Top Items to Add to your Wedding Registry

Top Items to Add to your Wedding Registry

The Piñata of Presents!

Do you remember when you were a kid going to a birthday party that had a piñata? For almost every other day of our lives (except maybe Halloween), we were told to not be greedy, to share, and to not eat too much candy. But as soon as the piñata burst and the candy exploded all over the front yard, we were allowed to surge forward and grab as much sugar as we could get our hands-on. We had permission to go get what we wanted.

My wife and I have been married for almost eight years. I still remember how fun it was walking through Bed, Bath & Beyond with that little ray gun shooting all those goodies we wanted. It felt a little like that moment when the piñata burst; when we could just grab free stuff and it was applauded. The only problem was we are grownups now, so we need to act like it… most of the time.

Here are some tips for what items to add to your wedding registry. But before we talk about the cool stuff, let’s set some boundaries:

• Let’s add items that are for both of us. After all, we are asking our friends and family to celebrate our new union together.
• Let’s try to add items that are practical. Stuff we actually need. Stuff we will actually use. Imagine the resentment created when the only thing left for Aunt Mildred to get for you is a $3,000 tandem bicycle.
• Be thoughtful when it comes to the price tag. There’s nothing wrong with a few high-priced items, but list a variety of items in different price ranges so any of your guests can pick something from the registry.

After a quick search on sites like weddingwire.com, brides.com, theknot.com, and zola.com, I noticed that they categorize items differently. Some wedding sites categorize by price. Others categorize according to the room in the house. And yet others list items according to their function (appliances, cookware, bakeware, dining, etc.)

I like looking at the registry according to the different rooms in the house: kitchen, dining room, bathroom, bedroom, and living room.

Kitchen

• Coffee maker
• Coffee grinder
• Slow cooker
• Blender
• Rice cooker
• Toaster
• Griddle
• Cast iron skillet
• A good set of cooking knives
• Mixing Bowls
• Pyrex storing containers

I also found appliances like Instapot, air fryer, and waffle maker on different registries, but after eight years of marriage, these are appliances that don’t get used. You might also consider some small items here like oven mitts, salt, and pepper mills, or other kitchen accessories.

Dining Room

This is one room where there can be a stark difference between what is practical and what is not. Since my wife and I married later in life, we chose not to ask for fine dinnerware. But we did go to Dillard’s and find really nice dinnerware that we use every day. And the eight sets we received allowed us to replace the dinnerware we each brought into the marriage.

• Dishware (8-12 settings)
• 8-12 iced beverage glasses
• Wine glasses
• Serving bowls
• 1-2 serving platters
• 8-12 5-piece flatware sets

Bathroom

• Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths (most sites recommend six of each)
• Bath mats
• Soapdish or dispenser
• Wastebasket
• Shower curtain
• Shower liner
• Two robes

Bedroom

• 2-3 flat and fitted sheets
• 4-6 pillowcases
• Comforter or Duvet
• Mattress Pad
• 2-4 pillows

Living Room

• Throw blankets
• Flower vases and flower pots
• Bookends
• Coasters
• Lamps
• Area Rug
• Picture Frames

Finally, keep in mind that simply asking for cash is also an option. For example, many photographers (like Complete Weddings + Events) allow guests to purchase gift cards in their photo store that can be used towards an album, a canvass wrap for the wall, or for prints to put in those picture frames!

Complete Weddings + Events in Albuquerque

Work with an experienced New Mexico vendor who will help you implement these elements easily! Learn more about Complete Weddings + Events wedding photography, videography, lighting, DJ services & photo booth rental.