Registry shopping has to be one of the more fun parts of wedding planning. After all, you've hand-selected everything you want for your starter kitchen, bedroom, and beyond.
As you and your fiancé hit the stores with that barcode scanner in hand (or settle into the sofa with your laptops for some online shopping), take time to savor what this all means: putting together a home for the two of you. Of course, with a slew of amazing options out there, registering can also get a bit overwhelming—especially if you're worried about where to store everything in that tiny apartment you're now sharing.
Have no fear! With these 50 must-have items, you'll have the ultimate registry base, and all the tools you need to start a beautiful future with your spouse-to-be.
See more: Where to Register: The 50 Best Wedding Registry Sites & Stores
Even if you and your fiancé aren't the smoothie-making couple, a blender is still a must for your registry. With new technology and powerful, high-speed motors, today's blenders can make everything from puréed soups to frozen desserts and homemade nut butters. Vitamix Ascent Series A2300 Blender, $400, available at Zola
Whether you're a novice chef or queen of the kitchen, a set of sturdy pots and pans is a given for your registry. A 10-piece collection will give you everything you need to whip up a killer meal. Look for pans that conduct heat well (we love stainless steel for even cooking and durability); have stay-cool, good-grip handles; and tight-fitting lids. All-Clad "Master Chef II" 10-piece cookware set, $600, available at Amazon
You could go with the classic single cup brewer, but what about those days you're craving a latte and can't make it to Starbucks? Register for a pod-capable coffee maker that also takes on espresso at the touch of a button. Just imagine all the money you'll save making cappuccino at home! Nespresso "VertuoLine Evoluo" in cherry red, $199, available at Amazon
In addition to a coffee maker, make sure to register for an electric kettle for the tea lovers. Choose from seven different temperature levels, ideal for controlling the heat on more delicate varieties like green and white teas. Smeg Variable Temperature Kettle, $190, available at Crate and Barrel
Who has time for all that shredding, slicing, and dicing? With a food processor, you can get all your prep work—from shredding cheese to mixing dough for pie crust—done in no time. What's even better? This handy tool makes entertaining easy by mixing up perfectly smooth dips and pestos every time. Cuisinart 11-cup food processor, $180, available at Bed Bath and Beyond
Don't mistake a cast-iron Dutch oven as a just single-use pot. Along with delicious roasted vegetables, this vessel can handle soups and stews, homemade bread, and even a whole chicken, depending on the size you choose. This heritage piece is a must-have for a kitchen (and looks pretty enough to serve at the table). Le Creuset five quart Dutch oven in cerise, $210 to $370, available at Zola
We probably don't have to tell you about this registry-staple, but it really is a must-have kitchen essential for anyone who loves to bake (or who wants to learn!). A stand mixer tackles everything from your basic chocolate chip cookie to the toughest pizza dough—all without any arm muscle. You can also register for attachments like pasta rollers, ice cream makers, and meat grinders to really get miles out of this gadget. KitchenAid Artisan Series five quart tilt-head stand mixer, $380, available at Bed Bath and Beyond
Sometimes it's nice to have dinner just waiting for you when you come home from work. Meet the beauty of a slow cooker. Register one that performs multiple functions, like this one that steams, braises, and even cooks rice. All-Clad 5 Qt. Slow Cooker, $250, available at Amazon
Along with your pots and pans, consider adding a non-stick wok to your list. You'll be surprised how much you use this sear-friendly pan. It will tackle everything from a quick stir-fry to steaming, frying, and stewing. Perfect for all those one-pot meals you have in your arsenal. Williams-Sonoma Professional nonstick wok, $144, available at Williams-Sonoma
There's so much that can be made in your toaster oven—hot open-faced sandwiches, a small batch of cookies, perfect personal pizzas, and even meats—that this countertop gadget is a need-to-have item on your registry. Look for one with smart technology that adjusts heating and has multiple functions, including convection settings. Breville "Element IQ" smart toaster oven, $250, available at Bed Bath and Beyond
After slicing into your wedding cake, you might just set your sweet tooth in motion. Register for a cake stand that serves two functions (making cakes easier to frost and serving as a beautiful display). Food52 Cake Stand by Heirloom, $72, available at Food52
Add a cast-iron skillet to the list of pots and pans you need on your registry. This heat-retaining wonder goes from your stove to your oven and tackles everything from fried chicken and perfectly seared steaks to corn bread and clafoutis. Trust us, you want this. Cuisinart Chef's Classic enameled cast iron 9-inch frying pan, $34, available at Amazon
No kitchen is complete without a good set of knives. When shopping for yours, look for ones that have stainless steel blades, including an eight-inch chef's knife, a six-inch utility knife, and a paring knife. Keep a sturdy block and strong handles in mind too. Wustof 8-piece block set, $500, available on Amazon
Now that you're getting hitched, your family might now be expecting you to host some holidays. Register for a roasting pan and rack so that you're prepared for a family-sized feast. Extra large roaster with rack, $85, available at Nordic Ware
A ceramic casserole dish will help you make everything from roasted vegetables to lasagna and one-pan dishes. Not only are these dishes pretty enough to go from oven to table, they're also excellent for pot-luck dinners and leftover nights. Le Creuset rectangular covered casserole dish, $100, available at Crate and Barrel
If you and your fiancé love nothing more than a pizza night at home with Netflix, think about adding a pizza stone to your registry. Instead of ordering in, you can make your own personalized, crispy crust pies thanks to the heat conducting properties of this pan. Soapstone and copper pizza stones, $139, available at Aha Life
Even if you're lucky to enough space for an outdoor grill, you'll want a grill pan for those days and nights when the weather is too chilly to stand outside over burgers and dogs. A grill pan can tackle everything right inside your kitchen. Lodge cast iron 10-inch square grill pan, $36, available at Wayfair
Easy access to salt and pepper—the cook's essentials—is of upmost importance in the kitchen. Choose a set that like this one that offers adjustable grind settings for the perfect texture and amount every time. Oxo Good Grips salt & pepper shaker, $50, available at Zola
A gorgeous cutting board not only adds to your kitchen decor, but also can be used for kitchen prep and serving appetizers, and functions as an impromptu trivet for a hot cast iron pan. Fort Standard circle serving board, $140, available at Zola
Get all your kitchen tools—ladles, spatulas, and more—in one easy-to-store place. A full display of cooking accessories on your counter makes sure you have everything you need at your fingertips. All-Clad stainless steel tool set caddy, $85, available at Amazon
A rolling pin is easy to overlook but shouldn't be forgotten when you're registering. Not only will it be a baker's best friend for rolling out doughs of all sorts, you'll also be able to use it to tenderize meat and crush everything from breadcrumbs to peanuts. French kitchen marble rolling pin with stand, $20, available at Crate and Barrel
Go for mixing bowls that serve their purpose and are pretty enough to put on the table—when your prep bowls double as serving pieces, that's a win-win. If you live in a small space, go for ones that nest for easy storage. "Calibowl" nonslip nesting mixing bowl set in aqua sky, $50, available at Crate and Barrel
It's time to upgrade your flour, sugar, and coffee from those plastic bags you've been stashing them in. Registering for a stylish canister set is not only a good solution for storage and easy-access, it makes for decorative accessories in your kitchen, too. Nambe Gifu canisters, $40 to $60, available at Nambe
Oven mitts might not be top of your list, but they should be—you'll use them every time you cook! A cute pair does double duty keeping hands safe from hot pan handles and also look great hanging on your kitchen wall. Kaf Home metro stripe oven mitt, $22 for a set of two, available at Zola
If you love to bake, don't hesitate to register for a full bakeware set with all the gear you need to turn out cookies, cakes, muffins, and bread. This comprehensive set is a baker's dream, and includes cookie sheets, round and square cake pans, a loaf pan, pie plate, and muffin tins. "Goldtouch" nonstick 15-piece bakeware set, $240, available at Williams-Sonoma
Don't forget small kitchen items that make a big difference, like measuring cups and spoons. Upgrade your plastic set from that first college apartment with this bright and cheery quartet. Gold measuring cups, $13, available at World Market
Stop spending money on aluminum foil and parchment paper to line your baking sheets. Instead, register for an oven-proof silicone mat—a non-stick surface that makes cookie baking a cinch. Not only does the mat help everything cook evenly, it also makes clean up a dream. Silpat perfect cookie baking sheet, $20, available at Amazon
The most-used glassware on your bar are likely to be your wine glasses. Be sure to register for a complete set, including white and red varieties, and keep at least four of each style on hand so you always have enough to entertain a small party. Sophia Optic wine glasses, $5, available at CB2
A hostess's gold is in her cheese plate—and free-flowing vino. Register for a chic appetizer tray, and you'll be sure that every party you throw will be off to a good start. Marble and brass round cheese board, $49, available at West Elm
It doesn't matter if you're a fan of sangria or sweet tea. Either way, registering for a pitcher to serve your favorite drink in is a must. You'll use this vessel to keep party cocktails, iced teas, and flavored waters on hand for guests. LSA Basis jug, $50, available at Bloomingdales
With patterns and quality that function for both casual dinners and formal holidays, there's no need to register for super-formal china that only gets used once in a blue moon. Choose an every day dinnerware set that meets your day-to-day needs, but can be dressed up for a fancy dinner party when needed. Kate Spade New York Parker Place dinnerware, $139 for a five-piece set, available at Bloomingdales
Along with your new dinnerware, don't forget a gorgeous utensil set. Your flatware can make a statement at a dinner party, or just brighten your day during a post-work dinner. Either way, a good set will last you as long as your new marriage—a lifetime. Cutipol Brushed gold cutlery with white handles, $89 for a five-piece set, available at Shop Horne
Along with all those serving bowls and platters you've registered for, make sure to add serving forks and spoons to the list. Choose a set that's decorative, but large enough to toss a salad without making a mess. Iittala "Piano" 2-piece serving set, $125, available at Zola
Planning a wedding will probably give you the entertaining bug, so make sure you're well prepared for dinner parties and guests. Add a few special serving platters to your registry that can hold everything from appetizers to desserts. Match pewter antique oval platter, $430, available at Zola
The bar is an area you can't forget when shopping for your registry. Start with a statement piece in the form of a cute (yet functional) ice bucket. You'll use this guy more than you think—from serving ice at dinner parties to keeping wine chilled on a date night in. Pineapple ice bucket, $70, available at CB2
Fit your bar with all the proper tools and watch your friends be wowed the next time they come over for cocktails. Choose a complete set that comes with ice tongs, a jigger, fruit knife, and bottle opener, as well as a system for storage. Deco bar tools with stand, $79, available at West Elm
Like your cocktails shaken not stirred? Get your martini fix—and more—with a cocktail shaker. Look for a style that's decorative enough for display, and a shaker with insulation that keeps your drinks cool until they're ready to be served. Ralph Lauren "Sutton" stainless steel and black leather cocktail shaker, $395, available at Bloomingdales
Use your registry as an opportunity to take your love for vino up a notch. A wine decanter helps aerate reds, making them smoother and tastier to drink. Plus, they make for easy and beautiful pouring. Houdini decanter with wine shower, $37, available on Amazon
Don't think about a sugar bowl and creamer set as an old-school entertaining prop. Sure, it will come in extra handy when you have guests for brunch, but a sleek, modern set will also work day-to-day basis to upgrade your morning coffee experience. Kinley sugar and creamer, $25 each, available at Crate and Barrel
You probably have your fair share of coasters, but have you and the fiancé thought about trivets? These safeguards are a must for keeping your tabletop protected against the heat from your new casserole dishes. And with beautiful, decorative options, these trivets are a step-up from your mom's old-school wood versions. Hawkins New York "Mara" marble trivet, $90, available at Zola
Serving trays will serve you two-fold: first as a makeshift bar cart or appetizer tray when you have company. And second, it's the perfect subtle hint to your fiancé that you'd appreciate breakfast in bed from time to time. Selamat Designs "Selva" tray, $149, available at Zola
If you've recently made your first few furniture purchases together, don't forget to add pops of color to those pieces with decorative pillows. A registry is the perfect time to start making your dream home come to life. Bunglo nova gama pillow, $105, available at Anthropologie
You're definitely going to need a place to put all those gorgeous wedding pictures, so make sure to register for a few beautiful frames that will showcase that most special day. Choose frames in a variety of sizes, both for counters and for hanging.White classon enamel frame, $175 to $225, available at Amazon
Don't forget decorative accessories while registering—they are, after all, what will make your newlywed house a home. Adding a few pieces of wall art that represent the two of you and your love is a great registry addition for guests who want to give you something a little outside the traditional box. B + W #1 by Jill Sykes, starting at $19, available at Artfully Walls
You'll want to be prepared for all those days your fiancé surprises you with flowers. And at a minimum, you'll need a few of these sleek vases to display leftover flowers from your wedding day. "Ai" bud vases, $11 each, available at CB2
It's easy to get caught up in the kitchen and entertaining when picking out registry gear, but turning your bedroom into a beautiful space is just as important. Register for two or three high-quality sheet sets that make your bed the cozy spot you crave. Luxe hardcore sheet bundle, $228, available at Brooklinen
Linen duvets make an excellent bed cover—lightweight, easy to clean, and changeable by season. Choose a neutral tone that provides a blank canvas for colorful accent pillows and throw. Linen duvet cover, $230 to $250, available at Parachute Home
Even if you and your spouse-to-be already live together, chances are all of your bathroom towels are a mix of various well-worn shapes and sizes from previous apartments you've lived in. Say goodbye to mismatched linens and register for a set of super-plush bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths that actually go together. Your bathroom will thank you. Kassatex "Kyoto" six-piece towel set, $100, available at Zola
Once the wedding planning craziness is over, you and your beau are going to need some serious down time to relax and recover. Register for a portable board game (perfect to pack for the honeymoon) in anticipation of laid back, cozy evenings together. Leather Travel Backgammon set, $125, available at Mark and Graham
Your life together will be full of travel and adventure—starting with your honeymoon! What better way to prepare for your romantic getaway than by registering for this streamlined, expandable luggage that will keep your belongings safe and make traveling just a little easier. Sympatico CX Medium Expandable Spinner, $600, available at Briggs & Riley
