
PRESENT TENSE?
By Meda Kessler
Photos by Jen Morley Burner
Up your shopping game with the help of The Dowry
While couples still welcome traditional wedding bounty — espresso makers, top-quality linens, barware — there has been a noticeable shift to more meaningful gift-giving. Etsy remains a popular website, antiques shops are back in vogue for their one-of-a-kind wares, and for those looking for registry options, there’s The Dowry.
Megan Hodges founded the Fort Worth-based online shopping experience offering unique and artisan goods for the home. Hodges, who grew up in Coppell, called upon her own experience — and frustration — when looking at registry options for her 2007 wedding. She kept a running list of makers she found on social media, at art fairs and by word-of-mouth, eventually reaching out to them when firming up plans for The Dowry. Hodges’ goal is to bring unique artisans together while generating awareness of women and girls around the world who are victimized by their culture when it comes to marriage and the concept of a dowry. Shop the website by curated collections, including “Scandinavian/Minimalist,” “Outdoor” or “Classic/Traditional” or categories such as “Serve,” “Bed” and “Table.”
You’ll find hand-thrown pottery from local artisans, such as Fort Worth’s Kendall Davis Clay, and hand-forged and hammered serving pieces from DMG Designs in Portland, Maine. Setting up a registry is free; the website also offers guides for setting up a home bar. Items also are available for purchase a la carte. Check out thedowry.co for more information.