What Not to Register For
Top wedding blogs debunk the "have to have" mentality.
Don't become the couple who ends up hoarding unpacked wedding presents years after the big day—or burying the gifts you truly want in a sea of traditional picks you don't care much about. Creating a registry full of pieces you'll cherish is as simple as staying true to you two and forgetting the rest. So we asked four top blogs what registry items they could live without—and what they'd choose instead.
Hesitant Hosts
PHOTO: CHANGO & CO.
https://www.wayfair.com/shop-the-look/slp/13-dining-room-window-view-plandome-dutch-colonial-by-chango-co--photo-id100476
Skip: Patterned fine china
Pick: One set of timeless dinnerware + statement accents
Your style will evolve, and so will your storage space! Instead of picking two sets, choose one set of high-quality dishes in a timeless solid color, and dress it up or down with patterned salad plates and linens.—Ruffled
It may be tempting to pick out a trendy china or tableware set, but take it from us, you’ll get so much more out of classic and timeless all-white dishes instead. Register for a few fun accessories like napkins, vases, and small serving pieces to bring in the whimsy.—Green Wedding Shoes
Barely Bakers
PHOTO: LINC THELEN DESIGN
https://www.wayfair.com/Get-The-Look/Photo/Modern-Farmhouse-3-P210294
Skip: Dedicated small appliances
Pick: One splurge-worthy kitchen workhorse
We know. We know. A mixer is the quintessential registry item. The truth is, we only use ours a few times a year. So unless you plan on baking a ton, we'd skip this pricey item.—Inspired by This
These days, your fave recipes are probably going to take you beyond the traditional mid-level blender, so you’ll get more mileage out of a food processor (key for mixing dough, making soups, and whipping up dressings, hummus, etc.) instead. We find ourselves reaching for the processor over the blender every time. The exception: a high-end, multi-functional blender like the Vitamix or Breville Boss.—Green Wedding Shoes
Skip: The large knife block
Pick: A smaller knife set that covers the basics
While great in theory, the reality is that most 15-piece knife blocks are filled with ones you won’t use very often. Save yourselves the counter space and add knives you think you’ll need—and higher quality ones at that.—Green Wedding Shoes
PHOTO: CLEAN DESIGN PARTNERS
https://www.wayfair.com/shop-the-look/slp/donna-dotan-photography-inc---photo-id100703
Skip: Trendy décor
Pick: Pieces that will stand the test of time
What's irresistible right now may look tired years down the road. We recommend timeless investment pieces because you can always style them differently!—Ruffled
There's certainly nothing wrong with a funky throw pillow or two, but when it comes lasting pieces, think about what you'll still love five, 10, or even 20 years down the road.—Style Me Pretty
Skip: Season-specific accents
Pick: Versatile styles that span holidays
It's tempting to dream of hosting your first Thanksgiving and having a whole tablescape specially designed for the occasion, but think of all the other items that you would use every day.—Ruffled
PHOTO: CHANGO & CO.
https://www.wayfair.com/registry/from-our-editors/back-to-basics-styling-a-bookshelf-S8861.html
Skip: The $20 knick-knacks
Pick: Items you'll actually want—with the option to group gift
It can feel tempting to add random items to your registry for the sake of providing your guests with price range options, but make sure every single piece is something you genuinely love. Remember, your guests can always pool together for a big-ticket item.—Style Me Pretty
Skip: The hot electronics
Pick: Home office upgrades that make tech-time cozy
When it comes to your phone, laptop, tablet, and the like, it's best to leave them off the registry. Electronics constantly roll out with updated versions, and guests won't want to invest in items that will likely need upgraded in just a year or two.—Style Me Pretty
