7 Things You’ll Definitely Want on Your Gift Registry
Just as weddings are becoming more personalized to each couple, gift registries are, too. When it comes down to it, you’re really free to register for whatever you want.
However, some couples might need a little guidance to figure out exactly what they may want or need. Your guests also will likely want some direction on what to get, too. Here are seven items the majority of couples are going to want to at least consider putting on their registry.
1) Pots and Pans
You cannot go wrong with a decent set of pots and pans. Even if neither of you are huge cooking buffs you’re going to have to eat so you might as well get the equipment that makes meal preparation as easy as possible.
Take some time to research what kind of pots and pans are right for you. Aluminum is an excellent heat conductor and a popular choice. Copper is used by many professional chefs and tends to be a bit pricier, but may be worth it. Stainless steel will hold up over time and is fairly lightweight. Cast iron is much heavier but retains heat incredibly well.
Some specific pots and pans you may want to register for: saucepans, skillets, an omelet pan, a roasting pan, and a Dutch oven.
2) Knives
If nothing else, you’ll likely want to register for a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife. A chef’s knife is key for any basic meal preparation. A paring knife has a slightly curved blade and is smaller and easier to handle for detailed tasks, like peeling and chopping vegetables. A serrated knife has many “teeth” on it and is used to cut items with a hard exterior and soft interior, like bread.
An overall decent set of knives can go a long way in the kitchen. Cutco is a reputable brand. And don’t forget a knife block!
3) Bathroom Linens
Don’t neglect the bathroom in your registry! You’ll want to look at items like bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, bath mats, and shower curtains. The towels don’t necessarily have to all match each other exactly, but maybe choose complimenting colors.
Always wanted those adorable His and Hers towels? Go for it. Hate that kind of cutesy stuff? Skip it. Above all, remember to register for what you really want or really need.
4) Kitchen Equipment
This is a vast category where you could easily go out of control. Take some time to consider exactly what you’re looking for – do you really need a fondue set? – and how much room you actually have in your kitchen.
Some items to ponder over: stand mixer, coffeemaker, blender, juicer, mandolin, panini maker, ice cream maker, rice cooker, and a pressure cooker. You’ll want a wide variety of prices on your registry, so don’t forget smaller ticket items too: wooden spoons, cutting boards, colander, pizza stone, cheese grater, garlic press, etc.
5) Bed Linens
The right bed linens can do wonders for a great night’s sleep. Keep in mind that thread count isn’t as solid of an indication of quality as it used to be – go for material instead. The best is probably 100% Egyptian cotton, which is also the priciest. Pima cotton is also a good choice as it’s softer and more durable than other types of cotton.
You might want to register for: fitted sheets, flat sheets, pillowcases, pillows, comforter, blankets, mattress pad, and a bed skirt.
6) Dinnerware & Flatware/Cutlery
We’re not talking about fine china here (although of course register for that if it’s what you’re craving in your life!) but rather, those plates and bowls you use virtually every single day. Perhaps you and your fiancé currently have a mishmash of dinner plates and so forth that you both brought into the relationship – consider an upgrade now.
You’ll need: dinner plates, salad plates, cups, mugs, cereal bowls, platters, and serving dishes. And also: dinner forks, salad forks, dinner knives, teaspoons, and salad servers.
7) Barware & Wine Accessories
Entertain guests in style with an impressive set of barware. Bonus: a lot of people really seem to enjoy buying wine glasses as gifts, for weddings or otherwise. Now is your chance to get everything you need to have a really great party or gettogether.
Check out: wine glasses, martini glasses, cocktail shakers, ice bucket and tongs, margarita pitcher, wine bucket, wine bottle holder, and wine aerators.
Bonus Tips
Regardless of what you decide on for your registry, register at two or three different places and have the items span a wide variety of prices. Check on your registry periodically to ensure a good range is still available for guests to choose from.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and register at a home improvement store, a wine shop, or an electronics store.
Also don’t be afraid to register for stuff you already have. You can always trade up and get rid of things later.
Include your fiancé in this process. This might be a chance to learn particularities about each other, and it might be one of the first times you’ll need to start compromising – something you’re likely to do a lot of in marriage!
Register for a lot of stuff. As in, about two to three times the number of guests you’ve invited.
Keep track of gifts so you’ll be able to thank the right people later. And this might go without saying, but do be diligent with the thank you notes, regardless of who’s given you what, if they went rogue and bought off the registry, and so forth. Be gracious and thankful for any gift someone has taken the time to give you.