When my sister got engaged she was 22, living at home, and on the hunt for a place her and her fiancé could call home after they were married. Since she was a new college grad, she registered for kitchen gadgets and home décor among other things to complete their home.
Fast forward seven years, and things surrounding marriage have changed. Today, 27 years old is the average age a woman gets married – the highest point in years (Huffpost).
I’ll be 28 when I tie the knot in May, and will have lived in the house Kevin and I purchased together for 2 years by then! As you can see, I’m in a tad bit different situation than my sister was.
So…what do you register for if you are either a) Moving into an empty place with your new spouse, or b) Feel like you and your spouse already have everything you need?
Two very different situations…but there are definitely options for both!
Registering for everything from A to Z:
1) Ten Must Haves:
After perusing many lists, these 10 items are, to me, must-haves for every newlywed:
- A cookbook
- Nice sheets (goodbye college bedding!)
- China and/or dinnerware
- Serving pieces
- Table linens
- Towels
- Glassware
- Cutlery
- Cookware
- Bakeware.
Many of your guests will love to gift you these items that you will put to good use. With so many different stores available that offer these items, make sure to register at one that is convenient for your guests. Many people will purchase gifts online, but some will want to check out the item in the store before buying!
2) Style and Price Advice:
It is easy to get caught up in the latest trends (chevron tablecloths anyone?!) trust me; I’m guilty of it too! While trends are fun, you won’t regret choosing classic styled items for your registry that will last. Perhaps you eventually will hand down that china set to a child or grandchild, and won’t you feel good knowing classic is always in style? Being cognizant of price is also something to think about. Everyone has different budgets, make sure you are adding gifts to your registry that fit these!
3) Wine Subscription:
One of my guilty pleasures is wine, which makes sense, considering my name. Kevin and I splurge on one wine club membership a year. However, little did I know you can actually register for wine and other consumable gifts! How cool is that?! Check out Bottle Notes for more information.
Registering for stuff other than “stuff”:
1) Sun, Sand, and Sangria:
Ok, I know that although my fellow Minnesotans would love to register for some sun right now, unfortunately, you can’t register for the weather. However, many couples are registering for their honeymoon trips! This includes everything from flights, hotel stays, and excursions, to dinners, champagne, and massages. Awesome gifts, right? The other amazing part is this will save you money when you don’t need to spend your own cash on your romantic get-away together! Who doesn’t love saving money when it comes to wedding planning?! Check out Wanderable or My Registry to start your honeymoon registry now and cut that honeymoon cost out of your wedding budget!
2) Books and Music:
Already have your honeymoon booked? Love to read or listen to music? Invite your guests to bring their favorite book or album in lieu of a typical wedding gift. What a great way to start your library or music collection! Have the guest write a message on the inside of the book or album to make it extra special!
3) Emergency Fund:
No, I am not talking about asking for cash for your savings account (although that’s not a bad idea…). I’m talking registering for gift cards at places like Target, your local grocer, Costco, Home Depot, and so on. Keep these cards to use when cash seems low, or keep them for holiday and birthday gifts. Check out Card Avenue to decide if it’s right for you! Make sure to read the terms and conditions on the cards before you buy the cards since some gift cards have “annual maintenance fees” that can slowly whittle down the remaining balance on your card.
If you’re already married, what’s the worst thing you registered for that you wish you hadn’t added to your list?
Written by Kendall Jackson
In Kendall’s wedding planning quest, she’s stumbled across many great resources for registering and linked to those sites throughout her post. Kendall and brightpeak are not sponsored, endorsed, or affiliated with any of these sites.
This blog post is from the Author's perspective and doesn't speak for brightpeak financial. Contact brightpeak if you want to know more about brightpeak products, and keep in mind that they are not available in all states and there are some limitations (some exclusions and restrictions may apply).
