What to put on a Wedding Registry

If we're talking "tradition," guests usually gift the marrying couple practical items for the household, with the tradition being that the couple would move in together after the wedding.

Obviously in 2024 it's not at all uncommon for the couple to be living together before getting married, but gifts for the home are still pretty standard. That might be kitchen items (cookware, bakeware, a stand mixer or other small appliances), but it also could be home decor like pillows, blankets, and other linens.

I think it's getting more popular for a registry to include gift cards and tickets to experiences, like a dinner outing or a spa day. A lot of websites also allow you the option to start a cash registry for a "newlywed fund" or "honeymoon fund," etcetera.

What you SHOULD put on the registry depends really on what you and your fiance want, need, and have the space for. I personally found articles on sites like this one and others (The Knot, Brides, etc) really helpful just to get some ideas.

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Put anything you need and want for your home that you will use together that you would not want to spend your own money on. What have you seen when out on errands together that you want or need that you can’t justify buying at the time? Also, anything that you want to upgrade and then donate what you have to a thrift store or homeless shelter. When they were still in business, Bed Bath and Beyond had a registry checklist online for all rooms of the home to use as a starting point. Make sure you have a wide range of prices because while some guests will only purchase expensive items, others have to be mindful of how much they spend and stick to the lower cost items such as $1-10/each. Make sure to have local registries at national chains such as Target or Walmart because not everyone prefers to shop online especially when they are on strict budgets or older guests.


Here are some ideas: https://junebugweddings.com/wedding-blog/70-amazing-amazon-wedding-registry-ideas/

https://www.amazon.com/wedding/mp/shop/top-100?ref_=hit_wr_mp_th

https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-registry-ideas

It’s supposed to be gifts for setting up your lives together. Housewares are traditional, so think about what you need and what you’d like to upgrade. Matching plates, a full set of glasses, nicer towels. But also think about what you like to do together. If you like to play board games together, register for board games. If you’re campers, camping supplies.

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Bed Bath and Beyond is still around but was bought by Overstock. The checklist is still available on the website and everything is now just online shopping