What is a wedding registry?

A wedding registry is a curated list of gifts that's created by the engaged couple and made available to the wedding guests prior to the event. Traditionally, wedding registries were specific to individual stores, but now there are more opportunities for the couple to combine multiple brands and gift options.

What should you put on a wedding registry?

Whether you are moving to a new house together or upgrading your old household items, a registry is a chance to set the tone for the life you want to create together. "Your new home and life should be surrounded by special pieces that bring excitement," event planner and registry expert Jung Lee advises.

The 34 Best Registry Items Every Couple Needs in 2021

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As far as the wedding planning process goes, there’s arguably no part that’s more enjoyable than registering for gifts. Unlike so many other elements, it’s pretty much guaranteed to be stress-free, not to mention that it can be done from the comfort of your own couch. It’s all the fun of online shopping, sans the ensuing credit card bill stress. What could be better?

This is the time and place to upgrade everyday basics and staples—sheets, pots, and pans, flatware—as well as hone your design aesthetic as a couple, as you choose items that reflect the vibe and feel of your marital home. But go ahead and think a little bit outside the box, too. Your registry is also the place to ask for fun one-offs you might not otherwise ever purchase yourself. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up our favorite products ranging from the classic to the unexpected—and everything in between.

Read on for the best wedding registry items.

Minted Ann Gardner Modern Couple Personalized Stationery

You’re going to need to send thank you cards for all these gifts you receive, so consider this another option that falls into the ‘practical gift category.’ Simple and straightforward, these flat cards feature both your names in a colorful font and come in three different shapes.

Waterford Lismore Diamond Vase

waterford vases — Courtesy of Bed, Bath and Beyond

It’s worth adding one fancy vase to your registry; it’s one of those things you probably won’t ever buy on your own but will use once you have. Consider this particular pick, not only for its gorgeous flared shape and detailing, but also because it can be engraved with your initials, making it that much more special.

All-Clad d3 Tri-Ply 10-Piece Cookware Essential Set

Your wedding is the perfect time to finally pitch all those beat up, hand-me-down cookware pieces you’ve both accumulated over the years. This set of six pots and pans features everything you need, no matter whether you’re a kitchen novice or seasoned chef.

An aluminum core attracts heat fast, while the stainless steel coating makes for even heat distribution and a naturally stick-resistant surface. Bonus points for the fact that the included sizes all nest together perfectly, ideal if you’re tight on kitchen space.

Lenox Tuscany Classics All Purpose Stemless Wine Glass

There is no shortage of different types of wine glasses you could register for, but if you want to keep it simple and go with an option that you know you’ll reach for time and time again, add these to your list.

Made of fine crystal, they’re nice enough to work for any special occasion, yet durable enough (and dishwasher-safe) to be your ‘weeknight glass of the cheap stuff’ glass, too.

Caraway Cookware Set

Cookware sets are a dime a dozen, but this one by Caraway is truly worth investing in. It features four must-have items—a fry pan, a saucepan, a saute pan, and a dutch oven—that cover all of your cooking bases from eggs to stews and stirfries.

All of them feature a ceramic coating that ensures the food won't stick (cleaning up is not as fun as cooking, let's face it). Oh, and did we mention that it comes with a handy magnetic pan rack and lid holder to keep your cabinets organized? Five stars all around.

Fellow Carter Everywhere Mug

After you’ve brewed that perfect cup of coffee, make sure the taste stays perfect—even if you have to take it to-go—with this travel mug. A ceramic coating prevents that weird, metallic aftertaste that can come with so many other similar mugs, while a double wall keeps it hot for up to 12 hours. There’s also a built-in splash guard, and it comes in two different sizes and a range of colors.

Parachute Linen Box Quilt

This is the perfect layering piece to add a finishing touch to any top-of-bed look. A box pattern on the linen front adds visual interest, while the cotton back feels cool against your skin.

The medium-weight makes it the ideal choice for using on its own during warmer evenings or adding over a comforter for extra warmth on chilly nights. And you truly can’t go wrong with any of the seven neutral shades; there’s an option to work with any kind of décor.

Lone Star Art Store Personalized Wedding or Anniversary Gift for Couples

This whimsical black and white photograph can be customized with you and your beau's names and wedding date. It's the perfect unexpected addition to your gallery wall!

Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven

Trust us, you’ll be amazed at how much use you can get out of this one piece of cookware. The oven-to-stove-to-table pot can be used for pretty much anything and everything, from stews to roasts to even bread.

The exterior enamel is made to resist chipping and the interior enamel to resist staining, ensuring you’ll have it for years to come. You can’t go wrong with the clean and simple white, though if you love color, you’ll be happy to know that there are many other hues to choose from.

Fortessa Arezzo Flatware 5-Piece Set

Register for this flatware now and you won’t need replacements for a long, long time. Made of a heavy gauge stainless steel, these won’t fade or rust, and the style is completely timeless.

We’re partial to the black finish, which adds an unexpected pop to any table setting, though the set also comes in a more classic stainless steel, as well as gold and rose gold.

Sempli Monti Decanter

Decanting a bottle of wine is one of those small things sure to impress guests whenever you’re hosting. Pour even an inexpensive bottle into this beautiful decanter and it instantly will become a work of art ready to be set out in the middle of the table. (Not to mention that it’s specially shaped to help improve the flavor and taste of your vino.) Choose from two different sizes, meant to hold either one or two bottles of wine.

Simplehuman Voice + Motion Rectangular Sensor Can

You know you’ve reached a certain age when you’re asking for a garbage can as a gift, but hey, we’re here for it. Particularly because this isn’t really so much of a garbage can as it is a piece of technology.

It’s, are you ready for this, voice-controlled, so you can open it, keep it open, and close it—all without ever touching it. Not to mention that the slim and chic design means you’ll actually want to keep it out in the open. It even comes in rose gold…and you know you need a rose gold garbage can.

Boos End-Grain Rectangular Chopping Block

Consider this the cutting board to end all cutting boards. Made of sustainable maple wood and with a traditional butcher block grain, it can withstand daily use and still look just as good, no matter how much chopping or cutting you do on it.

Speaking of looking good, the three-inch-thick slab is just as beautiful as it is functional, something you’ll want to display on your counter. This one can be monogrammed too, should you want to add a personal touch.

Charity Choice Gift Card

Feel like you already have plenty of stuff? Your guests will still want to get you something, so consider adding something to your registry that will satisfy that need for them and allow you to give back.

Designate the funds to go to up to three charities of your choosing; you can pick from an extensive list of over 1000 options, helpfully split up across 12 different categories, such as environment, children, military, and more.

Linoto House Helper Treeless Linen Towels

In the vein of upgrading basics, these multi-use towels are the chicest (not to mention most sustainable) swap for paper towels out there. Strong and absorbent, register for a big ol’ stash of these and keep them on hand to use as a dishtowel, a counter rag, as casual napkins, to line a bread bowl—you name it, they can do it.

Dyson V11 Animal Cord-Free Stick Vacuum

Who knew a vacuum could elicit so much excitement? Trust us, this is nothing like your grandma’s vacuum; it boasts all kinds of cool features that will make you actually want to clean. It’s capable of capturing 99.97% of even the tiniest, microscopic dust particles run for 60 minutes before it needs a charge, and has twice the suction of other similar vacuums.

It can easily be turned into a handheld and the slim size makes storage a breeze. The bottom line: There’s good reason to be excited about it.

Wolf Gourmet 10-Cup Programmable Coffee System

For those who can’t figure out how to brew a perfect cup of coffee, this smarty-pants machine does all the hard work for you. All you have to do is set it to how many cups you want to make and how strong you like your java.

With Accu-Brew Technology and a built-in scale, this machine tells you exactly how much ground coffee you need to add in order to achieve your desired result. (There’s also a built-in water filter to further ensure your coffee tastes perfect.) Consider it the secret for getting that ‘it came from a coffee shop’ taste every single time.

Smeg 5 Qt Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

The look of this stand mixer is adorably vintage and retro, but its tech specs are totally modern. Namely, 10 speeds plus a smooth start function, a safety lock, and planetary mixing action (AKA the included attachments rotate completely around the bowl to ensure the best mixing of all your ingredients). And, back to the adorable part of things, there are five super cute colors to choose from.

Brava Oven

Make no mistake about it: This is nothing like a standard toaster or countertop oven. The high-tech appliance uses powerful lamps to bake, roast, sear, sauté, grill (you get the picture) your food via light energy.

Even better, it can do all those things in a targeted manner, so you can cook foods that would otherwise have to be cooked separately (think roasted veggies and sautéed salmon) all at the same time on one sheet. Oh, and did we mention that it also cooks food even faster than any traditional method?

Williams Sonoma Classic Cotton Chambray Napkins

Just like you get plenty wear out of a chambray shirt, you’ll get plenty of use out of these chambray napkins. Durable, yet super cute, they’re the perfect choice for everyday, casual dining, and come in a charcoal hue that will work with any type of dishware, flatware, or other table linens.

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

Like a Dutch oven, a cast-iron skillet is ridiculously versatile and the perfect option for everything from scrambling eggs to baking cornbread. This brand has been around since 1896 and is as reputable as they come, though their offerings are surprisingly affordable (consider registering for two!). Also nice: This skillet comes pre-seasoned, eliminating one cast-iron prep step for you.

Ninja Air Fryer

Air fryers are the it appliance of the moment, well-deserving of all the buzz and hype. Particularly this one that’s affordable and effective, yet has a nice and compact footprint so as to not take up too much space on your kitchen counter.

It’s a game-changer for cooking crispy French fries (regardless of whether they’re homemade or the store-bought frozen kind), and also has a dehydrator function that lets you turn things like fruits and veggies into crunchy chips.

Luxome Premium Bamboo Sheets

Kick-off your marriage on the right side of the bed, so to speak, by upgrading your current sheets. Namely, opting for these, which are made of 100% pure bamboo with a 400 thread count, the highest there is for bamboo.

Buttery and silky, they’re softer than even the highest-quality Egyptian cotton, plus are moisture-wicking and eco-friendly. Sweet dreams.

Down Cotton 6 Piece Towel Set

This brand focuses on using not only ultra-soft but also ultra-sustainable, Egyptian cotton (as well as helping increase the income of the farmers that grow it).

These insanely fluffy towels are made of a blend of that cotton plus bamboo-derived rayon. Plush and thick, they get even softer with each wash. Deck out your bathroom with this set, which comes with a pair of bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths.

Ezcaray Picasso Throw

If completely changing out your furniture isn’t yet in the cards, adding some fun new throws and pillows is one easy way to completely change the look of your living room.

Ask for this stunner, handcrafted by artisans in Spain. The mohair-wool blend is soft and cozy, while the geometric pattern is modern yet timeless.

Style Union Home Malibu Place Setting

We love just about everything on offer at Style Union Home—the brainchild of True Religion’s Founder Kym Gold—and this ultra-chic place setting set is no exception. It consists of three pieces, two plates and one bowl specifically, that are individually hand-crafted by Los Angeles-based potters. As a result, designs will vary slightly, which makes it even more unique.

Peloton Bike

If you’re a fitness fanatic couple that’s been eyeing one of these buzzed-about bikes forever, now’s the time to ask for one it. Sure, it might not be the most expected of wedding registry items, but there are no rules when it comes to what you want to register for.

And to be fair, it’s something you’re much more likely to use on a regular basis, than, say, a fancy set of china. With the bike plus the Peloton app, you have access to a wide range of daily live spin classes (and even more available on-demand), with something to fit everyone’s skill level, music preference, and more.

The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Registries

Sonos Move Smart Speaker

This one little speaker can do it all. The battery-operated option can be used indoors but is especially ideal for outdoor listening thanks to its powerful quality and weather-resistant features. (It can stand up to heat, humidity, rain, and is extra durable, too.)

Plus, you can sync it up with any other Sonos speakers you may have, or simply connect to it via Bluetooth to use it solo or take it with you on-the-go.

Iwoly Portable Handheld Steamer

It’s not so much that you don’t need an iron, it’s just that a steamer is so much more convenient and easier to use. Particularly this one, which steams away wrinkles in a flash and can be used horizontally or vertically.

It’s tiny enough to stash in a suitcase, though can also be wall-mounted for storage purposes. Try it and you’ll be ready to ditch that ironing board in no time.

Crate and Barrel Marin White 20-Piece Dinnerware Set

This dinnerware strikes the perfect balance between being clean and classic, yet not boring or basic. The soft white color is timeless, while the artisanal ceramic shapes and glazing along the rims add visual interest and sophistication.

With service for four, each of the five pieces in the set is also dishwasher-, microwave-, and oven-safe.

Boss Blend Coffee Co. Culture Blend Subscription

If your goal is to create a registry full of practical gifts you’ll use daily, look no further. Truly, what’s more practical than a way to ensure you never run out of coffee? This monthly subscription comes with either one or two canisters of the brand’s best-selling blend, which boasts notes of chocolate and almond. Yum.

Estelle Colored Champagne Coupe Stemware

There’s going to be plenty of champagne drinking and celebrating happening, so, along with a yummy bottle of bubbly, some chic champagne glasses are in order. These art deco-inspired coupes are a fun departure from traditional flutes and are made of beautiful, hand-blown glass.

There are various colors to choose from, but you can’t go wrong with this statement-making-yet-still neutral amber smoke shade.

Personal Creations Wood Trough Beverage Chiller

If you’re the couple known for throwing the best barbecues all summer long, this is an entertaining staple. A pine wood trough comes with a galvanized metal insert, a perfect place to store and chill plenty of beverages.

But it’s the personalization element—it can be engraved with your last name and wedding year—is what makes it all the more special of a wedding gift.

CB2 Hex Large Teak Serving Board

Use this as a cheese board, a serving tray, or simply as a piece of décor on your coffee table—it’s that pretty. A chevron pattern inlay coupled with an unexpected hexagonal shape makes this stand out from all the other serving trays out there, a truly unique piece.

What to look for in a wedding registry

Beyond being an upgrade of household and entertaining items, a wedding registry should reflect the interests and hobbies of the couple. It's a great opportunity to finally get the cast iron dutch oven you've wanted for years, a brand new tent for camping adventures, or a fancy new vacuum that will make chore-sharing a breeze. Even large gifts like furniture pieces or grills are great group gifting options. And don't forget to consider alternative registry items like a honeymoon or house fund.

FAQ

What is a wedding registry?

A wedding registry is a curated list of gifts that's created by the engaged couple and made available to the wedding guests prior to the event. Traditionally, wedding registries were specific to individual stores, but now there are more opportunities for the couple to combine multiple brands and gift options.
What should you put on a wedding registry?

Whether you are moving to a new house together or upgrading your old household items, a registry is a chance to set the tone for the life you want to create together. "Your new home and life should be surrounded by special pieces that bring excitement," event planner and registry expert Jung Lee advises.

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Melanie's work has appeared in such digital and print publications such as Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, and Allure.

Meet the Expert

Jung Lee is an event planner and registry expert based in New York City. Her store, Jung Lee NY, is a haven for beautiful home goods, china, and entertaining pieces.

The 34 Must-Have Items to Add to Your Wedding Registry

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