Your Essential Wedding Registry Checklist
For a wedding registry you'll love, start here.
So, you’re getting married – congratulations! Here at Wayfair, we know that amidst all the celebrating, there’s a hundred things on your to-do list, including setting up the perfect wedding registry for you and your future spouse. To make it easier for you to get started, we’ve compiled the ultimate wedding registry checklist, covering all things home that should be on your list. Keep reading for our quick tips on how to build your dream registry, or skip down to our checklist to start selecting your registry must-haves!
Tips for Building Your Registry
1. Sign Up ASAP
Create an account on your favorite third-party wedding site to start building your registry. To make things easier for your guests (and yourselves!), we suggest using a registry site where you can house all of your gift requests from multiple vendors in one shoppable list. Starting your registry as soon as possible will help you keep your gift ideas organized (and save you from your relatives’ constant questions about what to buy you over the holidays).
2. Take Inventory
Depending on whether you’re just starting out or if you’re already living together, every couple will have a different gift wish list. Before you start adding wedding registry ideas to your list, you should take stock of what you and your future spouse already own. That way, you don’t end up with multiples, and your guests can feel confident that they’re buying you something that you’ll actually use in your new life together.
3. Be Specific
Your registry should be a curated wish list that guides your family and friends exactly what wedding gifts to purchase for your big day. Personalizing your registry to you as a couple, and being as specific as possible makes it a breeze for your guests to pick out a gift that you and your future spouse are actually excited to unwrap.
4. Over-Register & Provide Multiple Price Points
For easy math about how many wedding registry ideas to compile, simply multiply your guest list by two, then add a few extra. You should also make sure to choose gifts with a range of price points. Over-registering and spreading your gifts over multiple price points ensures that there will be enough gifts in-budget for everyone on your list. Check your registry often as the wedding nears, and add more gifts in a certain price point if you see that choices in that range are getting low.
5. Do It Together
Ultimately, this is a list of gifts for the both of you, that you’ll both be excited to use in your new life together. Therefore, both of you should be involved in making the registry! We suggest turning this wedding task into a fun bonding activity to do together, whether it’s over your morning coffee or a bottle of wine on date night!
The Essential Wedding Registry Checklist
Everything you need to begin forever together.
Kitchen Essentials
A set of pots and pans will give you the foundation you need to begin stovetop cooking. For those who spend a little more time in the kitchen creating sauces, sautéing vegetables, making Asian cuisine, and soups, you should consider investing in saucepans, sauté pans, skillets, woks), or stockpots.
Tip!
If you need a little help choosing your pots and pans, read The Best Pot & Pan Sets for Every Kitchen.
For oven cooking, opt for a roasting pan and basting brush or a casserole dish for those delicious bakes.
Ensure you can chop your ingredients with a great set of knives You can choose from the following:
- Bread knife
- Chef's knife
- Santoku knife
- Paring knife
- Steak knives
- Utility knife
- Cleaver/butcher knife
- Carving knife
Be sure to check out Types of Kitchen Knives 101 for some guidance in picking the right ones for your needs. Don't forget a knife block to store your blades, a knife sharpener to keep them keen, and a cutting board to protect your counters.
A few smaller but invaluable staples you'll use all the time include:
kitchen shears for cutting anything from meat to packaging, tongs for turning hot foods. A cheese grater, can opener, and a colander/strainer are also great for those simple day-to-day tasks.
Consider these 'nice-to-haves' to make your cooking experience a little easier: spatulas, vegetable peelers, cooking spoons, and salad spinners.
Any food aficionados would do well with a few specialized tools like a mandolin for precise slicing, mortar and pestle for making pesto and grinding spices, or a citrus zester and garlic press for those fresh additions.
Frequent meat eaters might benefit from a meat tenderizer and meat thermometer to ensure perfectly tender roasts. While pizza lovers should consider a pizza stone to help help cook crispy crusts and a pizza cutter to easily slice up that pie!
If you are interested in baking, baking sheets/pans, measuring cups and spoons, and mixing bowls will get you started. If you spend ample time creating delicious confectionaries, there is an array of tools you need to up your game!
Tip!
Want to know more about baking sheets? Read Baking Sheet Sizes to find out more.
Start with a whisk for mixing, cookie cutters and a rolling pin for dough. An ice cream scoop is a dual-purpose tool that can be used for both frozen treats and placing batter into muffin tins/cupcake pans. If you enjoy making bigger cakes, breads, and pies, opt for a cake pan, loaf pan, or pie pan. And don't forget the cooling rack once your goodies come out the oven.
For more seasoned bakers, electric tools will speed up your mixing, giving you time to focus on your decorating. A hand mixer is a good start, but a stand mixer will give you the most professional edge you are looking for. Don't forget the stand mixer attachments either. Read Types of KitchenAid Mixers: How to Choose the Best One for some extra guidance. Finally, if you are in search of something for a much higher level, ramekins are good for the delicate soufflés.
A tea kettle along with teacups and saucers or mugs are ideal for tea lovers. But any coffee connoisseurs will benefit from the more specialized tools and appliances. Pick a coffee maker and coffee grinder for your more standard java. Or get fancy with an espresso machines and espresso cups . A French press or cold brew coffee maker also offer alternative brewing options. Don't forget those travel mugs for your caffeine on the go.
Tip!
Wondering which espresso machine to buy? Check out How to Pick the Best Espresso Machine for Your Needs for tips on choosing the right one.
While a toaster and microwave are two essentials you simply cannot be without, there are a few kitchen gadgets that will give you a range of cooking options. An air fryer in particular is multipurpose appliance that can do anything from roasting to baking, frying to reheating (read The Best Air Fryer to Get You Cooking for help in choosing the right one for you).
A toaster oven gives you a few cook settings too.
For slow-cooking meals and ensuring tender meat, you can pick a slow cooker or pressure cooker, while a rice cooker removes the more mundane chore of making grains.
To create delicious drinks, try a blender for smoothies or a juicer for a fresh squeeze. Even an immersion blender will help mix drink powders, create silky soups, and thoroughly combine various liquid ingredients.
Tip!
Need help deciding between a slow cooker or a pressure cooker? Check out Slow Cooker vs. Pressure Cooker: How to Choose the Right One.
Make quick bites with a panini press or waffle maker. Create your pastry from scratch using a food processor and use a Dutch oven for the perfect bake. Read 10 Best Dutch Ovens to Complete Your Kitchen for our favorites.
Even if you don't spend too much time cooking, there are a few additional basics you'll benefit from having in your kitchen. Add drawer organizers to corral your cutlery and food storage containers for storing leftovers or dry ingredients like pasta, grains, and sugar. Find our list of favorites by reading 9 Best Food Storage Containers You'll Love. Don't forget the ice tray if your refrigerater doesn't have an ice maker.
Store your spices using a spice rack and season your meals with salt and pepper shakers. Once you're done cooking with your oil and vinegar cruets, you can handle your hot pots with pot holders/oven mitts and rest them on the counter using a trivet.
Wash and dry your dishes with a soap dispenser, dish rack, and dish towels. Finally, you can keep your kitchen squeaky clean with a paper towel holder, recycling bin, and trash can.
Dishes & Tabletop Needs
Once you're ready to eat your food, you'll need to serve everything you've made! For standard day-to-day meals, you'll want dinner plates, flatware sets, and drinking glasses. Read our guide on all the types of glassware Types of Glassware: Find the Best Glass for You.
Try adding soup bowls, cereal bowls, and salad or dessert plates for a more varied selection of crockery.
If you frequently entertain large groups, you'll want to ensure the dining experience is as enjoyable as possible.
Begin with decorating your dining table using a tablecloth, and a table runner. Remember to include matching dining chairs!
For more formal meals, go for cloth napkins, napkin rings, and placemats. Be sure to include some candles and candle holders to add a classy element to the table.
Move onto appetizers with a butter dish for artisanal breads, as well as a charcuterie board and a cheese knife for hors d'oeuvres. Serve your greens in a salad bowl using salad tongs.
Next, for entrees, you’ll want to pick stylish serveware. Serving bowls, serving platters, a serving spoon, and a serving fork will help you dish out individual portions or allow everyone to help themselves.
For more specific recipes, choose a meat fork, and gravy boat for Sunday roasts and a ladle and soup tureen for hearty soups. Don't forget the pitcher or carafe for drinks.
Anyone who often bakes cakes for dessert should invest in a cake stand along with a cake knife or cake server so everyone can enjoy your treats. The creamer and sugar bowl set and sugar spoon are needed for the after-meal tea of course.
Tip!
For a full checklist of the different types of plates you might want to register for, check out Types of Plates for Your Table.
Whether you like to sip a simple glass of wine or prefer to bring out your inner mixologist, a bar cart is an attractive and useful piece of furniture that allows you to store and serve your drinks. There is plenty of bar glassware out there, so you'll need to consider what you intend use the most. Try whiskey glasses for those aged spirits, or shot glasses for getting parties started. If you like to dabble in cocktail making, consider martini glasses, margarita glasses, and highball glasses. Topping your bar cart with a cocktail shaker will give you that truly professional feel.
A good brew at the end of the day will taste crisp and fresh out of a beer mug or pint glass. But if you prefer vino, uncork your bottle with a wine opener and keep it nice and cold with a wine chiller or ice bucket before using your wine glasses. If you are confused about red vs. white wine glasses, read Types of Wine Glasses: Everything You Need to Know to learn more.
Pour your bubbly into champagne flutes, or let your vintage breathe in a decanter. Be sure to protect your tables with coasters for a ring-free surface.
Tip!
For a full list of the all the types of bar glassware your home bar needs, check out Types of Cocktail Glasses & Other Bar Glassware Your Home Bar Needs.
Turn your bedroom into a private oasis with everything you need for peaceful slumber.
Why not choose a brand-new bed and mattress to start off your wedded bliss? Read Bed Buying 101: Types of Beds and Mattress Buying Guide to choose the right one for you. Be sure to get a mattress cover to protect your investment.
In case you prefer to keep your current mattress, there are a few options to make it feel plush and comfy again. A mattress pad or mattress topper can elevate your bed, giving you many more years out of it. To learn about the best mattress topper for your sleep type, read Best Mattress Toppers for a Good Night’s Rest.
For smaller touches that still make all the difference, you can opt instead for new pillows, pillow shams, or sheets and pillowcases. For more info about the best sheets to buy, check out Guide to Bed Sheet Sizes.
Keep warm and snug at night with a luxurious down duvet insert or a more lightweight quilt or coverlet set. For that in-between comfort, you can pick a comforter, and be sure to include a fresh duvet cover to give your bed a whole new feel. If you want to add some flourishes, you can try a bed skirt or
throw pillows.
Alternatively, a set of nightstands could be just what you need to make your bedroom feel more refreshed.
Give your bathroom a hassle-free makeover with a few essentials. Start with a bath mat or rug and a shower curtain (check out our favorites in Shower Curtain Ideas for Every Style) for an effortless instant upgrade. Even new shower curtain rings will add a fresh visual element.
To add luxurious textures, go for a set of matching robes and bath towels. Try adding fresh hand towels and washcloths to make a world of difference.
Match your new linens with a nice soap dispenser and toothbrush holder . Finally, keep the floors clean with both a clothes hamper and a bathroom-sized garbage can.
Your living room is a space of relaxation and comfort – whether it's the place you end long days, entertain guests, watch movies, or nap. Pick a budget-friendly sofa to create a welcoming area for you and visitors. Include some throw blankets and pillows to snuggle under and an ottoman to kick your feet up.
Pick a coffee table (find out the right size coffee table for your living room Coffee Table Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Coffee Table Dimensions) and bring it all together with a runner or area rug.
A couple of end tables are great for holding snacks while you watch TV on a new entertainment console. You can illuminate the space with table lamps and
floor lamps for a moody feeling.
Create a cute reading nook with a bookcase, bookends, and some fancy accent chairs. Find out the right bookcase for your home with How to Choose a Bookcase: Find the Perfect Style for Your Home.
When it comes to decor, you can hang new curtains for a grand effect. Adorn the walls with photos from your wedding day with a range of picture frames, or select your favorite wall art for a touch of class. Opt for unique elements like a vase for displaying fresh flowers, a mirror to bring in additional light, or a statement clock for some drama.
Once your home is filled and decorated, it is important to keep it tidy. There is nothing quite like a new vacuum to ensure your floors are spotless. Need help choosing a vacuum? Read How to Choose the Best Vacuum Cleaner for Your Home for help. You can always let a robot vacuum do the hard work for you and then come in with a mop or steam cleaner afterward. For those tight spots your vacuum can't reach, a broom and dust pan will help you out.
Ensure the air you breathe is clean with an air purifier and not too dry with a humidifier (read Humidifiers vs. Dehumidifiers: How to Choose to choose a humidifier vs. a dehumidifier).
For wrinkle-free clothing, you'll need a steamer or an iron (accompanied by an ironing board).
Finally, bring order to your wardrobes with closet organization and storage baskets.
Spending time outdoors is important, so it's helpful to create an enjoyable environment you'll want to hang out in. Patio seating or an outdoor sofa will give you a good place to sit, while a patio table provides a space to eat. Use an outdoor rug to make it feel a little more homey and add outdoor lighting for some ambience. Be sure to include a patio umbrella if you don't have a shade! For added beautification, planters will bring the greenery to your patio.
Tip!
Not sure what outdoor lighting is best for your space? Check out our Outdoor Lighting Guide to discover all your options and pick the one that’s best for your home.
If you intended to entertain outdoors, a grill allows you to cook for parties, while a smoker will take your culinary endeavors to the next level. Remember the grill tools. Of course a pizza oven is an age-old favorite you can never go wrong with, so check out our top picks with The Best Outdoor Pizza Ovens. And don't forget the cooler to ensure your beverages don't get too hot in the sun.
You can play a range of lawn games, and when you are done, you can watch the sunset from a porch swing. Then it is time to gather around a fire pit to end the night with a cozy fire.
Any adventurers might like a tent and cots for more outdoor exploration. A portable showers will give you a little bit of home comfort, while pet gear will allow you to bring your four-legged friend with you.
For a more home-focused approach, tool kits are a must-have for maintenance and building any new pieces of furniture. Doormats are key for creating a warm welcome (and preventing dirt from getting tracked in).
Tip!
Already planning ahead for your anniversary next year (or many years in the future)? Check out What Are Anniversary Gifts by Year: Traditional & Modern Ideas for which anniversary gifts go with which year of marriage.
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Photo Credit: CHELSEA ABRIL PHOTOGRAPHY
