10 Items Your Wedding Registry Could Do Without
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Creating a wedding registry can be challenging, especially if you and your partner are not yet living together. This practice, however, can make wedding planning more fun and help you start your new life on the right foot. The key is to think long-term and opt for gifts that fit your lifestyle.
Most guests will buy you gifts no matter what, so you can just as well say what you need rather than let them guess. Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman's daughter, told us that both partners should be equally involved in this process and consider each other's interests. She also says it's best to put aside the shopping for a while if the two of you cannot agree on something.
Another piece of advice comes from The Knot, which recommends using a universal registry. This approach works best for couples with different interests, as it allows them to list all the things they want or need in one place. Ideally, choose items in varying price ranges, such as $50 to $200 and up. For example, in 2019, the average wedding registry on The Knot included 111 items with a total value of around $4,700, according to Business Wire.
There are no set rules on what to put on your registry, but this doesn't mean you should ask for a down payment on a Ferrari. Running shoes, earbuds, and other personal gifts are inappropriate, too. With that in mind, here are some items your wedding registry could do without.
Food products
While it's perfectly normal to register for cookware, kitchen appliances, or bed linens, we can't say the same about gourmet gifts. First of all, most foods are perishable and may not last until you return from your honeymoon. Second, you might end up with a bunch of treats you don't need or want.
However, if you're a foodie and want to spoil yourself, ask your guests for something with a longer shelf-life, such as specialty coffees, Swiss dark chocolate, or rare teas. Jams and jellies will do the trick, too.
Just-for-you gifts
Wedding registries are meant to help the couple set up their new home and build a life together. The average wedding costs around $28,000 — and that doesn't even include the engagement ring and other additional expenses, according to The Knot. Therefore, it makes sense to register for gifts that would alleviate some of the financial strain.
Steer clear of fine lingerie, designer bags, fragrances, footwear, and other one-sided gifts. Instead, opt for items you can use together as a couple. If, say, you both love to play golf, then it's okay to put a set of golf clubs on your registry. However, this option doesn't make sense if you're the only one playing golf.
Baby items
We can all agree that having a baby is anything but cheap. As WebMD notes, middle-income parents spend around $1,600 on baby food alone during the child's first year of life. But even so, it's bad etiquette to put strollers, bassinets, or cribs on your wedding registry.
You can register for these gifts when the time comes. If you do it now, your guests may ask uncomfortable questions and put you in an awkward position. At this point, you might be better off receiving a high-quality set of sheets, durable cookware, small furniture, or other items for your new life together.
Fine china
Fine china is one of those "nice-to-have" things that most people hardly use. "More and more younger people don't see the need to use their space for things that are ceremonial," professional organizer Cecilia Jones told The Associated Press. One of the newlywed couples interviewed by the magazine added, "We didn't register for china because we live in a relatively small condo in San Francisco and generally only entertain small groups at a time."
China dinnerware sets are typically used for large parties, ceremonies, and other special events. However, most newlyweds don't have the space or resources to host large gatherings. Some are simply not interested in these things. A more practical option, like this durable 16-piece dinnerware set from the Gibson Store, offers greater convenience and flexibility.
High-end items
Do you really need an ultra HD LED television or a designer pet bowl? Probably not. Yet, some newlyweds expect to get such things from family and friends.
"My dad's cousin's kid registered for a $2,000 pots and pans set from Anthropologie. They were rich, but no one from the rest of the family was — and that price shocked the heck out of me," said a Reddit user.
Some high-end items will last a lifetime, but their price can run into thousands of dollars. If your wedding registry features super expensive stuff, your guests may feel uncomfortable or frustrated. The best thing you can do is register for items at different price points, from basic stuff like plates and mugs to pricier gifts.
Single-use kitchen tools
You might want a popcorn machine, a waffle maker, or pizza scissors, but these items are rarely worth it. You'd be better off asking for more practical items, such as a food processor or an all-in-one multicooker.
Think about the kitchen items you absolutely need when moving into a new home. For example, a Dutch oven would allow you to cook a variety of meals, from stews and casseroles to pizza. A bread machine, on the other hand, will only bake bread — and you can just as well use your oven for this purpose.
Gifts that don't fit your personality
Many of us have a mental picture of what our lives should look like after we get married or buy a home. Perhaps you imagine having a spacious living room with a hardwood desk, a leather sofa, and artwork on the walls. That sounds great, but does it fit your personality and style?
Discuss these aspects with your partner, and be realistic about what you want. Chances are, you won't use that massive wooden desk you have in mind if you work nine-to-five in an office. Paintings and vintage floor lamps can make great gifts, too, but may not be suitable for a minimalist lifestyle.
Gifts for others
Some couples simply don't know what to put on their registries, so they include gifts for their parents or relatives. No matter your reasons, it's bad etiquette to register for items you plan to give away.
Your guests are spending their money to support you and your spouse. It's not their responsibility to buy a new TV for your mom or a beer brewing kit for your uncle. Register for items you actually need or want, even if it's something small like a home tool kit or a juicer.
Super cheap stuff
Some newlyweds don't want any gifts but still create wedding registries because their families pressure them to do so. If that's your case, you may be tempted to include super cheap stuff, like bread knives, measuring spoons, shower curtains, or basic home decorations. The problem is that you might end up with a bunch of items you'll never use, especially if you get the same gift from more than one person.
If you're not sure what to put on your registry, set up a cash gift fund or a honeymoon fund. For example, Zola allows users to register for gift cards, wine club subscriptions, cash funds, and physical items — all in one place. Alternatively, check out the best wedding gifts of 2022 for inspiration.
Intimate items
It goes without saying that fine lingerie, edible panties, and adult toys are off-limits. You never know who will ask you to open the gifts, and you probably don't want to unpack your new bullet vibrator in front of your family or guests.
Such gifts are more appropriate for the bachelorette party or the wedding shower, depending on who's attending. However, you may register for a sleek set of sheets, silk pillowcases, cozy robes, or other items you and your partner can enjoy together.