Everything You Need To Know About Wedding Registries
When I was younger my sisters and I would watch 27 Dresses on repeat. I absolutely loved the scene where she walks around the fancy department store with product scanner guns and vengefully registers her sister for a bunch of ugly stuff. Unfortunately, One day children will watch that movie and have no idea what they’re doing because registries just aren’t build that way anymore. These days, it all takes place online- which is certainly quicker and more convenient. Even with all the technical shortcuts, it can still be overwhelming trying to figure out what to include on your wedding registry. No matter where you are at in the process (even if that’s 10 steps BEFORE the starting line) this guide will teach you everything you need to know about wedding registries.
To make it easier for you to navigate through the guide I’ve created shortcut buttons that will help you jump ahead to the most relevant information. Enjoy!
General Overview of The Process
- Talk with your partner about what kind of things you want to include, and let that drive the discussion on where you register. (Jump to the FAQ’s for suggested places)
- Decide where/how you’d like your gifts to be delivered (Details on this in the FAQ section).
- Create your registry online through your chosen store or service. It may be best to keep it set to “private” while you’re still working on it.
- Don’t try to build it all in one day! Take your time, revisit it, and make edits! Read product reviews and make sure you’re being thoughtful about the items you’re including. It can be easy to get carried away and start blindly adding things like a child’s list to Santa.
- Once it’s complete you should be provided with a link to the online registry. Add this link to your wedding website and/or directly on the invitation.
- When you open the gifts, KEEP TRACK of what it is and who gave it to you. I recommend Google Sheets or Excel for easy organization.
- Write and send Thank You cards within 6-8 weeks after the wedding.
- Take note of any special discounts available through your registry (Some stores, like Target, will offer a discount on any items that didn’t get purchased from your registry. A great way to spend those gift cards!)
What to include in your wedding registry
Vacuum/Steam Mop
Vacuums and steam mops are a classic “big ticket item” for wedding registries. Even if you already own one this is a good opportunity to upgrade to a nice name brand model that will last you for years. Vacuums are great for ‘group gifting’ so multiple people can pool funds together to help with the cost. Some online registries, such as Amazon, allow you to specify items for group gifting and then guests will be able to contribute however much they please.
Adventure Supplies
If you have a shared interest with your partner, like camping or skiing, don’t be afraid to add a few pieces of gear or equipment to your registry! Some guests (myself included) genuinely prefer to send gifts that support a shared hobby or interest for the couple. In other words, I would rather buy something that I know the couple can use to make memories together- as opposed to a household item.
- Tent (for two!)
- Folding Camp Chairs
- Hammock(s)
- Gardening Tools
- Ski Lift Passes
- Picnic Basket
- State Park Gift Card
- Airbnb Gift Card
Kitchen Tools, Utensils, and Appliances
It’s okay if your registry is primarily kitchen necessities, as those tend to be the most asked for gifts. Why? Personally, I think it’s because there are so many different tools and appliances the average person wants in their arsenal, but feel bad buying it for themselves. Also- I think most people still own at least one appliance from college or their first apartment that desperately needs to be replaced. Here are some ideas for items you may need in your kitchen (or just shamelessly dream of owning…that’s fine too)
- Blender
- Coffee/Espresso Machine
- Rice Cooker
- Crockpot
- Cast Iron pan/pot
- Set of knives
- Dutch Oven
- Cutlery set
- Set of mixing bowls
- Bakeware set
- Dinnerware set
- Bread Maker
- Pizza Stone
- Vaccuum Sealer
- KitchenAid Mixer
- Stock pot
- Small Sauce Pans
- Comfort Mats
- Toaster/Toaster Oven
- Air Fryer
- Pressure Cooker/Instant Pot
- Trash can
Sentimental/Personalized Items
You’ve probably witnessed your parents or grandparents proudly pull out a crystal vase or set of wine glasses that they still have from their wedding. It’s nice to have items that will stick with you long after that high-end vacuum dies. If you think about it, a majority of your wedding gifts will likely kick the bucket at some point in your marriage. That’s why I suggest having some items that you can pull out of an old hutch one day and show off to your grandchildren. (These items are likely something you suggest to a parent/in-law that wants to get you something extra special.)
- Crystal wine/champagne glasses
- Aged liquor/wine for anniversaries
- Cake serving set
- Barware (Decanter, scotch glasses,
- Special occasion dishes
- Taper Candle Holders/Candelabras
- Personalized sign for home
- Piece of artwork
- Mantel clock
- Special Quilt
Affordable Items (for Guests on a Budget)
Unfortunately, I oftentimes see gift registries that are filled entirely with “big ticket items” and leave little to no affordable options for guests. Try to remember that for some guests (i.e students, elderly, new parents, ect) just attending the wedding itself has a big price tag attached. I suggest adding a handful of smaller items so that these guests can still contribute and offer a token of appreciation, without the financial strain. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Under $100
- Ice Bucket
- Storage Bins
- Tupperware Sets
- Frames for wedding photos
- Grill Utensils
- Salad Spinner
- Cutting Boards
- Cocktail Glasses (Set of two)
Under $50
- Kitchen Utensils
- Food Scale
- Throw blankets
- Board Games
- Cookbooks
- His/Her Mugs
- First Aid Kit
- Luggage Tags
Peek at My Personal Registry (Favorites!)
I married my husband in 2021 and we registered at both Amazon and Target. Based on my experience, these are the items we are particularly obsessed with and grateful for. Some of these items may have already been suggested earlier in the article (and are worth highlighting), while others didn’t seem to fit into a previous category but I felt were worth mentioning. Here are the MVPs from my husband and I’s personal wedding registry:
Where Should I register?
You should register at a place that reflects you and your partners regular shopping habits or style. If you’d prefer to create a registry that lets you curate items from several different stores then try a site like Zola.
Here are some suggestions for common places to register for your wedding:
Wedding registry faq's
How many items should I add to my registry?
Make sure your registry is complete by the time you send out formal wedding invitations (6-8 weeks before the wedding) because the invitation is where you’ll inform guests about where you’re registered and how to access it. You can certainly have it completed before then, but guests typically don’t start purchasing gifts until AFTER they receive the invitation. The registry is also utilized for bridal shower gifts, so you will want it to be complete in time for that event as well.
How many items should I add to my registry?
The size of your registry should depend on the size your guest list- so consider the number of ‘households’ you are inviting. Households are different than guest count! For example, a family of 4 will likely bring ONE gift on behalf of their whole family. This does not need to be an exact science as a number of guests may shop off the registry or opt for the monetary gift option anyway. Just make sure you have roughly enough options for the amount of households you’re inviting.
What if I prefer money instead of a registry?
It’s not uncommon for couples to feel this way, especially if the couple is already living together and may not need/want physical items. The good news is, there are some alternatives to gift registries. There are different names for this, but many couples opt for a “wishing well” or “newlywed fund” which essentially is just a way for guests to contribute money in place of a physical gift. I’ve attended a few weddings that utilized WithJoy.com for their cash fund registry because it has zero fees attached. There are also great sites like Honeyfund, which allow guests to contribute funds towards your honeymoon. You can even specify different meals or activities that guests can “sponsor”. This allows your guests to feel like they are directly contributing towards something special and memorable.
Some couples choose to setup a cash fund, as well as a gift registry- it is completely up to you and your partner. Whatever you decide, I recommend having a card box at your wedding- no matter what. You can almost always count on a handful of guests bringing a card to a wedding- even if they’ve already sent a gift or money contribution in advance. It’s just one of those old habits/traditions that isn’t worth fighting- a simple basket will do!
Do I NEED to make a registry? I feel weird asking people to buy me stuff.
I totally understand the discomfort when it comes to registries, or just receiving gifts in general. Of course you are not required to make one and ultimately you can do whatever you want. ALTHOUGH…Hear me out on this. Your family and friends WILL want to get you a gift of some kind to celebrate your wedding because it’s part of the tradition and some people just really like following tradition. Providing a gift also adheres to a certain ettiquette that is very important to some people. A registry just makes it easier for those folks who really want to or feel personally inclined to get you something. Having some ideas in place for them ensures that those inevitable gifts will at least be something that looks good in your living room.
How do I keep track of the gifts I receive?
Most (if not all) registry services will automatically keep track of all gifts that are purchased. Whenever you chose to open the gifts I HIGHLY recommend making your own list to keep track, for several reasons. You may receive gifts that were not on your registry, which will therefore not be automatically tracked. Any monetary gifts or gift cards that were not sent through your registry will also not be automatically tracked. Lastly, It’s always good to have a backup. These registry services do make mistakes sometimes, and occasionally your guests may incorrectly mark a gift as “purchased”. It’s a good idea to keep your own records.
You should aim to send your thank you cards out within 6-8 weeks after your wedding. Write HAND WRITTEN and PERSONALIZED notes thanking each person or ‘household’ that sent you a gift. If they gave you money or a gift card you may want to include how you plan to use the it (For example: Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our newlywed fund. We are thrilled to be saving up for our first home and your gift has helped bring us closer to that goal).
How do I keep track of the gifts I receive?
Write HAND WRITTEN and PERSONALIZED notes thanking each person or ‘household’ that sent you a gift. If they gave you money or a gift card you may want to include how you plan to use the it (For example: Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our newlywed fund. We are thrilled to be saving up for our first home and your gift has helped bring us closer to that goal).
Even if you wrote the Thank You card, have your partner sign their name to show their personal involvement.
Gift Delivery - Where, Why, and When?
While you’re building your registry you should also be thinking about how you want to receive these items. This is entirely up to your preferences and specific living arrangements, but I figured it worth explaining WHY this is even a topic.
Once your wedding date gets closer you will start receiving a large number of packages in a relatively short period of time. Some of these items will be very expensive and potentially fragile. If you live in an apartment complex or any place that has a community mailroom or locker setup, you may want to consider having your gifts sent to a family member’s home. This isn’t 100% necessary, but it might be worth the peace of mind knowing those crystal champagne glasses aren’t getting kicked around in a hallway or mail room. Having your gifts delivered to a home address offers a bit more security. Plus, you will want to ensure that you have enough extra space to store all of the packages as they arrive.
Do I open the gifts as they arrive, or wait until after the wedding?
This is completely up to you, but typically couples wait until after the wedding to go through the gifts and cards. Of course you probably already have a good idea of who got you what, since the online registry may be notifying you. I personally recommend waiting until after the wedding to open everything because it is slightly time consuming and the last thing you need leading up to your wedding is another time consuming task. Plus, writing Thank You cards may be easiest with the gifts fresh in your mind. And most importantly, it gives you something fun to look forward to after all the wedding day excitement dies down!
ultimately, you need to do what feels right to you and your partner.
The registry is a great opportunity to get your partner involved and collaborate. Give yourself plenty of time to work on it so you can take breaks and don’t feel rushed. While I hope this guide has offered you everything you need to know about wedding registries, you are allowed (and encouraged) to adapt this process to fit your wedding. Best of luck, love birds!