8 Things I Would Put on My Wedding Registry
If I was making one again today.
I’ve divided this list into two categories: stuff I didn’t register for but wish I had in hindsight, and stuff I did register for, still use, love, and can wholeheartedly vouch for. Let’s get into it.
What I didn’t register for but wish I had:
A beautiful photo album
Specifically one from this Etsy vendor called Album Hut. I got this one with a custom embossed cover as an anniversary gift for Austin and filled it with our honeymoon photos since our wedding photographer had already made us an album with our wedding photos. There are really nice colors and materials to choose from for the cover (I chose green linen), and they let you foil emboss your own monogram or graphic (I had them foil the monogram from our wedding invitation). I’m obsessed with how it turned out, and how easy the process was for putting it together. I emailed them my photos and they laid them all out for me, sent me a proof to approve, and that was it. It’s made with a “lay flat” binding, which makes it a true pleasure to flip through the pages. In hindsight, I realized it would have been the perfect thing to put on our registry — using the function that most registry platforms have that allows you to receive cash for something you plan on buying after the wedding.
Picture frames (lots)
In a similar vein to the above, I’d recommend registering for a bunch of frames to display all of your wedding photos. Otherwise they will just sit in that Dropbox folder forever! I had a couple frames on my registry but I wish I’d had more, because I ended up buying extras after getting my favorite wedding photos printed and realizing I had more favorite photos than I had frames. A great problem to have, but still, worth thinking about if you’re in the process of building a registry. Some of my go-to search terms to use when sourcing picture frames are: vintage sterling silver frame, enamel frame, ceramic frame, hand painted frame, and bobbin frame.
Stationery
Imagine your wedding guest’s delight upon receiving a thank you note written on the very stationery that you’re thanking them for — one of many reasons why stationery makes for an excellent (and overlooked) registry item. The drudgery of writing a million thank you notes also conveniently dissipates when you’re writing them on stationery you really love. Registering for a custom stamp with your return address would be a nice idea, too.
A smattering of small, charming, mismatched bowls
Austin and I started hosting more dinner parties this year and every time we’re having people over I wish I had more charming little bowls in my possession. I love setting out an assortment of dips and nuts and olive oils and I’m always coming up short on correctly-sized vessels.
What I did register for and can wholeheartedly vouch for…
Copper pots
One of the ultimate equal parts beautiful and functional cookware items! Copper is extremely conductive, which means it cooks food really evenly. It also looks stunning. I received a couple of copper pots as wedding gifts and loved them so much I started collecting additional vintage ones on Etsy and eBay. They have become some of my most treasured household items. If you’re going the secondhand route, look for ones that are lined in stainless steel instead of tin since it stands up better against high heat.
Shun knives
Knives are an obvious registry item, but I did a lot of research on which knives in particular I should register for, and these Shun knives are IT. I would recommend registering for each knife individually instead of a block set so that different guests can purchase them separately since they are on the pricey side. Be forewarned: They’re so sharp they’re almost dangerous. Peel tiny knobs of ginger with caution, or at least learn from my amateur chef mistakes and invest in a box of bandaids first.
A cutting board with an interesting shape or design
Because it will double as a chic serving board for charcuterie and cheeses! I have the one from Iittala and use it all the time for that exact purpose.
Green Noritake tumblers
I love these tumblers so much. They’re super sturdy and dishwasher-safe. I’m not a fan of thin, fragile drinking glasses. I want substance! Especially substance with a Granny smith green tint..
If you got married and had a registry, what did you register for that you still use, love, and can wholeheartedly vouch for? What didn’t you register for but wish you had in hindsight? Please feel free to share in the comments, I think it would be really fun to read different people’s answers.
xo Harling
Can I also humbly suggest - for anyone that can afford - to register for a charity you love? We did that and it honestly brings me the most joy out of all things
Loved this! Thank you! Would also love one for a baby registry, if your time allows!
Warmly,
Ani