I know I start all of my blogs this way, but let me tell you congratulations!
You’re engaged and I can say first hand that this is one of the most exciting seasons of your life. As the celebration begins, it’s time to start thinking about a wedding registry. I explain this as a list of gifts that reflect your lifestyle, needs and dreams as a couple. No pressure.
Honestly, with all of the options out there, it can feel really overwhelming, but if you’re struggling with what to register for when you’re engaged, here’s my guide, tips and tricks on how to create a registry that is practical, meaningful and uniquely you.
As you get started, think about WHERE you’re going to house your registry – there are amazing tools and platforms like The Knot and Zola that allow you to combine your wedding website and wedding registry in one place, but so many of your favorite brands will allow you to make custom registries on their sites – like Etsy, Target and Amazon.
Step One: Consider Your Lifestyle
Before you start adding items to your registry, think about your daily life and future plans.
Even if you aren’t living together yet, you can ask yourself a few good questions:
Are you homebodies who love cozy nights in?
Adventurers always planning your next trip?
Foodies who dream of hosting dinner parties?
Your registry should reflect how you live—or how you’d like to live.
Step Two: Cover the Essentials
Fortunately, there are so many resources on the basics that you should consider – even if you’re already living together, creating your wedding registry is a great opportunity to upgrade some items in your cabinets.
Here are some classic items that you can start with:
- Kitchen Must-Haves
- High-quality pots and pans
- A versatile blender or food processor
- Sharp knives and a knife block
- Everyday dinnerware and flatware
- Mixing bowls, measuring cups, and utensils
- Dining and Entertaining
- Wine glasses and bar tools
- Serving platters and trays
- Cloth napkins and table linens
- A stylish cheese board
- Bedroom Basics
- High-thread-count sheets
- A plush duvet or comforter
- Extra pillows for comfort
- Bathroom Upgrades
- Luxurious towels and washcloths
- A chic bath mat or rug
- A rainfall showerhead for a spa-like experience
- Cleaning and Organization
- A vacuum cleaner or robot vacuum
- Storage containers for an organized pantry
- Laundry hampers or baskets
Step Three: Build Beyond the Basics
Your registry isn’t just about the essentials—it’s also an opportunity to add items that make life more enjoyable or support your hobbies.
For the Kitchen Enthusiast
- An espresso machine or pour-over coffee set
- A stand mixer for baking adventures
- Specialty appliances like an air fryer or sous vide cooker
For the Adventurer
- Luggage sets or packing cubes
- A portable cooler for picnics and road trips
- Camping gear if you love the outdoors
For the Homebodies
- Cozy throws and blankets
- A projector for movie nights at home
- Board games or puzzles for downtime
For the Entertainers
- Outdoor furniture or a fire pit
- A karaoke machine for fun gatherings
- Personalized glassware for hosting
Step Four: Add Experiences
Some of the best gifts aren’t things—they’re experiences. Many couples are now including non-traditional items on their registries, like contributions to your honeymoon fund, a cooking class, and giftcards to your favorite restaurants or stores.
A Few Pro Tips:
- Create Variety: Make sure your registry has items at a range of price points so guests can choose something that fits their budget. Including affordable options alongside splurge-worthy items ensures everyone feels comfortable contributing.
- Make it Personal: While it’s important to include practical items, don’t shy away from adding a few things that are purely for fun or sentimental value, like art, monogrammed decor or journals.
Just remember your wedding registry is more than a wishlist – it’s a reflection of the home that you and your partner are going to build together! Take the time to create a thoughtful list!
Happy registering!
