The Container StoreStorage for every budget, style, and space
Bed Bath & BeyondDesigner brands & home goods at the lowest prices online
Kirkland’sHome decor and uniquely distinctive gifts
A wedding registry is a curated list of desired gifts that couples create to share with guests, typically including household items across various price ranges and categories. Creating your registry can be a fun bonding experience for you and your partner. Keep it from becoming a chore with a little advanced planning. Outline categories that you'll need to fill and then zero in on items you both want the most. This way, it's easy to create a useful wedding registry with a variety of price ranges.
Worried about forgetting to include important items on your list? The secret to creating a robust wedding registry is to go room by room in your home and write down items you need or need to replace. Don't forget about bathrooms, closets, and other often-overlooked areas of your living spaces. Also, make sure to take stock of all the activities you and your partner enjoy to add a little more personality to your list. While there are no hard and fast rules, it's good to include a mixture of must-haves like table linens and bedding as well as fun gifts like espresso makers and keepsakes.
Quick Answer: Kitchen essentials include a quality cookware set, 12+ place settings of dinnerware, matching flatware and glassware, and versatile small appliances like a blender and toaster.
You use your kitchen almost every day. Whether you’re cooking fancy meals or just grabbing a quick bowl of cereal, you’ll find that it really is the heart of your home. While flatware and dinnerware with matching serving dishes are classic choices for your registry, the list of useful kitchen items doesn’t stop there. Consider requesting fancy for hosting and regular items for everyday use.
Since most of us can’t live on takeout, you’ll want to invest in some quality cookware and bakeware that can stand up to everyday use. Prioritize the basics such as a couple of good frying pans and sauce pans, at least one large pot, and a baking sheets. It’s easy to find sets with all of the basics you’ll need in the kitchen. You can then begin adding more specialty items to your list.
Smaller kitchen tools like spatulas, cookie scoops, cheese graters, measuring cups and mixing spoons (and the list goes on), are important parts of any well-stocked kitchen. These useful items are also affordable, which will make it easier for your guests to provide you with a thoughtful gift without breaking the bank.
Small appliances are some of the most important convenience items for your home. From microwaves and toasters to blenders and stand mixers, these important items make it easy to prep your favorite foods. Even if one or both of you already has some of these items, it may be a good time for an upgrade that belongs to both of you.
Quick Answer: Living room registry items include decorative pieces like throw pillows, area rugs, candles, picture frames, and small furniture like end tables and ottomans.
Though the big pieces for your living room (like the sofa and arm chairs) aren’t typically included on a wedding registry, there are many smaller items that you may want to request to complete your space. Decorative pieces like candles and candle holders, wall mirrors, picture frames, wall clocks, area rugs, and throw pillows are all items that add those comfortable touches that really create a home. Small pieces of furniture like end tables and ottomans are convenience pieces that can also find a place on your registry.
Bare walls and liminal spaces like hallways and stairwells can often go neglected, making your new home feel a little empty and cold. Add decorative pieces to your registry such as wall décor and framed art to fill out those spaces. A runner rug down your hallway or picture frames for a gallery display can also make a huge difference in your space, adding more warmth and personality.
Fine China is a wedding gift staple for a reason. If you plan to entertain guests on a regular basis, you might want to consider adding an elegant dinnerware set to your registry. If traditional patterns aren’t your thing, there are still a variety of simple and modern designs that will fit your aesthetic. Just make sure that you are requesting a set with everything you need, such as dinner plates, salad plates, desert plates, bowls, and saucers. Recommended quantity: 12+ place settings to accommodate dinner parties and holiday gatherings.
Don't forget about glassware when filling out your wedding registry. Drinking glasses, wine glasses, beer mugs, and cocktail glasses are among the most popular types of glassware for your wedding registry. When life gives you cause for celebration, a set of matching champagne flutes will come in handy. Along with ice buckets and wine decanters, these items are definitely in the nice-to-have category.
If you plan to spend plenty of time relaxing and entertaining in your back yard, you may want to add a few outdoor accessories to your registry. This could include outdoor cushions or area rugs, a patio umbrella, or even a fire pit. It can also include items to care for and beautify your yard such as garden décor, decorative patio lighting, and tools like lawn mowers.
Though there are exceptions, bare windows are usually not a good look. Nor do they offer a lot of privacy. So, unless you’re moving into a secluded mountain lodge with amazing 360-degree views, chances are you’re going to need a few curtains. Curtains not only add style to your space, they also allow you to control the ambient light that enters any room, making them a vital part of any home. Curtains, curtain rods, valances, and scarves in colors and patterns that match your décor are perfect for your registry.
Both functional and stylish, floor lamps and table lamps make great additions to your wedding registry. Many homes come with little to no overhead lighting, so floor lamps will keep your space bright. Task lamps and table lamps will help create reading spaces, work spaces, and crafting spaces, so you may want to include a couple in your registry.
Quick Answer: Travel essentials include a matching luggage set, carry-on bags, and accessories like packing organizers, luggage tags, and travel pillows.I
f you and your partner love to travel, luggage sets can help you get to your destinations in style. Carry-on luggage, storage trunks, and duffle bags are among the most popular options for individual wedding registry entries.
Travel accessories can provide added security and greater comfort for you and your partner. These include low-cost luggage tags, suitcase organizers, and security bags to keep your valuables safe from damage and theft when you travel domestically or abroad. Travel pillows are another practical addition to your wedding registry and can be perfect for your “nice to have” list.
Quick Answer: Bedroom essentials include 3 sheet sets per bed, 2-3 comforter sets for different seasons, underbed storage containers, and quality pillows.
Comforter sets are an affordable gift option for most guests. Choose two or three bedding sets in colors and patterns that match your tastes and décor. Having an “all season” bedding set will probably set you up for most of the year. But it’s always a good idea to have a heavier bedding set for winter and a lighter bedding set for summer, especially if you live in an area with extreme temperatures.
Don’t forget the other bedding necessities: sheet sets. Recommended quantity: 3 sets of quality bed sheets per bed so it's easy to refresh your bed without having to wait for the laundry to be done. Not all sheets are built the same. If you have questions about the best kind for you, feel free to check out our Bed Sheet Fabrics post.
Quick Answer: Storage essentials include closet organizers, underbed storage containers, shoe racks, and over-the-door organizers to maximize limited space.
Closet storage solutions can include storage bins, shoe racks, and hanging organizers to help you make the most of limited space. These gift options can reduce clutter to allow you to streamline some aspects of your life together after your wedding.
If you are living in relatively close quarters, underbed storage is a practical must-have addition to your wedding registry. These boxes and bags can hold infrequently used items until you need them again. Best of all, they maximize the amount of floor space available in your home. This can assist you in decluttering your bedroom and your entire home.
Another way to make the best use of your limited storage space is through over-the-door organizers. These innovative storage solutions can hold shoes, pantry essentials, and other necessities to keep them close at hand and out of the way.
Quick Answer: Bathroom essentials include 3 towel sets per person plus 4 for guests, plush bathrobes, a quality bath mat, and optional luxuries like towel warmers.
Bath towel sets are an affordable addition to your wedding registry that can deliver real comfort for you and your partner. Whether you opt for luxurious Egyptian cotton or basic terrycloth towels in your chosen color scheme, towels are a practical gift that you will use for many years to come. Recommended quantity: 3 towel sets per person plus 4 extra for guests. Never underestimate the importance of a fresh towel.
Fluffy robes and slippers are affordable yet luxurious gifts that you and your partner will enjoy well into the future. As newlyweds, you will appreciate the warmth and absorbency of these must-haves on chilly winter mornings.
For even greater comfort, consider adding towel warmers to your list of nice-to-have items on your registry. These thoughtful gifts can make getting out of the shower almost as pleasant as the shower itself.
Smart home solutions are a part of everyday life for most couples. These include smart thermostats, networking and Wi-Fi solutions, smart lighting, and even smart appliances. Automated security systems may include smart doorbells to help you keep an eye on things when you’re away from home, or streaming devices to keep you entertained when you’re at home together.
If you and your partner are combining households and pets, remember to include your four-legged companions in your wedding registry. Dog beds in the appropriate sizes can allow each canine in your care to feel right at home in new surroundings. Kennels and dog houses, and dog training items can also make the transition easier for you, your partner, and your dogs.
Cat trees and scratching posts can help your cat feel more comfortable in your home. Along with toys and other special treats, adding cat supplies to your wedding registry will ensure that there is a gift for just about any budget.
Whether you and your partner are avid swimmers, interested in camping, or just love to hike, your wedding registry can reflect these interests and hobbies. Beach and swimming pool accessories are great gifts for couples who love to lounge on the shore or swim a few laps at the pool. Beach chairs and floats can make any afternoon at the pool more exciting.
Camping equipment can include tents and shelters, coolers and camp kitchen equipment, and lanterns designed to light up even the darkest night in the woods. Backpacks, water bottles, and hiking poles are also useful for regular hiking, making them ideal hobby items to add to your wedding registry.
Fitness and wellness equipment can help you and your partner to stay healthy now and for many years into the future. Health monitoring technologies, elliptical exercise equipment, and weights and kettlebells are ideal accessories for your exercise regimen and can be great additions to your registry for wedding gifts. Yoga mats are another affordable option that can allow you to enjoy the benefits of this ancient practice in your own home.
If you and your partner prefer to relax at home, massage therapies and spa accessories are ideally suited for addition to your wedding registry. Luxurious robes, massage chairs, and foot spa devices can allow you to create your own spa at home. Aromatherapy options range from inexpensive essential oils to ornate diffusers that can provide healing scents for your entire home.
If you do some of your work from home, organizing your personal office space can make this process simpler for you and your partner. Lap desks and pillow pads for laptops can allow you to work more comfortably.
Home office lighting can make a big difference in your productivity. Adding floor lamps, table lamps, or desk lamps to your wedding registry can ensure that affordable choices are available for those on your guest list.
Your hobbies or frequent activities can also inspire entries on your wedding registry. Gaming chairs, golf bags, and items celebrating your favorite sports teams are all possible gift options that reflect the interests of you and your partner.
Registry by Budget
Planning your registry with different price points ensures all guests can participate comfortably:
What do you put on your wedding registry if you already have everything you need?
Focus on upgrades, experiences, and charitable donations. If you are fortunate enough to have all the basics in place for your new lives together, you can add a few luxuries to your wedding gift registry. These can include kitchen gadgets or items related to your interests and hobbies. Another practical idea is to request items for donation to local charitable groups that you and your partner support. Finally, experiences are available from select wedding registries for couples who already have everything they need.
How many items should you put on your wedding registry?
Aim for approximately 2 items per guest invited. Most wedding experts recommend that you include two gifts on your wedding registry for every person on your guest list, which will allow each of your guests to choose a gift in a price range that works for them. This strategy also provides enough variety to help guests select something that you want and they are excited to give.
How soon should you start your wedding registry?
Start 6-8 months before your wedding and finalize 2-3 months before the event. You should complete your wedding registry between four and six months before your wedding day. You can continue to edit and update your registry until a few weeks after your wedding to accommodate late gifts from guests who couldn't make it to the wedding.
Should you include your wedding registries on the wedding invitation?
No, include registry information on your wedding website instead. Wedding etiquette professionals agree that including your registry information on your official wedding invitation is inappropriate. Instead, you can create a wedding website and direct your guests to it with a small card insert alongside your wedding invitation. Your wedding registry information should appear on the website, which can make it even easier for your guests to access this information.
What price range is appropriate for wedding registry gifts?
Include items ranging from under $25 to $150+ to accommodate all budgets. Your wedding registry should include both affordable and pricier gifts. Maintaining a balance between more expensive gifts that a large group will contribute to, and budget-friendly gifts that individual guests can give will make the best impression on those invited to your wedding. Your guests will appreciate the flexibility.
How often should I update my wedding registry?
Update weekly, removing claimed items and adding new options at various price points. Depending on the number of guests and how soon your wedding date is, you should update your gift registries on a weekly basis. This includes removing gifts already claimed and received and adding gifts at all price points to ensure the best selection for your guests.
Are any items off-limits for my wedding registry?
Avoid overly intimate items or anything that might offend guests. Items that are too intimate in nature or those that might offend some of your guests are not suitable for inclusion on your wedding registry. Instead, you can ask for gift cards to purchase these items privately or omit them altogether.
Is it okay to return wedding gifts?
Yes, you can return items that don't fit your needs or style. You can return items that are the wrong size or that are not in the style preferred by you and your partner with or without permission from the gift-giver. It's especially easy when the items are from the registry.
Still compiling the ultimate wedding checklist? Check out our range of options, from gift cards to practical items that you and your partner can use. We make it easy to add items to your registry and to share your preferences with everyone on your guest list.
