Whether you're just starting a new chapter, merging two households, or have lived together forever, creating a wedding registry should be fun (duh — who doesn’t love presents?!), but it can also feel a little overwhelming or even guilt-inducing.
You might be thinking: we’re already asking people to show up, travel, spend money — can we really ask for gifts too? The answer is yes — it’s totally customary and expected. Do guests have to get you something? Absolutely not. Their presence might be the best present (pun intended). But for those who want to celebrate with more than just good vibes, a registry is a win-win. It takes the guesswork out of gifting and gives your guests a clear idea of what you like, want, or genuinely need.
The goal of a wedding registry is simple: to get gifts that help set you up for a successful life together. Think practical, fun, meaningful, and maybe a little aspirational — items that reflect who you are as a couple. Sure, you can throw in a few “just for me” picks (a little pampering for her, a toolset for him), but most gifts should be centered on your shared life and future together.
How, When, and Where to Register for Your Wedding
Set up your registry before any and all of your pre-wedding events so you don’t have to juggle multiple lists or worry about people buying the same thing from different places. You only need one registry for the whole shebang — not separate ones for the bridal shower, bachelorette, or wedding day. Ideally, the couple makes the registry together (cue cute bonding moment), but let’s be real — one partner (ahem) tends to take the lead on knowing what you actually need. At the very least, have both partners weigh in on styles and must-haves.
You can register individually with sites and stores like Amazon, Target, Crate & Barrel, or local boutiques, but it’s so much easier to have one universal registry through a wedding website like The Knot, Zola, or With Joy (and if they’re tied to your personal website even better). These platforms let you:
- Add items from multiple online retailers into one master list
- Prioritize what you really want and setup group gifts
- Track purchases in one place so guests don’t buy duplicates
It’s a good idea to add gifts at a range of price points so everyone can find something that fits their budget. A solid formula is 50% in the $25–$100 range, 25% between $100–$250, and 25% for splurge-worthy items over $250. For weddings, most guests typically spend between $50 and $150, depending how well they know the person. Most registry sites also let you rank your most-wanted items and mark higher-ticket items as group gifts, so multiple guests can chip in together — no awkward money convos required.
The Nuances of Asking for Cash
Let’s be real — cash is king, but asking for it can feel…awkward. You absolutely can set up a cash fund in a universal registry, but to soften the ask, it helps to create specific “funds” that make people feel better about giving dough. Think Honeymoon Fund, Date Night Fund, or Home Fund — but better.
Break it down into things like a spa day or a once-in-a-lifetime excursion for your honeymoon. Doesn’t giving a Maui Snorkeling Adventure or Couple’s Massage just sound better? The truth is people like the feeling of giving “things” and knowing where their money is going. Creating a specific label makes the gift feel more intentional and memorable for both parties, even though you can actually allocate the funds however you want on the backend. It’s a win-win.
Gift cards are another great option — we added ones for Airbnb, Southwest, Amazon, and Home Depot at different price points.
What to Put on a Wedding Registry If You’re New to Homemaking / Adulting
Starting from scratch? No shame in the game — this is your chance to build a grown-up home that doesn’t run on mismatched silverware and hand-me-downs. Look for kitchen essentials, bedroom and bathroom basics, and organizational and cleaning products that’ll make life easier (and prettier). Think core appliances, key gadgets, and even furniture if necessary.
For the Kitchen:
- A Dinnerware Set (or fine China if you’re feeling fancy)
- Silverware Set
- Glasses
- Pot and Pan Collection
- Mixing Bowls
- Utensils
- Good Knives
- Spice Rack and Seasoning
- Storage Organizer
- Bakeware
- Tupperware
- Air Fryer
- Crockpot
- Instapot
- Keurig
For the Bedroom:
- Bed Set (Sheets, Comforter)
- New Pillows
- Duvet Cover
- Extra sheets
- Laundry Hamper
- White Noise Machine (Living with someone for the first time can get interesting)
For the Bathroom:
What to Put on Your Wedding Registry If You’ve Been Living Together Forever or You Already Have the Basics
If you’ve been living together for awhile now or already have all the typical house stuff, your wedding registry is the perfect excuse to aim a little higher with bougie upgrades you love but wouldn’t necessarily splurge on yourself. Think beautiful outdoor furniture (because wow, it’s expensive), specialty kitchen gadgets, or luxe entertaining essentials like a bar cart or a chic fire pit to elevate your everyday life.
Bougie Upgrades:
- Personalized Charcuterie Set
- Barware
- Wine Opener and Accessories
- Hot Tub
- Fire Pit
- Patio lounge set
- Pizza oven
- High‑end coffee maker
- A fancy blender
- Specialty kitchen machines (ie. pasta maker, rice cooker, juicer)
- Smart Home gadgets like a Nest thermostat, Ring doorbell, Alexa devices, Roomba
- Air purifier
- BBQ Grill
- Towel Warmer
- Bidet
- KitchenAid Mixer
- Le Creuset Cast Iron Set
Surprisingly Useful Items for Your Wedding Registry You Might Not Have Thought Of
Then there are the under-the-radar gifts that end up being total game changers. Think practical, clever, and completely unexpected.
- A generator
- Toolkit
- First Aid Kit
- Holiday decor — a Christmas tree, ornament organizers, turkey carving set
- Good luggage
- Packing cubes
- A safe
- A cooler
- Pet Accessories – Automated Feeder, Water fountain
- Home Office Essentials – Chair, Charging Station, Headphones or Earbuds
- Things for Your Car – Roof Rack, Emergency Kit
- Picture Frames – Digital, Traditional, Wedding Album
- A Cricut…. because wedding
- A collapsible wagon cart (by far our most useful item for groceries and setting up wedding decor)
Fun and Unexpected Wedding Registry Additions
People always want to give gifts that are memorable. No one will brag about buying you a laundry hamper, but that custom board game set or a cocktail smoker? That’s a conversation starter. And let’s be real, they’re the presents that are more fun to get. Look for things to that can make life easier, help you explore new hobbies together, and get excited about the future.
- Wedding Advent Calendar — A countdown for the big day filled with surprises to build anticipation
- Camping Gear
- Camera Equipment — Drone, Gimbal, Tripod
- A Name Change Kit
- Date Night Things — Games (outdoor or indoor), picnic basket, subscriptions (Doordash, Hello Fresh, Netflix, Costco, etc)
- Hobbies — Gym equipment, pickleball set, paddleboards, home brewing kits, bikes
- Tickets (Concerts, Sports, Theatre)
Checklist for a Wedding Registry
A well-rounded wedding registry isn’t just about the basics — it’s about blending the practical with the splurge-worthy and sprinkling in some fun. Whether you’re building a home from scratch or upgrading what you’ve got, the key is variety. Cover the essentials, dream a little bigger, and make room for the unexpected. Here are the core categories to hit:
✔️ Kitchen must-haves and appliances
✔️ Bedding and bathroom upgrades
✔️ Smart home gadgets and tools
✔️ Outdoor living and entertaining gear
✔️ Travel essentials and adventure-ready items
✔️ Lifestyle luxuries and experience-based gifts
Think of it as your ultimate “start your life together” starter pack.
Bonus Tip: Amazon Registry Hack
If you're using an Amazon wedding registry there’s a little secret you may want to take advantage of. Once your guests buy $500 worth of gifts from your list, Amazon sends you a one-time 20% off coupon to purchase on anything left on your registry — up to a $300 savings. Savvy couples have been known to sneak in last-minute personal items right before the wedding just to cash in on the discount.