How I Would Improve My Wedding Registry If I Knew Then What I Know Now

​I'm not really sure what wedding season actually means, because there seems to be an influx of these events all year long. But with several on our docket over the next couple months, it's been fun to look at our friend's wedding registries and reflect on how I'd do ours completely different if I could go back in time.

I'd like to preface these points by saying that you really do remember the individual gifts your family and friends give you. It's fun to use these items fondly knowing they purchased them for you out of love and excitement for your new journey. Like all the articles say, it's best to give your guests an array of options so they're able to pick their own price point. But in hind-site, the most expensive items aren't always the most practical.

What to add that may not be in the regular repertoire:

• Do yourself a favor and choose entertaining dishes that are a neutral color. And when I say neutral... I mean fucking WHITE. Not just any white, angel wings Clorox commercial white. Its chic, traditional and will never go out of style. And to boot, Home Goods and Target have a whole aisle dedicated to gorgeous white dishes in all shapes and sizes that would be an easy addition after the wedding. When we registered, we chose an off white rustic serving set that was beautiful. But OH MY GOD, trying to match any dish that was the same off-white distressed finish was absolutely impossible.  So when I finally found matching pieces at Tuesday Morning on a random Tuesday evening (can't make this shit up), I bought out three entire shelves knowing this was my one unicorn opportunity that would never present itself again. Don't be me, do it right the first time. 

• Furthering that point, once you've found the set you love, scan every single matching serving dish, plate, bowl, gravy boat, baking dish, whatever you can. What you think you need as a couple will change over time as you entertain a growing family and friend circle. Better to be prepared on the front end. More People --> More Food --> More Dishes. Capeesh?

• The hostess with the mostess will want serving utensils of all kinds to cover all the party bases. I recommend a hostess set, 2-3 tongs, a classic serving set, salad servers, a soup ladle, cheese knives, and a pie cuter. A lot of places who offer wedding registries have sets that knock out 80% of these in one go.

• When throwing partays, not everyone will want beer or wine. Having a badass ice bucket with tongs for your mixed-drink folks is functional and looks great on any bar spread. And if you want to get REAL fancy, there are tabletop ice makers that will impress even the stuffiest of party guests. 

• A solid handheld steamer. Preferably one light enough to throw in your suitcase while traveling. Conair makes a bombass $55 model that steams blouses quick enough to keep me within that acceptable 15 minutes late for work threshold. The big ones with carts will be left to rot in the linen closet for most folks. 

• A nice barbecue tool set.

• A SHARP and well reviewed knife set. We registered for a set based on the pretty-ness of the knife block. For something you'll use often, it's worth quality over vanity. 

• Grown-up pillows that fit all your stiffness and stuffing preferences. Don't be shy, you use these everyday and good sleep is essential for any marriage. We personally love these.

• Bedding is expensive if you have to buy everything at once. Be sure to add all the bells and whistles necessary to make a complete bed (2, if you intend to have a guest room) along with an extra change of sheets. We only registered for one set of sheets per bed and have since gone out and purchased a change for each. Because let's face it, there are going to be days when you're not Susie Homemaker and aren't going to want to change AND wash your sheets in one day. 
  

• Even though it falls within the same realm as the point above, a waterproof mattress cover for each bed deserves it's own solo mention. Lovin', pregnancy, babies & accidents happen. Not to get too graphic, but projectile vomit has happened in both our master and guest rooms. Shit (and sharts) happen... protect that sacred bed you can't wait to get into every night. 

• Beach/pool towels. It's likely that you will attend a water focused activity or may even have a pool yourself. I didn't realize how pricey these puppies were till we put in a pool two summers ago and I tried to be cutesy and get towels that matched out outdoor decor. So extra. 

• Large ice cooler, preferably with wheels. Parties, camping, tailgating, kid's soccer games; it'll be well loved.

• Power & lawn care tools. Granted, a lawn mower may be a bit much, but drills, tools for small home repairs and gardening accessories will come in VERY handy. Especially if you're going to be new home owners. 

• Small furniture. I'm talking end tables, nightstands, an ottoman, portable kitchen island, etc. Around the $300 range. May sound a little excessive, but it's a great group gift or perfect for those older relatives or family friends who want (and have the funds) to spoil you. 

• Large decorative items you love but can't afford or hesitate to pull the trigger to buy yourself. The only caveat here is that these need to be as timeless as possible; matching photo frame set for family photos, lamps, powder room or entryway mirrors, rugs, etc. My absolute favorite gift we received was a lantern set from Pottery Barn. The big one alone is more than our weekly grocery bill; no fucking way. But I've used the hell out of these things and have been able to move them all over the house for different design looks, events and holidays. Thank you, Mrs. Hunt.

• If you're outdoorsy, camping gear is fun to put on your registry. A lot of it runs in the same price range as most kitchen items, so guests will feel like they are buying you an enjoyable experience. 

• Mixing bowls (extra brownie points if they come with lids) and cutting boards in A LOT of multiple sizes. Don't be shy with these. They're inexpensive for your guests to buy, but get a ton of use. I can easily have two or three of each on our counter as I prep dinner. And I'm no Julia Child. 

• 2 Extra everyday flatware settings. Those Pottery Barn spoons sing a beautiful clankity-clank song in the garbage disposal. Ouch, no thanks! Having a few replacements of each utensil will help you feel less bad about tossing that bitch in the trash.

• A good everyday set of plates and bowls that are microwave safe. Makes scraping your husband's caked-on oatmeal out of a less fancy bowl a little less irritating. They're cute and all, but no matter how well trained the man, there will be things you won't believe are innate and unable to re-teach. Pick your battles. 
  
  

​What you might be able to skip:

• Vases & candlesticks. Cool story if you're into that Waterford crystal crap, but realistically, your guest's money would go a lot further elsewhere. These kinds of things are easy to pick-up at a bargain after the wedding. 

• Trend heavy decor. Chevron was the thang when I was getting married, but it's slowly making it's exit. The guilt is real when you're two years in and already sending wedding gifts to Goodwill because you've outgrown the trend. 

• Dish specific kitchen appliances. A breakfast sandwich, ice cream, panini or quesadilla maker will lose it's initial luster and collect dust in a cabinet. Unless it's a specialty appliance you grew up with, have a current model that needs an update, or you have significantly impressive cabinet/pantry space, stick to the usual toaster, blender and crock-pot. 

• Holiday dishes. That white set you're going to get will look awesome with linen napkins and a gold charger. Boom. 

• "Mr & Mrs" shit. It's a pretty safe assumptions that anyone who visits your home will be aware that you're hitched; no need to be overt about it. I get it, it's new, cute and exciting. If you just can't resist, I suggest a monogrammed door mat. Now, that's classy. 

• Decorative pillows. The only exception here may be decorative bed pillows that match a comforter set and will be harder to find on your own after the fact. 

• China. Did your grandma or mom REALLY use theirs? Cross your fingers it's in the will and move on.