The Ultimate Wedding Registry Checklist For Every Couple

Yes, choosing wedding gifts might feel overwhelming and confusing at first. Of all the wedding registry ideas on the internet, it can be hard to determine exactly what you need to fill your newlywed home. If you're feeling lost, don't stress: We've compiled the ultimate list of wedding registry ideas to help you get started. Room-by-room, we’ve created a complete wedding registry checklist of the best gifts for complete domestic bliss.

Whether you and your S.O. have been living together for years or you're just starting out, use your wedding registry to fill your new home with essential items and trendy appliances you've been eyeing. From kitchen appliances to trendy dinnerware sets and outdoor entertainment accessories, we've got the best wedding registry ideas for all couples. And, because we know you're curious, we've also answered the most common wedding registry etiquette questions, like how many gifts to add and how expensive your wishlist should be. 

How Many Items Should I Put on My Registry? 

Wondering how many gifts to add to your registry? There's an easy answer, and it all comes down to simple math. Multiply your guest list by two, and add a few extras. This will give loved ones plenty of options to choose from (at a variety of price ranges too). Since every guest is working with a different budget, they'll appreciate having an abundance of choices. Creating a fuller wishlist can also prevent guests from shopping off-registry. Keep in mind that not every gift will be purchased—but guests will appreciate having lots of wedding registry ideas to browse. 

What Should I Put on My Registry? 

The contents of a wedding registry will vary for every couple. As you begin wedding planning, the most important task is to create a registry with gifts you need most. If you and your S.O. have been living together for years, don't feel pressured to register for traditional gifts like serving sets and cookware if you already have them. Instead, ask for items you're excited about, like a sleek espresso machine or handmade artisan throw pillows that'll match your home aesthetic. To help you narrow down your wishlist, we've rounded up the best wedding registry ideas for every room in your house. Use this wedding registry checklist to ensure you've got the basics (and the extras) covered. 

The Kitchen

Whether you're an aspiring Top Chef contestant or a cooking newbie, it's important to make sure your kitchen is well-stocked with the right tools. Here are some basic essentials for any kitchen. 

• Blender
• Coffee and/or espresso maker
• Coffee grinder
• Tea kettle
• Juicer
• Food processor
• Stand mixer
• Hand mixer
• Slow cooker
• Pressure cooker
• Rice cooker
• Toaster or toaster oven
• Waffle iron
• Griddle
• Panini press
• Fondue set
• 8-10-piece knife set (Including a Santoku, paring, chef, bread, carving, and utility knife, as well as kitchen shears)
• Knife block
• Knife sharpener
• 8-12-piece steak knife set
• 8-10-piece cookware set (including an 8, 10, and 12-inch skillet, sauce pans, a sauté pan, and a 8, 12, or 16-quart stockpot)
• Stir fry pan or wok
• Dutch oven
• Casserole dish
• Cooking utensil set (including wooden spoons, spatulas, tongs, and a whisk)
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Colander
• Peeler
• Cutting board (wooden and plastic)
• Cheese grater
• Ice cream scoop
• Meat tenderizer
• Pizza stone
• Towel holder
• Canisters
• Trivet
• Tea towels
• Apron
• Baking pan set (including 2-4 nonstick cookie sheets, a loaf pan, cake pan, muffin pan, square baker, rectangular baker, and oval baker)
• Cooling rack
• Pie plate
• Rolling pin
• Tart dish
• 2-4 ramekins
• Coffee pot
• Teapot
• 8-12 causal place settings
• 8-12 cereal/soup bowls
• 8-12 coffee mugs
• 1-2 serving bowls
• 1-2 medium platters
• Salad bowl
• Cake plate
• Butter dish
• Salt and pepper grinders
• Chip and dip bowl

Dining Room

Even if you don't plan on hosting the holidays anytime soon, it's important to register for entertaining items. After all, you never know when an unexpected dinner party will come together (and it's always best to be prepared). 

• 8-12 flatware sets
• 3-piece serving set
• 4-piece hostess set
• Salad servers
• Cake and knife server
• 8-12 formal place settings
• 8-12 accent plates
• 8-12 formal soup/pasta bowls
• Gravy boat and stand
• Creamer
• Sugar bowl
• 1-2 serving bowls
• 1-2 large platters
• 1-2 medium platters
• Covered serving bowl
• Salt and pepper shakers
• 8-12 linen napkins
• 8-12 napkin rings
• Table runner

The Bar

If you're planning to have a bar area in your newlywed nest, the space should be well-stocked with glasses, drink accessories and serving tools. Here's everything you'll need to create the Instagram-worthy in-home bar your friends will all be jealous of. 

• 8-12 iced beverage glasses
• 8-12 champagne flutes
• 8-12 white wine glasses
• 8-12 red wine glasses
• 8-12 double old-fashioned glasses
• 8-12 highball glasses
• 8-12 Pilsner/beer mugs
• Decanter
• Pitcher
• Cocktail shaker
• Ice bucket and tongs
• Coasters
• Wine bottle opener
• Wine chiller
• Assorted bar tool set

The Bedroom

Getting married is the perfect opportunity for a bedroom upgrade. Register for these must-haves to ensure your closets are stocked up with everything you'll need to create a cozy space. 

• 2-3 flat and fitted sheets
• 4-6 pillowcases
• Comforter or duvet (with duvet insert)
• Mattress pad
• 2-4 pillows

The Living Room

Ensure that your living room is both cozy and well-decorated with a variety of registry items to fit your style. Here are some of our favorite ideas to get started. 

• Vacuum
• Vases
• Picture frames
• Lamps
• Throw blankets
• Candles
• Wall art
• TV

The Bathroom

Yep, you can (and should) register for bathroom items. From towels to bath accessories, here's what will help give your bathroom that sprucing up it probably needs. 

• 6 bath towels
• 6 hand towels
• 6 washcloths
• Bath mat
• Shower curtain
• 2 robes
• Hamper
• Bath rug
• Vanity mirror
• Waste basket
• Soap dish
• Lotion dispenser
• 2-4 bathroom containers
• Bathroom caddies

The Deck, Yard, or Porch

Don't forget to register for your outdoor space! There are lots of fun registry gifts that will help make your yard the go-to entertaining spot in your home. 

• Barbecue set
• Grill
• Picnic basket
• Yard games
• Outdoor string lights
• All-weather furniture
• Bluetooth speaker

What Should You Not Put on Your Wedding Registry?

While there aren't too many rules about what you can add to your wishlist, there are a few things you shouldn't register for. Because there are so many wedding registry ideas, it's easy to get carried away when selecting gifts. Keep in mind that your wedding registry is a shared list for you and your partner, so it's not the place for personal items (think: clothing, jewelry, or individual tech gadgets). Also avoid registering for gifts for other people, trendy items you might want to return in the future, and things you specifically want to use for your wedding day. By keeping your wedding registry list specific to items for your newlywed life, guests will have no problem selecting the perfect present. 

How Many Registries Should You Have?

We'll let you in on a wedding registry secret: You can (and should) have more than one wishlist. Diversifying your wedding registry lists will give guests even more options and make the gifting experience as easy as possible. Consider making two to three registries at different stores—or, combine a variety of stores with a universal registry. You can even add a specialty registry, like a honeymoon fund or a charity registry, into the mix. Having multiple registries on your wedding website will diversify the gifts you receive, allowing you to make the most out of your requests. Use our wedding registry checklist above to organize your wants and needs, and determine the best stores to fit your lifestyle. 

How Expensive Should Wedding Registry Items Be?

One of the most important considerations to keep in mind when creating your registry is the cost of each item. With so many wedding registry ideas to pick from, it can be easy to add the most luxurious (and expensive) gifts to your wishlist. It is important to include a few high-ticket items, because some guests will want to splurge on your wedding present. But also be sure to cater your wedding registry list to all guests, including those who might be working with a smaller budget. We recommend adding a range of wedding gifts between $50 and $200+. Having plenty of gift options at various price points will create an easy gifting experience for your nearest and dearest. After all, that's the most important reason for creating a wedding registry list—and it's a great way to ensure you and your partner will get the gifts you want most on your big day.