What to Put on a Registry: Wedding Gifts & the Must-Haves

5 Expert Tips for What to Put on a Registry: Wedding Gifts & More Ideas

Even so, your guests are still likely looking for ideas as to what to get you and your partner, so creating a wedding registry is still an important part of wedding planning. If you’re unsure what to put on a registry wedding list, here are some expert ideas from wedding planner Rachel Willis to get your creative juices flowing.

1. Focus on Wedding Registry Items That Are True Upgrades

You may already have all the home décor must-haves and practical items for everyday use in your abode. So you probably don’t need well-meaning guests filling up your new life with a slew of baking sheets and measuring cups. You also probably already own a dishwasher-safe casserole dish that you like just fine, and a stainless steel cookware set that serves you well.

However, are there certain popular wedding registry items that you want to upgrade? If so, look at your wedding registry as an opportunity to take your home from “fine” and “completely serviceable” to a whole new level.

Ask for the chef’s knife and Dutch oven that are way outside of your normal price range. Or, upgrade your home décor and finally get some truly well-constructed pieces to replace that dining table and set of shelves you bought from IKEA.

If you begin really looking around your home, you can likely find several areas where you can make upgrades via your wedding wish list, even if you technically have “everything you need.”

2. Consider Wedding Registry Ideas That Are Non-Essentials

While many top wedding registry items focus on the essentials you and your future spouse may need in the years to come, if you already have them all and don’t want to upgrade them, consider things to put on a wedding registry that are fun non-essentials.

Think of the little home items that you know you’ll use only once in a blue moon — those that look fun but you have no practical use for. Or, the items you’ve avoided buying because you don’t know if you’ll love them or if they’ll gather dust in the closet. Use your wedding registry to treat yourself to these nice-to-haves.

Examples may include a pasta maker or an air fryer for the kitchen, an espresso machine if you’re both coffee fiends, or fancy wine glasses for the biannual dinner parties you throw. You may find that you use and love these non-essentials way more than you expected.

Still, Willis says, “While it’s fun to have non-essential items, those listed should still serve a purpose over time, such as a nice China set.”

3. Go for Affordable Practicalities

Every good wedding registry should include gift-giving options across multiple categories and at a range of price points.

That includes practical items that seem too affordable or too boring and mundane to be a wedding gift — for example, a salad spinner, pepper mill, immersion blender, or coffee table coasters.

If you need them and just haven’t gotten around to buying them, you still need them, even if they are less than titillating. And someone on your guest list may just breathe easier at seeing a budget-friendly item to give you.

4. Choose Experiences Rather Than Traditional Wrapped Gifts

As you get bogged down in deciding between adding a slow cooker or cast iron skillet (or both) to your wedding registry, don’t forget that some of the best wedding registry gifts aren’t items, but experiences.

Ask for an Airbnb gift card or an airline gift card. Ask for a membership to your favorite local attraction, whether that’s a museum you both love or a nearby theme park. If you’re an engaged couple that would really appreciate a gift card to a local coffee shop or restaurant, it’s absolutely okay to request that kind of gift on your registry.

 Willis says she’s seen some couples choose charity donations in place of a traditional registry as well. “This is also an alternative option if the couple thinks they already have everything they need,” says the planner.

5. Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Cash Funds

Some people may think that, out of all the items to put on wedding registry lists, it’s tacky to ask for cash. However, cash can be one of the best registry gifts, particularly for couples who are paying for their own wedding or want to use the money to help cover the honeymoon cost.

One option Willis likes is Birdie, which offers a cash fund service at no additional fee. “This registry could be called a ‘New Life Fund’ or ‘Honeymoon Fund,’” she says. “The money can be used for date nights, home renovations, or wherever it is needed in the future.” She adds, “Gift cards can help a couple transition, too, especially after a significant trip, such as a honeymoon. For example, DoorDash gift cards can be great if a couple doesn’t have groceries after being away for some time.”

More Thoughts to Consider When Deciding What to Put on Your Wedding Registry

Now that you’re getting a few wedding registry ideas that may be great for you and your partner, consider the following when you assemble your list.

• As mentioned, when considering what to put on wedding registrygift lists, always choose a mix of items and price points.
• Expand your idea of what the best wedding registry items can be. You’re not limited to a stand mixer or entertaining pieces. Look for ideas on Pinterest and other sites, and choose items that truly make sense for your lifestyle. One of the biggest mistakes couples make, says Willis, is “not having a clear vision.” She suggests, “Couples need a game plan before planning their registry.”
• As you create the registry, consider your and your fiancé’s style and preferences rather than choosing items that you “should” choose. For example, if you’re picking out glassware, you might want something fun and funky to display on an open shelf rather than the standard plain glassware; if you’re picking out a picnic basket for hiking trips, you might pick a tear- and water-resistant option rather than a typical picnic basket.
• Remember, timing is key for creating and announcing your registry. “I recommend distributing it with the save-the-date invitations,” says Willis. This should be four to eight months before the wedding.”

As a final thought, it’s good to remember that wedding registries are curated collections of gifts that mark the most special occasion in many couples’ lives. So, as you consider things to put on a wedding registry, keep your likes, dislikes, preferences, and needs front and center.

What to Put on Your Wedding Registry FAQs

What Are the Best Wedding Registry Items?

Whatever you want! With so many couples already having an established house before getting married, many are opting out of filling registries with homewares and kitchenware. Instead, they ask for little luxuries, upgrades, nice-to-haves, experiences, and even cash and gift cards.

What Should You Not Include on Your Wedding Registry?

Avoid putting items on your wedding registry that may seem extravagantly expensive, or gifts that only one of you wants, or may be of an intimate nature.

How Many Items Need to Be on Your Wedding Registry?

You want your guests to have many options, so aim to include at least two possible wedding registry gifts for every attendee. If  your guest list is 75 people, you’d want at least 150 items on the registry.

When Should You Create Your Wedding Registry?

Start thinking about your wedding registry as soon as you have a wedding date and as you begin searching for a venue. Plan to finalize the list no later than four months before your wedding.

How Do You Inform Guests of Your Wedding Registry?

Include links to your wedding registry on your wedding website and include the info within your invitation suite.

Protect Your Wedding with Wedding Insurance from BriteCo

Weddings can be so much fun, including the most enjoyable parts like creating a gift registry. But there are more practical aspects of planning your big day to consider. Such as wedding insurance that will protect your financial investments — and all those gifts — in case the unexpected happens.

Learn more and get your free wedding insurance quote from BriteCo now.

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