Wedding Registry Guide: 12 Must-Have Items for Your New Life Together

Your wedding registry provides the opportunity to create a list of everything you need to enjoy your new life together. This is likely the one time in your life when you can go a little overboard on your wishlist and consider the things that will help make your house a home.

In this article, we have compiled a list of 12 must-have items that every couple should add to their wedding registry to help make the most of their wedding gifts.

1. Kitchenware

Even if you’ve already been living together for several years, this is your opportunity to create a more organized kitchen with the quality items you’ve always wanted. It’s also a good place to start for affordable items for those with limited budgets.

Some ideas to help create a fully equipped kitchen include:

• Baking sheets and pans

• Basting brush

• Casserole dish

• Cheese grater

• Citrus zester

• Colander

• Cookie cutters

• Cooling racks

• Cutting boards

• Dish rack or drying mat

• Drawer organizers

• Food storage containers

• Garlic press

• Handheld juicer

• Ice cream scoop and ice tray

• Indoor grill and griddle

• Kitchen shears

• Knives, knife block, and knife sharpener

• Ladle

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Meat thermometer

• Mixing bowls

• Oil and vinegar dispensers

• Paper towel holder

• Pots and pans

• Ramekins

• Rolling pin

• Salad spinner

• Salt well

• Slotted spoons

• Spatulas

• Spice rack or organizer

• Tongs

• Trash can

• Vegetable peeler

• Whisk

2. Small appliances

Small appliances provide tons of convenience, and help make life together easier. Some small appliance ideas include:

• Air fryer

• Air purifier and humidifier

• Coffee grinder

• Coffee maker/espresso machine

• Food processor

• Hand mixer

• Panini press

• Pressure and slow cooker

• Stand mixer and attachments

• Tea kettle

• Toaster or toaster oven

• Vacuum

• Waffle maker

• Iron and ironing board

• Smart home gadgets like Alexa, a security camera/doorbell, or smart thermostat

• Steam cleaner

3. Tableware

Your wedding tableware is something you’ll cherish for a lifetime, and hand down to your children. The beauty of tableware is that you can make it easy for people to choose a gift suited to their budget, from gravy boats to entire place settings. Be sure to indicate the number of settings required.

Some essentials for tableware include:

• 5-piece flatware sets

• Butter dish and knife

• Cake stand

• Cereal or soup bowls 

• Coasters

• Coffee or tea cups 

• Creamer and sugar bowl set

• Wine decanter and chiller

• Dinner plates

• Espresso cups and saucers

• Gravy boat

• Juice/water glasses 

• Red and white wine glasses

• Salad bowl

• Salad/dessert plates 

• Salt and pepper shakers

• Serving bowls and platters

• Serving utensils

4. Table linens

Table linens allow you to set an elegant table for special occasions. Imagine setting up a buffet for holiday meals or entertaining your closest friends by candlelight to come up with the style of table linens you prefer. This can include the following:

• Napkins and rings

• Placemats

• Tablecloths

• Trivets (to set hot food on)

5. Barware

If you entertain often and love preparing cocktails and drinks, barware is a must. A respectable bar includes the following:

• Bar cart

• Beer glasses

• Champagne flutes

• Coasters

• Highball glasses

• Ice bucket with tongs

• Pitcher or carafe

• Red and white wine glasses (more casual than your tableware wine glasses)

• Rocks glasses

• Specialty cocktail glassware like martini or margarita glasses

• Corkscrew

• Jigger

• Strainer

• Shaker

• Stir sticks

6. Kitchen linens

These linens are different from your table linens and are needed for everyday use. They include:

• Aprons

• Tea towels

• Oven mitts

• Pot holders

7. Bedding

Your bedroom and guest room can be made all the more comfortable with lovely bedding. It also provides a romantic setting for newlyweds when you have comfortable, higher-end bedding.

Consider your seasonal needs, size, and preferred colours to create this list, which includes:

• Bed skirts

• Comforters or duvet inserts and covers

• Decorative pillows

• Fitted sheets and flat sheets (sheet sets)

• Flannel sheets

• Mattress covers and pads

• Pillowcases or decorative shams

• Pillows (this is based on personal preference, so be specific and include the exact pillow type and size)

• Quilts and throw blankets

8. Bathroom items

You might not think of your bathroom when adding to your registry list, but there are plenty of gifts that can help create a more appealing and comfortable “loo.” Again, be sure to state your colour preferences.

Bathroom items include:

• Bath mats or a rug

• Bath sheets (extra-large towels)

• Bath towels (regular-sized towels) 

• Hand towels (for drying hands and perfect to reserve for guests!)

• Storage (be specific and provide measurements and colour)

• Shower curtain and liner with rings

• Soap dispenser

• Face cloths 

9. Outdoor items

Whether you have a nice balcony or your own backyard, you can create a welcoming outdoor space with a collection of the right outdoor living space gifts, such as:

• Firepit

• Planters and urns

• Raised garden beds

• Area rugs

• Seating 

• Decorative pillows

• Dining set

• Barbecue

• Pizza oven

• Shade umbrella

10. Miscellaneous items

This can be just about anything you can think of to make life easier or to create a more comfortable, welcoming home.

Some ideas might include:

• Accent chair

• Artwork (this can be awkward as it’s based on personal taste)

• Shelving 

• Candles and candle holders

• Decorative clock

• Coffee/side tables

• Dining chairs

• Entertainment centre

• Kitchen table

• Mirrors

• Ottoman

• Picture frames

• Area rugs and runners

• Couch

• Storage 

• Lamps

• Vases

• Coat rack

11. Home maintenance gifts

These are items commonly used around the house, and might include:

• Gardening tools like rakes and hoes

• Lawn mower/weed wacker

• Toolset

• Picture-hanging set

• Power tools

• Window-cleaning tools

• Ladder

• Wet mops

• Vacuum cleaner

• Power washer

12. Personal items

These items are gifts you need and use specifically as a couple. This can vary widely from one couple to another, but some items to consider in this category might include:

• Camera and related attachments and accessories

• Camping gear

• Luggage

• Gift cards

• Pet gear

• Artist supplies

• Ski gear

• Scuba gear

• Computer equipment

• Home entertainment accessories

The possibilities here are endless, but they should be reasonable to avoid turning guests off.

It’s normal to feel a little greedy creating a list this long and complicated. However, you have to consider the number of guests attending, the possibility of getting duplicate gifts, and the fact that a gift registry is not only expected, but also appreciated. Guests will know what items are already purchased, can choose something that suits their budget, and give you something you need and appreciate.

Contact the Wedding Event Specialists

If you’re planning your wedding, the experts at one of the most popular wedding banquet halls in Vaughan are ready to help. To learn more, call Château Le Jardin 1-888-529-8573 or contact us here to book a consultation.