Remember the days when the newlywed couple would receive three toasters, several irons, sets of mismatched towels, etc. Guests had no idea what the new couple needed or even what their color scheme was going to be unless it got passed along by word of mouth. The bride and groom had to return many items and exchange them for something they did need, provided that there was a receipt in the box indicating the store where the item was purchased.
Thankfully with modern technology, we have come a long way since then with registries for weddings, bridal showers, and even baby showers. In this post, we will focus on the wedding registry checklist to help readers understand how important they are in removing the confusion around buying and giving wedding gifts.
What is the Wedding Registry?
A wedding registry is an electronic registry with one or more stores, usually a chain store that maintains a list of everything that the bride and groom need to get started as a new couple. Guests and anyone who wants to give a gift can view the registry to review the gift ideas the bride has indicated and decide if one of these gifts is appropriate for the person giving the gift. This approach saves everyone time and removes the stress of finding a gift that the couple needs.
Once an item has been selected and purchased, the item is no longer presented to online viewers as a possible gift. The registry is also organized by cost. Inexpensive items are usually at the beginning of the registry, while more expensive items are near the end of the registry. The registry can be viewed online as well as in the store.
Couples may have more than one wedding registry at different stores. In most cases, they will avoid duplicating items across several registries to avoid receiving multiple gifts of the same thing.
This modern approach to gift-giving for a wedding is very effective and takes the stress out of finding and selecting a gift for the newlyweds. The registry tells you what they need, and you can be sure that no one else will be buying the same item as long as the purchaser advises the store they should remove the item from the registry.
What Is a Wedding Registry Checklist?
Many brick-and-mortar stores, as well as online stores, have developed wedding registry checklists for the bride and groom to review and make it easy for them to select products from their store. For example, let’s assume that store ABC sells dishes, kitchenware, bake wear, small appliances, items for the bath, bedding, etc. The bride can set up her wedding registry checklist at the store and indicate all of the items she may need to set up her new home and matches her design and color scheme.
She can choose from a broad checklist of ideas and create her own personalized wedding registry checklist of the items sold by store ABC for her wedding guests to review and select as wedding gifts. As items are purchased, they are removed from the checklist to avoid guests giving duplicate gifts.
Another advantage of setting up a wedding registry checklist is that many stores offer free shipping. Guests can select an item on the registry, make their purchase online, and arrange to have the item they have chosen shipped to the bride and groom. This feature is appreciated by many people who are not located near the bride and groom but still want to make arrangements for a gift to be sent to them.
The Ultimate Wedding Registry Checklist
Wedding registries should be organized in terms of every room in your home, including the garage or storage spaces. We have put together a list of items that readers may want to consider.
Registry Categories
- Kitchens
- Entertaining and Dining
- Linens & Bedrooms
- Decorations
- Storage, Landscaping, and Other
Kitchens
- Cooking pots and pans
- Baking pans, dishes, and various bakeware
- Knife sets
- Cutting boards
- Toaster oven
- Mixers
- Food processor
- Juicers
- Cups for measuring
- Mixing bowls
- Spatulas
- Whisk
- Salad spinner
- Meat tenderizer and thermometer
- Oven mitts
- Salt and pepper shakers
- Rice cooker
- Pasta maker
- Cookbooks
- Various specialty appliances
- Coffee or expresso machines
- Electric kettle
- Blenders
- Juicer
- Entertaining items – shakers, jiggers, ice trays, glasses, etc.
- Compost bins
Entertaining and Dining
- Everyday dishes – 8 or 12 settings – plates, salad bowls, drinking glasses, mugs, flatware
- Steak knives
- Wine glasses
- Champagne flutes
- Serving trays and bowls
- Butter dish, coffee and creamer dishes,
- Gravy boat
- Teapot
- Cheese boards
- Cheese knives
- Specialty glassware
- Cake serving dishes
- Wine and whiskey decanters
- Game sets and playing cards
Linens & Bedrooms
- Sheet sets (don’t forget to specify the size)
- Comforters, duvets, down covers
- Pillows
- Mattress covers
- Bath towel sets
- Bath mats
- Robes
- Placemats
- Napkins – linen
- Clothing hampers and drying racks
- Pillowcases
- Specialized towels
Decorations
- Picture frames
- Bookends
- Throw blankets
- Candles
- Vases
- Indoor plants
- Gift cards for framing services
- Home office – lamps, desk items, storage components
- Storage, Landscaping, and Other
- Grilling gear
- Storage baskets
- Patio furniture
- Firepits
- Patio heat lamps
- Gift cards to home improvement stores
- Luggage
- Camping equipment
- Sporting equipment
- Gift cards for Airbnb
- Workout equipment
- Subscription to online services
- Gear for the pets
- Yoga mats
- Bath caddies
- Items that reflect your lifestyle
FAQs
The following are some of the frequently asked questions many brides and grooms have with regard to wedding registry checklists.
There are several ways to share your wedding registry information. Include a link on all correspondence – your wedding website, invitations to the wedding, and save the date notices. Some may feel it is bad etiquette to include the registry on wedding invitations. Including wedding registry links on various social media sites is done in some cultures; however, it is really up to personal taste. Many feel that it should be limited to close friends, family, and those you have invited to the wedding.
Is it alright if you ask for money instead of gifts?
Recently it has become more accepted to create registries to raise cash to help with various expenses. Some will have a registry for round-trip airfare, honeymoon expenses, etc. Guests can contribute to something they know will be enjoyed by the lucky couple.
Guests may bring cash or checks to the wedding. Arrange for an appropriate box to receive the cash and checks. It should be in plain view for guests to see; however, it should also be protected in some manner to avoid potential theft.
Many readers and experts believe that anything can be added to the wedding registry provided that the items are considered in good taste. There should also be a balance between the partners in terms of the gift selection that reflects the needs of the couple and also their objective of creating a comfortable home for both of them.
Many people consider it ok to have many items on your wedding registry list. As long as you do not expect every item to be purchased, having many items on the list gives your guests choices regarding the gifts they select. Remember to provide a range of gifts in various price ranges to accommodate various spending levels for your guests. Having many items on the wedding registry list avoids disappointment for your guests if all items have been purchased.
Many couples will have between one and three registries at different stores reflecting the type of items they wish to receive. Some will also indicate charities they wish to support instead of receiving gifts.
Brides should also feel free to add gifts to the registry over time as their ideas develop about where they will live, and plans for the honeymoon are firmed up. If all the gifts are taken, many guests may feel disappointed if they are unable to choose a gift selected by the bride and groom.
Every guest will have their ideas about how much they wish to spend on gifts based on their relationship with the couple and their financial situation. Brides and grooms should allow their guests to purchase items at various levels of cost. Include a mix of items at different cost levels and some that are more expensive. Close friends or family may feel comfortable spending a little more in some cases.
Key points, Conclusion, or Final Thoughts
Wedding registry checklists are the modern approach to organizing wedding gifts for brides, grooms, and their guests. The bride and groom appreciate setting up a registry that illustrates the gifts they need to help them set up their new home or even help defray the cost of their wedding or honeymoon. Their guests also appreciate a wedding registry since it helps them understand the gifts that the bride and groom need. The registry also helps avoid receiving multiples of the same gift, which have to be exchanged for something else.
A wedding registry will have many items included covering a range of goods and services at different price points. Your guests can choose items appropriate for their price range and feel comfortable that they are purchasing something that will be useful to the bride and groom.
The couple may have several registries at different stores that cover all of their needs. Registries covering kitchen, bath, bedrooms, and living areas are common. Registries at hardware stores are also common since tools and lawn furniture may also be needed for the new home.
Almost anything goes when it comes to wedding registry checklists; however, readers are urged to keep everything in good taste and include items that will not offend your guests or family members.
Setting up a wedding registry checklist is a win-win for the bride and groom, their guests, and the stores where they are registered. Duplicates are avoided, returns are not needed, and everyone saves time and money by using a registry.
