One of the best inventions for couples getting married is the wedding registry. Some couples may be unsure what to put on a wedding registry, however. Not to worry – we’ve compiled a list of wedding registry ideas so you can come up with gifts!
A wedding registry is a place where you can list all of the gifts you would like to get at your wedding, and guests can choose from the list, guaranteeing that everyone will get you something you like.
However, you may be wondering why exactly you need a wedding registry if you feel that you have everything you need in the first place, or are just not sure what to put on it.
Thankfully, there are a lot of things you may need that you don’t even realize! Keep reading for a ton of wedding registry ideas.
Why Do I Need a Wedding Registry?
As stated above, a wedding registry is beneficial because it lets your guests know what you might want without the awkwardness of asking or of discussing budget.
It’s a happy compromise– they can choose to buy what they want to give you, and you can always get something you’re happy to have.
A wedding registry is also good because many have donation options in which several of your guests can chip in money to a large gift, like an expensive appliance or even savings to buy a home.
Even if it’s not something totally tangible, it can still be a meaningful gift given through a registry.
Putting Together Your Wedding Registry
Now that you’re ready to make your wedding registry, you may be looking for ideas about what to add. Below, we list a ton of ideas in different categories to help you put together a great wedding registry. There are plenty of places to register both online and in stores!
Personal Donations
You may be more interested in asking for personal donations than asking for items. Some things you may ask for personal donations for may be:
- Honeymoon costs
- Savings to buy a home
- Money to help renovate a home
- Donations for other personal reasons, like a recent medical condition
While it may feel awkward asking for this, your wedding guests just want to help you start your new lives together on a good foot, and all of these things can be helpful.
Charitable Donations
If you’re feeling really altruistic, you may ask your guests to donate to a charity or foundation you believe in. This is an idea that’s ever-growing in popularity, and will surely put a smile on anyone’s face.
If you’re unsure what kind of cause you’d like to ask your guests to donate to, maybe spend some time thinking about the causes and issues that really matter to you, or foundations and charities you’ve interacted with before.
You can do some more research on Charitynavigator.org.
Furniture Must-Haves
If you’re planning on moving or redecorating, think about adding some lovely furniture. Keep in mind that it may be possible to give small amounts to some of these larger costs, creating a sort of fund. Some essential furniture items are:
- A new couch
- Comfy chairs
- Coffee tables
- Entertainment center
- Dining room table or chairs
- Bed nightstands
- Wardrobe
- Vanity
- Desk
- Bookshelves
- Bar cart
- Outdoor lounge chairs
- Ottoman
- Lamps of all sizes
- Any other necessary storage
Fair warning, some people really judge others for putting expensive furniture on their wedding registry. This discussion forum from The Knot is pretty scathing! However, if these are things you really need, you can consider it.
Domestic Appliances
In a similar vein, you may need an upgrade on some of your standard appliances. While some of these may follow a similar rule about price, if you’re in desperate need, they might be worth registering:
- Washer/dryer
- Over
- Dishwasher
- Fridge
- Blender
- Microwave
- Toaster
- Toaster oven
- Air conditioning unit
- Television
- DVD Player
- Record Player
- Nice vacuum
Again, it’s important to keep in mind that you need to have a range of prices on your registry for your guests. Be sure to communicate your need for each of the more expensive items, so they can decide if they’d like to go in as a group or not!
Decor to Die For
One popular registry item is home decor, things like:
- Pillows and throws
- Linens
- Sheets
- Comforters
- Throw blankets
- Vases
- Pots and plants
- Trays and decorative bowls
- Frames
- Photographs
- Art pieces, like paintings and sculptures
- Candles and holders
- Jewelry storage
- Other decorative storage
- Bookends
- Fruit bowl
These are things that people love to give others and will help your guests get to know you a little bit better.
Pet Essentials
You may want to register items for your pet! This is a cute way to acknowledge your furry friend in your wedding and to represent how important they are to your marriage and relationship.
Some pet-related items may be:
- A nice cat or dog bed
- Any pet related furniture, like steps or ramps for old or disabled pets
- Cat tree or scratching post
- Crates or kennels
- Outdoor enclosures, like a doghouse
- Fancy cage and habitat accessories for pets like birds and reptiles
- A new aquarium set up
- Expensive feeders, like automatic ones
- Fancy litter boxes, like a litter robot
- Pet apparel
- Pet memorials if you just lost a furry friend before the wedding
While these things may not be all of your guest’s taste, some will really relish the opportunity to provide for your little one.
Honeymoon Hopes
As mentioned above, you may set up a fund for your honeymoon budget, raising money for a trip well after the wedding. However, you may also ask for other items, like:
- Nice luggage
- Good carry-on bags
- Collapsible totes
- Travel pillow
- A fancy camera
- Travel guidebooks
- Passport holder
- A specific experience, like a class or activity
By asking your guests for these things, keep in mind that you’ll have to show them a ton of photos. It’s worth it if you get to enjoy an amazing trip, though!
Renovation Station
You may also be doing renovations on your house. It may be helpful to ask for a pooled fundraiser for renovations, or you may want to ask for specific tools and items:
- Basic toolbox (hammers, pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches)
- Solid ladders
- Saws
- Demolition tools (sledgehammer, crowbar)
- Power tools (Cordless drill, sander, table saw)
- Lifting equipment
- Large dumpster
While these gifts may seem unconventional, they’ll be seriously helpful if you’re planning on some major home remodeling. There’s nothing wrong with going in on a fixer upper, as long as you’re properly prepared to fix it up!
Chef’s Corner
Kitchen appliances and items are really popular wedding gift items. A lot of people feel like it will be something that the couple will actually use, and something that may come back to them if they go over for dinner! Some great items are:
- Solid baking pans
- Casserole pan
- Good mixing bowls
- Stirring spoons
- Utensil set
- Knife set and block
- Nice food storage containers
- Serving platter
- Salad bowl
- Cheese board
- Pie dish
- Cake stand
- Nice dishes
- Food processor
- Stand mixer
- Kitchen scale
- Kitchen torch
- Set of saute pans
- Cast-iron skillet
- Pots
- Dutch oven
- Wine cooler
- Coffee or espresso maker
- Tea kettle
- Home brewing kit
- Pressure cooker
- Slow cooker
- Air fryer
- Grill or grilling equipment
- Juicer
- Drink carbonator
- Ice cream maker
- Popcorn machine
- Rice cooker
- Waffle maker
- Fondue kit
- Bread machine
- Pasta maker
- Mini pizza oven
As you can see, there are a ton of options for the avid chef.
Bride’s Picks
Though wedding gifts are meant to be for both members of the couple to share, you can sneak in a few of the bride’s picks, as long as the groom is cool with it:
- Hair dryer
- Curling iron
- Yoga mat
- Nice slippers
- Ring light
Technically, these are all things that the groom can use too, but as the bride, you might as well pop them on and see if anyone goes for it. Thankfully, things like a hair dryer and a nice pair of slippers are pretty affordable, as well!
Gifts for Groom
If the bride puts a few of her own personal picks on the registry, the groom will have to put a few of his own as well. Some things may be:
- Certain clothing items, like ties, pocket squares, cufflinks, and nice socks
- Nice slippers
- Tech kit
- Home golf putting kit
- Nice pint glasses
Again, any couple can all enjoy these things, but by adding a few personal picks, both members of the couple will feel a little extra special.
Entertaining Ideas
You may also want to ask for things that can be helpful if you’re planning on hosting a lot of guests post-wedding. Entertaining people is a lot of work, and asking for some assistance on that front is not only helpful, but it’s exciting for your guests, who you may have over to your home later on.
Some ideas are:
- Fancy mixology set
- Linen napkins
- Nice wine glasses
- Coasters
- Water carafe
- Tablecloths
- Movie projector
- Board games
- Video game consoles
- Outdoor games, like bocce sets, foosball tables, and croquet courts
- Outdoor dining, like tables
- Fire pit essentials
From dinner parties to game night, you’ll have everything you need to host all of your friends as a newly married couple.
Subscription Spouses
You may also want to ask for nice subscription services that can be bought over a year. Subscription services are a really hot thing lately, with every industry seemingly getting on board. Some services you may be interested in:
- Meal kits
- Interesting foods and drinks
- Book subscriptions
- Product boxes
- DIY subscriptions
- of-the-Month clubs
- Date night subscriptions
By giving a newly married couple a year’s long subscription to something like this, they’re sure to be in for a year of fun at a relatively affordable price for you.
Miscellaneous Items
Some other things you may like:
- Houseplant items
- Unique food experiences
- Hobby interests
- DIY kits
- Puzzles
- At-home fitness equipment
- Garden materials
- Lawn ornaments
Though these things may seem random or silly, there’s nothing wrong with bringing some of your own personality into the registry. A quirky registry is also a fun one!
What to Add If You Already Live Together
Some couples may feel concerned that they don’t need a registry or specific gifts because they already live together.
While it is true that wedding gifts from the past relied on the idea that the couple were building a new home, that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing you can ask your guests for. Check out our ideas above for something you may not have already!
Wedding Registry FAQs
Some common registry FAQs, answered.
What Should You Not Put On Your Wedding Registry?
Most things that go on a wedding registry should be shared by the couple (though there are some exceptions, see below). However, that means things like clothes, jewelry, and personal items like a phone or a wallet probably aren’t appropriate.
Are Wedding Registries Rude?
No! They’re helpful. It’s okay to ask for specific gifts for your big day, and your guests will be glad they don’t have to come up with ideas on their own.
How Many Things Should Be On Your Registry?
At least more than the number of people you’re inviting, so that each guest has the opportunity to grab a gift for you.
When Should You Make Your Wedding Registry?
According to our ideal wedding timeline, you should set up your registry at least eight months before your wedding, though keep in mind you may have to update it.
More About Your Wedding
Here at Yeah Weddings, we have everything you need for planning your dream wedding. From everything you need to know about wedding insurance to when to send wedding invitations, keep reading for everything you need to know about planning.
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