A chance to put together a list of things you’d love to own—and then get gifted those items? Ahhh-mazing! Putting together a wedding registry is a ton of fun.
Yet, as tempting as it may be to treat it as a free-for-all-all, it’s important to approach your wedding registry with a little forethought.
We’re sharing everything we know about creating the perfect wedding registry, complete with items you’ll cherish—and actually use.
Take Stock of What You Need
Okay, real talk. If you and your fiancée don’t drink coffee, you don’t need an espresso machine that costs $400, no matter how slick you think it’ll look displayed on the countertop.
The main idea when rounding up items for your registry is to think about things you need and things you’ll actually use. Items that support your lifestyle that you’d love to include in your home.
For example, if you love spending time outdoors sipping coffee in the morning or a glass of wine at night, why not add a nice patio set to your list?
Your fiancée loves to grill and smoke tri-tip? Add one of those snazzy egg-shaped BBQ smoker combos to the list.
Go through each room of the house, and if there’s something missing or something you’d love to replace, add that to your registry.
As you create your list, be ready for your fantasy self to appear—you know, that self that has visions of you becoming Joanna Gaines overnight even though you work a full-time job and can barely muster the energy to brush your teeth after a jam-packed day.
While a little fantasy is fine, try to be as realistic as possible. The last thing you need is to end up with cupboards crammed with fancy kitchen gadgets that never see the light of day.
Avoid Trends
A lot of people get so swept up in chasing trends that they never actually develop their own taste. Instead, they spend a lifetime trying to keep up, getting lost in a cycle of constantly replacing their latest trendy items as soon as the hot new one appears on the market.
This is wasteful—it wastes material resources and financial ones too—money that would make a much better impact if it were invested.
When adding to your registry, look for timeless pieces—things that bring you joy—never mind if they’re trendy or not. Choose higher quality long-lasting items whenever you can.
The last thing you want to do is clutter up your space with cheap trinkets or things that end up buried in cupboards for decades, then sold for pennies at a garage sale long after the kids have left for college and you’re ready to downsize.
Include a Variety of Price Points
Choose low to mid-range priced items and a few splurges—because why not?
This gives everyone a chance to give you something special on your wedding day.
You can also encourage people to pool their resources and go in on a higher-priced item together.
Your bridesmaids for example—they’d probably love to get together and buy you that hot tub you’ve been eyeing. Especially if you invite them over to enjoy its warmth during those chilly winter months as snow falls softly around you…
Revisit and Update the Registry Regularly
Check the registry regularly. Update as needed to add additional mid-range priced items to the list if the ones you had are now all purchased.
Make sure there are more items on your registry than there are guests invited to the wedding.
Registry Alternatives
For those who already have everything they need, or would rather thrift their household items instead, here are some registry alternatives worthy of consideration.
Why not have a travel fund that guests contribute to, and use it to gallivant around the world on an epic honeymoon?
Or maybe, you have something else you’d love to put money towards, such as a down payment on a house.
For those altruistic types—if there’s a cause or charity you’re particularly passionate about, have guests contribute to that instead of purchasing wedding gifts.
Conclusion:
One of the coolest parts about putting together a registry is that it provides a chance for you to start your new life as a married couple surrounded by presents you received from friends and loved ones.
As you use each of these items, you’ll be reminded of the person who gave it to you. That sentiment—coupled with the forethought you put into crafting the registry itself—will provide you with items and memories worthy of cherishing forever.
