Life
9 Wedding Registry Tips To Remember, Because Creating The Perfect List Can Be Surprisingly Stressful
One of the best parts about getting married (aside from spending the rest of your life with your one and only) is the gifts from guests, but discovering how to create the perfect wedding registry can be surprisingly stressful. Even if you're already established in your home and don't need a lot of the basics, there are still plenty of ways guests can contribute toward your new life together. From big-ticket items like sofas and mattresses to contribution-based gifts for your honeymoon or fun activities, the options are endless.
On the flip side, if you're still using those scratched-up plastic cups from college and that $20 set of flatware from Target you got for your first apartment, now is the time to upgrade. With a little planning and some research, compiling a registry can be one of the most enjoyable parts about the wedding planning process. Keep reading for steps on how to create the perfect wedding registry for your married life!
Image: Gabriella Dinnerware/PotteryBarn.com
Think About What You Already Have
Do your best to avoid the inevitable fate of all registries: Multiples. When I got married, I didn’t even register for a waffle maker and somehow I ended up with three! Go through your kitchen and survey what you already have plenty of or what you want to replace. This is a great time to upgrade any standard kitchen appliances you already have to the real deal, like a KitchenAid Mixer or a high-quality slow cooker.
Image: Rediscovered Flatware/Anthropologie.com
Talk To Your Family
Make sure to talk to your families about any special heirlooms they may be planning to hand down. This way you won’t end up with multiple sets of expensive silverware or copious amounts of china when you could have gotten something else.
Image: BeadzNBling/Etsy.com
Look At Your Online Registry Options
There are plenty of ways you can organize your registry online, whether you want to just register at each individual store or create one master registry list with a service like myregistry.com or zola.com.
Image: Zola.com
Don't Be Afraid To Take Risks With Your Choices
Everyone always says your registry is when you should get timeless basics that will last you for decades. While that’s definitely true for the majority of your registry, don’t be afraid to go for that bold floral plate set or those colorful martini glasses you’ve been eyeing. This is the time to splurge on pieces that speak to your personal style.
Image: Nature Table Dessert Plate/Anthropologie.com
Make Sure It's Not All About The Kitchen
This is especially important if you’re already set with entertaining essentials and dinnerware. Consider the other spaces in your home that could use a refresh (or still need the basics!), like bathroom toiletry sets, towels, sheet sets, and comforters.
Image: Avanti Bath Towels/Macys.com
Consider Adding Some Big-Ticket Items
Whether you need basic furniture for your new home or simply can’t stand the 15-year-old, hand-me-down mattress you’ve been using, this is the time to invest in big pieces with the help of family and friends. Guests will often pool their money together to get you a big ticket item you’ve always wanted, and some registry sites let guests contribute a certain amount towards a gift or activity.
Image: Peggy Mid-Century Sofa/Westelm.com
Add Some Gift Options That Reflect Your Style
Guests enjoy picking out gifts from a registry that they know reflect your lifestyle and tastes. Think outside the home and add options that match what you love to do as a couple, from camping gear for your regular outdoorsy trips or a luxe suitcase set for future travels.
Don't Forget Your Partner's Wish List
If you’re the one who does all the decorating, cooking, and entertaining, it can be easy for your fiancé to feel a little left out. Make sure to include your future spouse in the process and have a few items on the registry that appeal to him or her–whether it’s a fancy Vitamix blender for morning smoothies or a nice grill for barbecuing outside.
Image: Portable LB Gas Grill/WilliamsSonoma.com
Decide What You Want To Splurge On
Creating a registry is all about balance. You need to have a mix of price points that appeal to all of your guests’ budgets. This means taking a look at what you think is worth spending on. If you’re an avid cook, then a high-quality pan set is a great option. But if baking is more your scene, then consider a mid-range cookware set so you can splurge on baking essentials, like a nice mixer or specialty baking pans.
Image: Le Creuset Round Cream French Oven/Crateandbarrel.com
