When hubby and I got married over 20 years ago we registered at two places — Dillard’s and Target. Target was way more fun. They handed us a scanner and we ran around that store like two kids in a candy store scanning absolutely everything. We were young, we were excited, and we had zero idea what we actually needed.
Twenty+ years and a fully stocked house later — here’s what I wish someone had told us before we registered. What you actually need, what to skip, and where to register to get the most out of it.
Where to Register — That Give FREEBIES!
Target
Still one of the best registry options out there. You register online now which is actually better — you can read reviews, compare prices, and make smart picks instead of running around scanning everything in sight like we did. The completion discount gives you 15% off anything left on your list after the wedding which is genuinely useful.
Start Your Target Wedding Registry Here
Amazon
Honestly Amazon might be the best registry option right now and here’s why — they have everything, your guests get free 2 day shipping, you get 20% off anything not purchased before the wedding, and returns are painless. They also have bonus gifts on select registry items — your guest buys you something and you get a free gift on top of it. Hard to beat that.
Start Your Amazon Wedding Registry Here
What to Actually Register For — The Must Haves
Everyday Dishes
They are called everyday dishes for a reason — you use them every single day. This is one of the most important things on your registry so don’t cheap out. Register for 6 to 8 place settings so you have plenty while some are in the dishwasher. A five piece place setting includes a dinner plate, cup, saucer, salad plate, and soup bowl — get that full set if you can.
Shop Everyday Dinnerware Sets on Amazon
Everyday Glasses
Another daily use item — don’t skip it. Sets typically come with 4 to 16 glasses. Make sure you have enough for guests too. Register for more than you think you need because glasses break.
Shop Drinking Glass Sets on Amazon
Wine Glasses
If you drink wine — register for them. Six to eight red wine glasses and six to eight white wine glasses is a good starting point. Don’t overthink it — a nice universal wine glass works for both.
Shop Wine Glass Sets on Amazon
Cookware Set
A good set of pots and pans is one of the best things you can register for. You will use these every day for decades — this is worth registering for a quality set. Don’t settle for the cheapest option here. It is amazing what some people will splurge on for you!
Knife Block Set
Good knives make cooking so much easier and safer. A quality knife block set is a great registry item — it’s something people use daily and rarely splurge on for themselves.
Shop Knife Block Sets on Amazon
Mixing Bowls
You will use these constantly — baking, marinating, tossing salads. Get a set in multiple sizes. Stainless steel or glass are the most durable options.
Shop Mixing Bowl Sets on Amazon
Cutting Board
Register for at least two — one for meat and one for everything else. A good thick wooden or bamboo cutting board is worth having. This is also a great item for people on a budget to buy you as a gift since they’re affordable but something you’ll actually use.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Unglamorous but absolutely essential. Register for a good set of both measuring cups and measuring spoons — stainless steel ones last forever.
Shop Measuring Cup Sets on Amazon
Instant Pot
Twenty years ago I would have said Crock Pot. Today I say Instant Pot without hesitation. It does everything — pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer and more. All in one appliance. It saves counter space, saves money, and genuinely gets used. This is one of the best things on any registry right now.
Air Fryer
Skip the traditional toaster and register for an air fryer instead. It does everything a toaster does and so much more. If you have the counter space register for both an Instant Pot and an air fryer and you will be set for years.
Coffee Maker
If you drink coffee — register for a good one. This is another daily use item that’s worth spending money on. A Keurig for convenience or a drip coffee maker for a full pot — either way put it on the list.
Cooking Utensils
Spatulas, wooden spoons, tongs, ladles — you need all of them. Register for a good utensil set and a utensil holder for the counter. Another great affordable gift option for guests on a budget.
Shop Kitchen Utensil Sets on Amazon
Silverware
Register for a full set — at least 8 place settings. You will use these every single day. A good silverware set lasts decades so register for something you actually like the look of.
Shop Silverware Sets on Amazon
KitchenAid Mixer
Expensive — yes. Worth registering for — absolutely. This is the item people buy off registries when they want to give something meaningful. If you bake at all this will change your life. If you’re new to cooking register for a smaller less expensive stand mixer first and work your way up.
Shop KitchenAid Mixers on Amazon
Serving Platters
I use mine all the time — holidays, dinner parties, casual get togethers. Register for at least two or three in different sizes. These are also great gifts because they’re visually impressive under the tree and very practical.
Shop Serving Platters on Amazon
Bedding
Register for one full set for every bed in the house — including any pull out sofas. Good bedding is expensive and this is exactly what registries are for. Don’t forget a mattress protector too.
Towels
The rule of thumb is three sets each — one hanging in the bathroom, one in the linen closet, and one in the laundry. A set is a bath towel, hand towel, and washcloth. Register for more than you think you need. Monogrammed towels make a great gift and mixing colors is completely fine.
Vacuum Cleaner
Not glamorous but absolutely necessary. A good vacuum is something people rarely buy themselves until theirs completely dies. Register for a quality one — your floors will thank you. Think Roomba!!!
Shop Vacuum Cleaners on Amazon
Tools
A basic tool set is something every home needs and rarely has. Register for a good starter set — hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, level, measuring tape. You will need these sooner than you think.
TV
Yes you can register for a TV — and yes people buy them off registries. If you need one put it on the list. Worst case nobody buys it and you use your completion discount to get it yourself.
Think Twice Before You Register For These
Fine China
Mine is still in a box. I have used it twice in over 28 years of marriage. I use my everyday dishes constantly. Unless you entertain formally on a regular basis skip the fine china and put that registry space toward something you will actually use every day.
Crystal Stemware
Same story. We sometimes use ours but honestly a good set of everyday wine glasses works just as well and costs a fraction of the price. You can get beautiful glasses for so much less — save the registry space.
Standalone Toaster
If you are registering for an air fryer you do not need a toaster. Air fryers toast bread beautifully and do a hundred other things too. Don’t waste counter space or registry space on a standalone toaster.
Wedding Registry — Frequently Asked Questions
Your Wedding Registry Questions Answered
When should you start your wedding registry? As soon as you get engaged — ideally 6 to 8 months before the wedding. Guests shop for engagement parties and bridal showers too so you want your registry ready early.
How many items should be on a wedding registry? Aim for 2 to 3 times the number of guests — so if you have 100 guests register for 200 to 300 items. Include a range of price points so guests with any budget can find something.
Should you register at Amazon? Yes — Amazon is one of the best registry options right now. Free shipping for guests, 20% completion discount on leftovers, easy returns, and bonus gifts on select items. It should be on every couple’s list.
What price range should wedding registry items be? Include items at every price point — gifts under $25, gifts between $25 and $75, gifts between $75 and $150, and a few splurge items over $150. Guests appreciate having options at every budget.
Is it OK to register for expensive items? Absolutely — that’s what group gifting is for. Multiple guests can chip in on a KitchenAid mixer or a nice TV. Register for what you actually want and let guests decide what they can contribute.
What’s the most important thing to register for? Everyday items you will use constantly — dishes, glasses, cookware, silverware, towels, and bedding. These are the things that make daily life better and that you’ll use for decades.
Looking for more ways to save money on big life purchases? Check out my Money Hacks section for tips that save real money!
