Must-Have Items for Your Wedding Registry

Among all the wedding planning processes, picking items for your wedding registry is one of the most fun! The tradition of wedding registries has been around since the 1930s and has long served as a valuable way for guests to celebrate the happy couple's new lives together. Now that online registries are available it's easier than ever to create the ideal wish list filled with everything you want and for your guests to buy gifts for you too.

However, curating the perfect wedding registry can be challenging. You want the list to include a wide variety of objects so people can adjust their budgets accordingly. At the same time, you also want to receive gifts that you and your partner will actually use and enjoy.

Need help figuring out where to start? We're here to help! We're a team of wedding experts who not only know about organizing a great venue and everything else that goes along with the day, and we can help you with your registry too!

Look at our list of 25 must-haves you need to include in your wedding registry. We've got all the best ideas, from the most useful to the trendiest to the most out-the-box.

1. Air Fryer

Air fryers are easily one of the most popular home items of the decade—and for a good reason! These appliances allow you to "fry" and crisp up all types of food without using much oil or much effort. They're extremely quick and easy to use, no matter how limited your cooking skills are.

2. Espresso Machine

If you and your soon-to-be spouse love coffee, it's a great time to get that machine you've had your eye on for a while. An espresso machine is one of the more popular options, but you could also opt for a cold-brew set or a good French press.

3. Toaster

Perhaps a dull gift to some, the humble toaster is an essential home item you and your partner can benefit from. Pick one with double or quadruple slots so you can make fresh slices every morning without wasting time.

4. Pressure Cooker

Pressure cookers are quintessential at-home items you can use to cook various dishes. From soups to stews to salted caramel, a pressure cooker is easy to operate and will certainly come in handy when you have guests over for dinner.

5. Wok

If you or your partner enjoy cooking Asian cuisine, a wok could be the perfect gift. Extremely versatile, you can make a wide variety of dishes, all equally delicious. Plus, making them at home can be a fun and more affordable alternative to takeout.

6. Kitchen Utensil Set

Another classic staple that often gets overlooked. But this is different from the kind of thing you want to remember! Kitchen utensils like serving spoons, spatulas, whisks, and potato mashers are all convenient items with stylish sets that look as good as the food you'll make using them.

7. Blender

Blending food without putting in any muscle is always a bonus. From smoothies to soups to hummus, a blender will come in handy more times than you can count. Plus, you can choose between a mounted blender, a jug, or an immersion blender.

8. Cake Pans

If you or your partner loves baking, remember to add a store with a good selection of cake and muffin pans to your wedding registry. These are useful and enjoyable items that will last for decades, and you can use them to make birthday cakes, anniversary cakes, and more over the years.

9. Barbeque Set

A barbeque set is another item that should be included in your wedding registry. Being able to host friends and families for summer-hazy outdoor meals is a wonderful treat, and if someone is willing to buy a set to make this a reality, even better!

10. Saucepan Set

It's kitchen staples like these that often get left off registries, so make sure to add them to the list. A saucepan or frying pan set is crucial for everyday cooking, and if it's non-stick and lightweight, even better! Or if you're a fan of cast iron, you can go this route too.

11. Knife Set

All kitchens need a good quality set of knives. But you already knew that! Blunt knives are dangerous and frustrating, so feel free to splurge in this area. An excellent knife set can last for years and make cooking a far more enjoyable experience.

12. Wine Glasses

Every adult household needs beautiful, delicate wine glasses. These are kitchen items you will always appreciate stocking up on, even if you drink wine sparingly. A set of red or white slender wine glasses can be used for romantic nights in the kitchen or dinner parties with friends. You can also add champagne glasses to the list if you like to pop a bottle of bubbly at home.

13. Wireless Speakers

Every home is complete with a decent-quality sound system. You and your fiancé might already have the odd Bluetooth speaker or two, but having a top-quality set of wireless speakers will mean you get excellent music quality wherever you are in the house.

14. Wall Art  

Are you and your partner into all things creative and design-oriented? Even if you're not, investing in some beautiful wall art will make your house feel like home, no matter where it is. Find a store that stocks wall art you like and make sure to add it to your list.

15. Photo Frames

When you get your wedding photos from the photographer, you will want to display them in beautiful frames. Stylish picture frames are the perfect way to showcase your new images and to ensure everyone sees them at their best.

16. Candles & Candlesticks

What better way to keep the romance alive as newlyweds than with romantic candles? Stunning scented candles add an incredible ambiance to your home even on a regular night, and having elegant candlesticks to place them in makes them even better.

17. Clock

A gorgeous clock not only makes for functional wall art, but it also has beautiful symbolism attached. It marks the passing of time you spend together and represents the past, present, and future. Large wall clocks are always in style, as are smaller carriage clocks that look great on a shelf or your bedside table.

18. Indoor Plants

Plants have always been beautiful gifts, but they're more popular now than ever. Add several indoor pot plants to your registry along with some beautiful pots that fit in with your home décor. This is a lovely, eco-friendly gift and gives you something to nurture and watch grow.

19. Cotton Bed Linens

Quality bed linens can improve your home life immeasurably. It's okay to put off buying fresh linen while you're still dating, but once you get married, it's time to bring out the good stuff. Cotton bed linens are lighter, softer, and better for your skin.

20. Bedroom Mirror

Mirrors are great for several reasons. They add a feeling of space, let more light in, and allow you to check yourself out now and then (very important!). What's more, you can find them in just about every shape and size with varying styles of frames, so whichever one you receive can fit wherever you like.

21. Board Games

It's always a good idea to have board games on hand for peaceful nights at home with your partner or friends. There are so many good ones to choose from, and they'll always be there when you're trying to spend less time on your devices and more time together.

22. Picnic Basket

If you're looking for fun extras to add to your wedding registry, a good-quality picnic basket should be the first place to look, especially if you're the type of couple that likes languid dates in nature. A picnic basket will keep all your goodies safe and sound while you adventure with your love.

23. Two Bathrobes

Sexy and practical! Matching clothes can be challenging to pull off, but bathrobes do it with ease. Soft cotton or velour robes for you and your fiancé to wear after a bath or during a home pampering session is not a decision either of you will regret (hello, private home massages).

24. Honeymoon Contributions

It's become common for couples to ask for contributions to their honeymoon instead of gifts, and if that's the way you want to go, go for it! If you've lived together before getting married, you may not need any household items. Even if this isn't the case, a monetary contribution towards your honeymoon is an excellent alternative registry option. Plus, you can always spend some money on other honeymoon necessities!

25. Gift Cards

If you want to avoid contributions for your honeymoon and want to avoid asking for cash, gift cards are a good alternative. You can ask for gift cards or specify which stores you'd like them from. If you go this route, send thank you cards after you've gone shopping so you can share what you purchased with the card.

Get The Wedding Gifts You'd Love

Wedding registries offer a great way for friends, family, and loved ones to contribute to your future as a couple. It can feel odd to ask for specific gifts, but the truth is, your friends and family want to spoil you. A registry helps them do just that (and you don't end up with four toasters!).

Guest Contributor: Angelica Hoover