What to Put on Your Wedding Registry
It can be hard to decide what to ask for when making your wedding registry. What is actually important to have versus nice to have? How many items should you add to your wedding registry? We’ve compiled a list of wedding registry ideas to help you get started. Whether you and your significant other already live together or you’re just starting off, this wedding registry will help fill your home with all of the essential items.
When Should I Make my Wedding Registry?
The best time to create a registry is shortly after your engagement. If you are having an engagement party, have it created before then so guests can get you the things you need! Create a wedding website and connect your registry through there for easy access by guests. It’s completely fine and normal to continue to add items onto the list as you get closer to the wedding and discover new items you would want.
How Many Items Should I Put on my Wedding Registry?
The best way to decide how many items you should add to your wedding registry is to look at your guest list. Simply take the number of guests and multiply it by two, give or take a few gifts. This will give your guests plenty of options and price ranges to choose from. Plus, the more options you give, the less likely someone will go off-registry. Just prepare to have to buy any items that are not purchased as gifts.
What Should I Put on my Wedding Registry?
What you put on your wedding registry will vary for each couple. As you begin, simply put down the items you feel that you need the most. If you and your partner have been living together and already have essentials, don’t feel obligated to add the standard, traditional items like cookware if you already have it. Instead, ask for items that you’ll love, like décor you have had your eye on. Some couples even opt-out of traditional registry items and instead ask guests to fund excursions for their honeymoon.
What Items Should You Put on Your Wedding Registry?
Kitchen Items
- Blender
- Coffee/Espresso Machine
- Food Processor
- Stand Mixer
- Slow Cooker/Pressure Cooker
- Toaster/Toaster Oven
- Griddle/Panini Press
- Knife Set
- Cookware Set
- Bakeware Set
- Dutch Oven
- Cooking Utensil Set (spatula, whisk, can opener, etc)
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Mixing Bowls
- Barware (strainer, corkscrew)
- Dish Towels
- Cutting Board
Dining Room Items
- Flatware Set
- Drinking Glasses
- Place Settings
- Serving Set
- Formal Place Settings
- Servings Platters
- Linen Napkins & Rings
Bedroom Items
- Flat & Fitted Sheets
- Pillowcases & Shams
- Comforter & Duvet
- Pillows
- Mattress Cover
Living Room Items
- Vacuum
- Picture Frames
- Lamps
- Throw Blankets
Bathroom Items
- Bath Towels
- Hand Towels
- Washcloths
- Bath Mat
- Hamper
- Shower Curtain & Liner
What to Avoid in Your Wedding Registry
It can be easy to get carried away with adding items to your wedding registry. Keep in mind that your registry is meant to get your life started with your partner and shouldn’t include personal items. Avoid asking for things like jewelry or clothing. Many people also suggest avoiding asking for frivolous things like fine china that are rarely used, and instead recommend focusing on day-to-day necessities.
Have Many Registries Should You Create?
It is completely normal, and recommended, to have multiple registries at different stores. This makes it more accessible for guests to shop around and gives you more options for gifts. Consider choosing 2-3 different stores for your wedding registries. You can even consider a special registry like a honeymoon fund or a charity fund.
How Expensive Should the Items on Your Wedding Registry Be?
The cost of items on your registry will likely be your biggest consideration. While you want to be considerate toward your guests, it’s still okay to ask for big-ticket items. In fact, it’s actually recommended to add a few expensive items onto your registry for guests who want to splurge or who want to go in together on a gift to get you something nice. Be sure to also cater to those guests who can’t afford to gift you a highly expensive item. Add a range of gifts between $50 and $200+ to suit everyone’s budget. Giving your guests plenty of gift options will allow the most stress-free experience for them.
Overall, when deciding what to put in your wedding registry, go with what you want! At the end of the day, this is your special moment and your time to ask for the things you need. Make sure to give your guests options and price ranges, and don’t be afraid to go unconventional! For more tips on life transitions, sign up for our once-monthly blog newsletter.