotten them as a gift. It's not something I've ever considered to put on my registry.

The only items we actually use are some bar glasses. And I'm super picky about who I let use them because I'm so afraid someone will break them! Another reason why I'd never register for more.

I had put glassware( high balls and old fashioned type) on my registry that is Waterford. They have a less expensive version that I got.

If I was going to buy crystal it would be Waterford. We didn't register for anything crystal because we don't have a fancy lifestyle. The only way I would have things that nice in my home is if If I had a formal living room or dining room that nobody was allowed in on a regular basis.

I'd pass. If you really want nice glass pieces, you can get bohemian crystal for like 1/4 of the price. It's so delicate looking and way more beautiful to me, but my family is from Bohemia so I'm biased

@Phae, that's exactly it. However, I would probably be more keen on handing my preteen a regular plate and not risk it. We haven't registered for any "fine china," but instead opted for a casual set from Crate & Barrel for our everyday use and a nicer set from PotteryBarn for the "special" stuff. While I can't see the need for the fancy butter dish or water glasses, I can see maybe registering for a set of flutes and/or bar glasses you will get good use of (and hopefully pass down one day).

@Kate, I would LOVE everything to be Le Creuset but the one dutch oven will have to do for now Everything I've read suggests the 5.5qt is the best and most universal Dutch oven for everyday use (serves 4 or 2 with leftovers). So I'm really hoping we get it. You'll have to let me know how you like the bakeware! We have registered at mainly Crate & Barrel and PotteryBarn. I added a Zola registry for like 5-10 things I can't find elsewhere and just looked into Amazon yesterday. There are many things on Amazon that were on both C&B and Zola (some cheaper and Prim eligible), so I would like to trim it down and do away with Zola altogether. If we do, I'd feel better about adding Macy's. We have gifts in all price points, too, so there are plenty of options.

I just bought some things from Macy's for a friends wedding and they were having a huge sale and as a former employee there I can tell you they have sales regularly mostly for home

Thanks, @Clarissa!

I also found some Godinger stuff that is substantially less than Waterford and still beautiful. Great for a couple of pieces here and there.

Waterford crystal is lovely ad is wider known hence the price, if you want to get crystal you should also try galway crystal it's also irish and it's just as nice ( some pieces are nicer in my opinion) quality is very good but is cheaper as it is not as well known. They do ship internationally, I don't know if they are in stores internationally. I just bought some as a wedding gift today, we were given a few pieces for our wedding too. But then I'm fortunate enough to live near the factory shop.

Joe is obsessed. He brought all his stemware with him

We have nightstand lamps and other items.

Our favorite piece is our dining room chandelier. Paid a lot, got a good deal on it and we love it. It's coming with us if we move!