What Should You Ask For On A Wedding Registry?

There’s no doubt about it – registry shopping is super exciting and so much fun that you can easily lose track of time while you’re doing it.

As you and your significant other go forth and conquer the retail world to select what you’d like to start your new lives together, there are some things that you can’t go without.

Of course, there are some things that you may not actually need like things monogrammed “His” and “Hers” towel sets.

Sure, they’re cute on the shelf, but unless they’re the only towels you have, they’re going to sit on your shelf forever.

So how do you know what to register for weddings?

Your Guide for What to Register for Weddings

Your wedding is special and unique to you, but you’re going to do even better if you take the time to really think about what you need for your wedding. With that in mind, here is a guide to the must-haves that every new couple needs to have in their wedding registry.

Pots and Pans

It might seem a little obvious, but you’re going to want an extra sturdy set of pots and pans once you settle into your new life with a partner. Opt for stainless steel because they’re usually easier to clean, and they tend to last longer than any other type of finish.

A Coffee Maker

Yep, you’re going to want a coffee maker, but make sure it’s a good one that can do more than just brew your typical cup of joe. Instead, choose a coffee maker that has optional functions like making espresso, or a latte is that’s more your thing.

A Stand Mixer

You may think to yourself that having a stand mixer seems so old-fashioned, but you would be surprised just how much it comes in handy if you have one. You can do everything from kneading bread dough to making pasta with a stand mixer. Even if you’re not the Susie Homemaker type, you might amaze yourself with what you can do if you have one of these.

A Cast Iron Skillet

There will be times that you might want to hit your significant other over the head with a frying pan, but don’t do that. Others will frown upon that and chances are that you would regret it, too. Even still a cast iron frying pan or skillet is a wonderful thing to add to your registry and can quickly become one of your best-loved kitchen items once you experience its versatility.

Set of Quality Knives

Every kitchen needs to have a quality set of knives that will stand up to chopping, cutting, dicing, and whatever else you need them to do. When you go out looking, make sure you opt for knives that have a stainless steel blade that include a chef’s knife, a bread knife, and a paring knife at a minimum. You can do a lot with just those three if you don’t want a complete set that includes a utility knife and steak knives, too.

A Set of Dishes

Register for a few sets of dishes that all fit the same pattern that draws you in. It’s important, especially if you plan on expanding beyond you and your fiancé into a full-fledged family with children. You’ll want dishes that will stand the test of time, so even if the bone china looks pretty, you’d probably be better off with a set from Fiestaware or Corelle.

More Than Just the Traditional Registry Items

So you’ve got your registry list going, but you’re looking around thinking that you already have things like a toaster. There’s no point in registering for one of those.

You may also already have a decent set of tableware, so that’s not your jam either.

Now, what should you put on your registry?

1. A Huge Cutting Board

It might sound odd, but a huge cutting board is a good thing to have. There are plenty of reasons for having one in your kitchen, too. You might need lots of cutting space or maybe a board to carve a ham on. A standard board won’t cut it, so you’re going to want to have at least one of these in your arsenal.

2. Multiple Sets of Nice Sheets

This might sound like a no-brainer, but you’re going to want a nice one that you’re actually using and another one to act as a backup for when the first one is in the wash. You may also want to consider getting a third set to put on a guest bed if you think you’ll have a guest bedroom, too.

3. Stuff for the Yard

If you’re going to be living in a traditional house, don’t forget to add yard gear to your registry list. That means things like a lawnmower or a weedwhacker. They would all come in handy to keep your yard looking decent unless you plan on hiring someone to take care of it for you.

4. Items that Fit Your Hobbies

Do you and your loved one enjoy camping? What about being outdoors? Maybe you’re both movie buffs. Put fun things that will enable you to enjoy your hobbies together on your wedding registry. If you both love kayaking, put things like dry bags or maybe PFDs on your list. You know you’ll use it if you love what you’re doing.

5. Extra Storage

When you get married, not only do you have stuff before you tie the knot but so does your significant other. Sure, you’ll downsize some as you combine households, but you’ll also get some new stuff courtesy of your registry.

Don’t forget to add storage solutions to your registry items, so you have some place to store all of it. As an example, for yard stuff, you could add a small shed to hold your things when they’re not in use.

Things to Avoid on Your Registry

The reality is that there are new, shiny things that you’re going to want to add to your registry that you’re probably never going to use. Here are a few things that you may want to avoid if you can’t come up with a good reason to add them.

1. Extra Pots and Pans

Just because they coordinate with the set that you’re looking at doesn’t mean that you need them. Unless you’re a gourmet chef, you’re probably going to find that you prefer a few pans over all the rest, so don’t overstock what you won’t use. It will just take up space.

2. Useless Gadgets

If you’ll never use a zester, don’t bother putting it on the list. Likewise, for a pizza cutter, especially if you have a good knife or quality kitchen scissors. Consider the items that you’re adding to your list and if you can’t think of a good reason to need it or use it, then don’t add it.

3. Space Hogging Appliances

You may walk through with your scanner and see a bread machine sitting on the shelf. You think that making fresh bread sounds great but think about it. Unless you make bread all the time, you’re probably not going to use it much, which means it will take up a ton of cabinet or counter space. Unless you use it frequently, it’s not really a good thing to add to your list.

Deciding on What to Register for Weddings

It’s tough to decide on what you want to add to your wedding registry because you see everything and it all looks like it might be something worth adding.

Think about whether or not you’ll be using it in ten years or if it will sit on a shelf in the back of a cabinet and go unnoticed until you’ve decided to gather things for donation. If it will likely end up in a Goodwill donation bin, then don’t add it to your list.

If you think you’ll use it for years to come, by all means, add it.

Don’t be afraid to be creative either, because while you and your significant other will appreciate the generosity of your friends and family, they will love knowing that you like what they give you.