The reason a couple registers for gifts is to make it easier on their guests. Your wedding guests want to buy you a wedding gift—and possibly an engagement and shower gift, too—and having a registry tells them what you want and need for your home. Couples who don’t need or want anything should still register because whether you like it or not the gifts will come, and not having a registry will ensure that you get items that you don’t need, want and can’t return or exchange.
For couples who are hoping for cash gifts: I don’t recommend registering for cash because it’s just tacky. You can spread the word through your parents that you are hoping to buy a home and people may get the hint.
So what should you register for? There are several core groups of home items that you should focus on, and of course, if you have special interests or hobbies you can create a registry at a specialty store for items like wine, books and sporting goods. Honeymoon and charity registries also are available.
Bedroom: Add a new bedding set to your registry. Sheets, blankets, pillowcases, shams, pillows and even a mattress can all be added to your wedding wish list. Visit the bedding floor at a few different stores to find a pattern you both love. Throw in some throws and even a few furniture items—nightstands and lamps—and have your guests help makeover your bedroom.
Shown: Rainbow Garden Bedding by Diane von Furstenberg (you did know she has a new home collection, right?), available at Bloomingdale’s
Bathroom: From floor mats and soap dispensers to towels and toilet paper holders, it’s time to makeover your bathroom. Think about what you need—a radio or iPod player for the shower? A new vanity mirror? New faucets?—and add all of these items, no matter how frivolous to your list.
Shown: Larabee Dot Towels by Kate Spade, available at Bed, Bath & Beyond
Kitchen: The kitchen section of your registry should include appliances, gadgets, everyday plates, glasses and flatware, cookbooks and cookware. Don’t be afraid to register for both big and small items. If you’re having a shower, the less expensive items (less than $20) make great wishing well items. Put items that you know you’ll use as well as a few items that you’re not sure if you will but always wanted—like the Kitchen-Aid Stand Mixer—on your list because you will probably never buy it for yourself. Cookware sets can be expensive but in addition to registering for the set, you also can add individual pieces, which may be more affordable for your guests.
Shown: All Clad Tri-Play Stainless Steel 15-piece Cookware Set, with gift, available at Williams-Sonoma
Dining Room: Many couples assume that they shouldn’t register for fine china, sterling silver flatware or crystal glassware because they won’t use it, or at least they don’t need it now. But trust me, you will someday and you’ll regret not getting these items as wedding gifts. They can be costly and you won’t like having to shell out thousands of dollars all at once. You can opt to register for a neutral pattern and then mix in a bolder one at a later date or if you fall in love with a pattern add it to your list now. And since most fine china patters are dishwasher safe these days, there’s no excuse not to entertain on your “nice” dishes all the time.
Shown: Painted Camellia 5-Piece Setting from Marchesa by Lenox Dinnerware
Living Room: Registering for your living room can be divided into two sections—living in the space and entertaining in the space. Living includes decorative items such as throws, pillows, storage and frames. Entertaining includes barware, coasters, decorative items such as candles and bowls. You can also add a sound system for your iPod to the list and even a new flatscreen TV and DVD player. When registering for your living room, think about your lifestyle as a couple—do you like to entertain a lot? Are you “lay on the couch and read the paper or watch TV” people? Once you can define your at home living style, you’ll be able to create your living room’s must-register-for list.
Shown: Brushed silver 5×7 wall frame, available at Crate & Barrel
Outdoor Space: Whether you have a garden, deck or front porch, there are a wide variety of outdoor furniture and accessories you can register for. One great gift item is the monogrammed or custom doormat but you can also add complete table and chair sets, gardening tools and accessories for outdoor entertaining.
Shown: Personalized Coir with Rubber Frame Doormat, available at Restoration Hardware
Anne Chertoff is the author of The Wedding Organizer available at russellandhazel.com.
