Amid vanilla and strawberry cake tastings, bouquets of soft pink roses, and saying “yes” to the dress, you also need to personally curate your wedding registry.
It’s one of the most exciting parts of the big day (who doesn’t like gifts?) and now it can be the most seamless, too: you can handpick items from the comfort of home.
That’s right — no more running around Bed Bath & Beyond or Macy’s with a scanning gun, unsure of what to include.
We’re saving you even more stress: The Post spoke with experts from The Knot and Zola — who answered everything from what to exclude in your list to which items you should duplicate. (Click to jump to the expert FAQ.)
“After an engagement and once a wedding date is set, a couple can start on their wedding registry anytime,” Julie Lindenman, an NYC-based luxury wedding planner for 13 years, told The Post. “Set up your registry at least six months before your wedding — between showers, celebrations, and loved ones who plan ahead, it’s always nice to be prepared in advance.”
Whether it’s the Always Pan you’ve been wanting forever or some new flatware and dinnerware sets (oh, or that coveted coffee maker or espresso machine) to spruce up your new space this is the time to request whatever your heart desires. We hit all the essentials — budget, splurge and in-the-middle price points for you to choose from.
Before you shop the best wedding registry checklist below, visit Amazon and Williams Sonoma for two retailers with incredible options that you’re bound to love.
Click to jump to specific wedding registry items:
Appliances
1. Roborock S6 Pure Robot Vacuum and Mop, $1600
Yes, there’s actually a cleaner with built-in navigation that’ll smart-sweep your space — hassle-free. Roborock’s S6 Pur Robot Vacuum and Mop is the Alexa-compatible, power-sucking, and smart-mapping splurge to add to your registry.
For more options, check out our guide to the best robot vacuums.
2. Shark Rotator LiftAway TruePet Vacuum, $304, original price: $320
For a mid-priced vacuum, Shark’s Rotator LiftAway TruePet model is great if you have a fluffy canine at home or not. It delivers impressive brushroll spinning and targets hard-to-reach places, too.
For more options, check out our guide to the best vacuums we reviewed and rounded up.
3. Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Vacuum, $88
If you don’t have much carpet in your home, consider Eureka’s PowerSpeed Bagless Vacuum. For less than $100, it’s still good to have on hand.
Kitchen Items
1. Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Hard-Anodized 16-Piece Cookware Set, $530
If you spend much time sauteing, grilling, and boiling in the kitchen, it’s worth it to add the luxe Ninja cookware set to your registry. Clad with 16 pieces and nonstick coating, it’s a sleek, scratch-resistant set you simply won’t stop using.
If the set includes too many pots and pans, Ninja has 12- and eight-piece sets available, too. For more options, check out our guide to the best cookware sets.
2. Calphalon Signature Hard-Anodized Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set, $383
Calphalon was one of the most sought-after brands to shop on Prime Day, so this 10-piece nonstick cookware set is one to consider. As a middle-of-the-road option price-wise, its high-top pots and aluminum coating make it durable and aesthetically pleasing.
3. T-fal Signature Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set, $89
If you’re not big on cooking, have too many pots and pans already on hand, or simply want to add other big-ticket items to your registry, this T-fal cookware set is a great budget buy. With 12 pieces, including a dutch oven and griddle, you can’t skip this bundle.
4. Our Place Always Pan, $150
Instagram-famous and ready for your kitchen, Our Place’s Always Pan is known for its warm color options and quality, multi-purpose design. It replaces eight pieces of cookware — including your fry pan, saute pan, and steamer — and will undoubtedly be your best friend in the kitchen (trust us, we reviewed it).
5. Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Deep Saute Pan, $280, original price: $368
Le Creuset is the Olivia Rodrigo of cookware — on the rise and ‘good for you.’ Its Signature Enameled Cast Iron Deep Saute Pan is the stovetop staple you don’t want to splurge on yourself, yet fits perfectly into your wedding registry.
6. FINEX Cast-Iron Double-Handled Grill Pan, $280
Sure, the one-handled grill pan does the job, but why not register for a cast-iron pan with two handles? Great for burger flipping and getting those lines on zucchini, FINEX’s 12-inch pan produces an even cook, a pre-seasoned finish, and an octagonal design that’s perfect for pouring.
7. MICHELANGELO Nonstick Frying Pans (Set of 2), $50, original price: $70
Though it’s not made by critically acclaimed artist Michelangelo, the brand’s two-piece nonstick frying pan set looks painted to perfection with its blue and black speckled design. Plus, the granite-like interior is nonstick and scratch-resistant.
8. All-Clad NS1 Nonstick Square Grill, $60, original price: $155
What’s great about the All-Clad NS1 Nonstick Square Grill isn’t only its wide shape, but its stay-flat design that won’t tip over on your stovetop. The hard-anodized aluminum coating helps control temperature and maintain durability, too.
9. Nordic Ware Party Bundt Cake Pan, $45
No, bundt pans aren’t limited to devil’s food cakes. The possibilities are endless with the Nordic Ware Party Bundt Cake Pan, a tool you can also use to make meatloaf dishes and braided bread. Not to mention, it’s one of those things you tend to forget to register for.
10. Our Table Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Frying Pan, $21
Coming in three different sizes with a maximum price of $25, Our Table’s Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Frying Pan is a quick add to your registry if you simply want to whip out a frying pan on occasion.
11. AmazonBasics 6-Piece Nonstick Oven Bakeware Set, $33
Let’s face it — you’d probably want to save a KitchenAid stand mixer as one of the higher-priced options in your registry. For a six-piece bakeware set that includes a baking sheet and a muffin pan, you can’t go wrong.
12. CHEF iQ World’s Smartest Pressure Cooker, $200
Smartphones and smart doorbells make our lives easier, but a smart slow cooker? Now that’s something. CHEF IQ’s World’s Smartest Pressure Cooker connects with the paired app to provide you with more than 100 recipes and culinary how-to videos. Plus, it has a built-in scale to cut measuring time and preset cooking time and temperature settings.
For more options, check out our guide to the best pressure cookers.
13. Crock-Pot 8-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker, $102, original price: $150
Perfect for large dinner parties and meal prepping alike, Crock-Pot’s 8-Quart Multi-Use Pressure Cooker is a time-saving tool if you’ve always wanted to try out a slow cooker. It even has a delayed start timer and personalized pressure settings so you can cook when you want and how you want.
14. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, $84, original price: $100
If you enjoy the 360-process of buying groceries, chopping onions, and serving your finished dish on a plate, a budget slow cooker is one to shop for once-in-a-while food prep. The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is less than $100, simple to use, and has 13 different settings for making all the homemade favorites.
15. Philips TurboStar Air Fryer, $227, original price: $350
From French fries to your go-to vegetable medley, Philips’ TurboStar Airfryer is the only device with fat-reduction technology to eliminate and capture excess fat. Not only is that amazing, but it cooks four times faster than the traditional oven. Add it to your registry as a treat you wouldn’t splurge on yourself.
For more options, check out our guide to the best air fryers.
16. Ninja Foodi 2-Basket Air Fryer, $187, original price: $200
Unique for its drawer-like baskets to divide what you’re frying, the Ninja Foodi can fry, broil, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate whatever you’d like to cook. Its versatile design allows for easy cleanup, too.
17. Calphalon Elite Nonstick Wok, $130
As mentioned earlier, we’re big fans of Calphalon’s durable cookware, and its Elite Nonstick Wok is great if you love heating up hibachi. Nonstick and specially texturized for searing, it’ll grow to be a kitchen essential.
For more options, check out our guide to the best woks.
18. Craft Wok Traditional Carbon-Steel Pow Wok, $65
Designed with a carbon-steel base, Craft Wok delivers a traditional, durable, and hard-to-pass-up pan that can make lo mein and stir-fry in a pinch. Impressively, it was hand-hammered by China-based professionals.
19. T-fal Pure Cook Nonstick Aluminum Wok, $35
If you’re already registering for a state-of-the-art cookware set, you may want to choose a budget-friendly wok to add to your kitchen wishlist. T-fal’s Pure Cook Nonstick Aluminum Wok is just over $30 and does the job.
20. COMFEE Rice Cooker and Multi-Cooker, $50, original price: $60
As a multi-use cooker, COMFEE has a hot kitchen tool to shop that can make up to 20 cups of rice at once. Other notable features include a 12-hour warmer, 24-hour delay timer, and its ability to also craft up a cake.
21. Aroma Housewares 8-Cup Digital Rice Cooker, $30
If you’re just looking for a rice cooker that will save you time standing over the stove, Aroma Housewares’ 8-Cup Digital Rice Cooker is the one you want. With a generous capacity and various heat-preserving settings, it’s a nifty addition to your registry with a ticket price of less than $30.
22. KitchenAid Pro Line 7-Quart Stand Mixer, $630, original price: $680
Let’s welcome the star of the show to the registry roundup: the KitchenAid stand mixer. The Pro Line 7-Quart model isn’t one to skip if you’re looking for a sweet splurge, either. With 10 speeds, professional whipping power, and its ability to blend ingredients in hard-to-reach places, it may be the premium kitchen item on your list.
23. KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer, $380, original price: $450
KitchenAid’s Artisan Stand Mixer makes us all want to have a pop of color in our kitchens. Not only that, but its head-tilting function makes for easy removal of the bowl. Plus, the ten speed settings from slow-stir to high-beat are simply delightful.
24. Vitamix 5200 Self-Cleaning Blender, $521, original price: $550
You may think there’s no point in requesting a near-$500 blender for after you say “I do,” but many smoothie enthusiasts vow to have — and to hold — a Vitamix blender. You can throw produce in it whole and, because of the friction generated by its impressive speed, it can make and heat up soup in minutes.
Read our review of the Vitamix 5200 Self-Cleaning Blender.
25. Cleanblend Commercial Blender, $169
For a kitchen appliance that will crush, blend, chop, grind, heat, process, puree, and liquify, look no further than Cleanblend’s Commercial Blender. It’s fairly priced for its features and can be your next gadget for making homemade salsa and margaritas.
26. NutriBullet Nutrient Extractor, $80
If you’re into your morning smoothies and don’t want to have more large kitchen gadgets in your space, NutriBullet’s Nutrient Extractor fits your preferences. Simply add your ice, bananas, and greens, twist down, and blend away.
27. Breville Sous Chef 16-Cup Peel & Dice Food Processor, $550
To make cooking painless and convenient, saying yes to Breville’s Sous Chef 16-Cup Peel & Dice Food Processor is your best bet. You’ll have ingredients broken down in seconds with adjustable slicing discs. It can even peel potatoes in only 40 seconds. Yeah, we all want it.
28. Cuisinart 14-Cup Custom Food Processor, $250
The large bowl affixed to Cuisinart’s 14-Cup Custom Food Processor makes it all worth it. Prepared to perfectly pulse, its razor-sharp blades and discs will last you for years of making meals in the kitchen.
29. Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper, $44, original price: $55
Hamilton Beach’s 10-Cup Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper is a basic tool that’ll cut down ingredients and time in the kitchen. There’s even a special attachment that scrapes the sides of the bowl to avoid spatula scooping once it’s finished pulsing.
30. Wolf Gourmet Countertop Oven Elite, $750
As one of the priciest items included in our registry directory, Wolf Gourmet’s Countertop Oven Elite is a beautiful, red-buttoned artwork of stainless steel. It features seven cooking modes, two easy-glide racks, and advanced convection technology to serve as the White House of Easy-Bake Ovens.
For more options, check out our guide to the best toaster ovens and microwaves.
31. Breville Mini Smart Toaster Oven, $160
Perhaps you’re looking for a less expensive toaster oven. Breville’s Mini Smart Toaster Oven doesn’t add more to your countertop than it has to and uses smart technology to automatically calculate cook time. The best feature: it has a bagel button.
32. Keenstone 2-Slice Retro Stainless Steel Toaster, $37, original price: $42
As a dupe for SMEG’s retro toaster, the two-slice appliance from Keenstone is affordable, has extra-wide toasting slots for larger bread, and is easy to clean.
33. Geek Chef 4-Slice Toaster, $45
If you’re looking for a more traditional, non-retro toaster, Geek Chef has a 4-slice model with boost-up springs that hold smaller muffins and croissants.
34. Terra Teak Wood Serving Platter, $42, original price: $46
Terra Teak’s tri-colored wood slab doubles as a cutting board and serving platter and is made from quality wood typically reserved for boats and luxury homes. Plus, it serves (pun intended) as a backsplash decor piece propped up and a cheese-topped charcuterie board.
35. LAUCHUH 3-Piece Porcelain Serving Bowl Set, $43
Whether you’re serving green beans almondine at a holiday party or mixed nuts as a pre-dessert treat, LAUCHUH’s 3-Piece Porcelain Serving Bowl Set will come in handy. It’s safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and oven, too.
36. Folkuture Salad Bowl with Serving Tongs, $60
No home is complete without a hardy wooden salad bowl with matching spoon and fork utensils. This one from Folkuture is made from natural acacia wood and is oh-so-smooth. And, it’ll be a conversation starter at your future dinner parties.
37. HOMWE Kitchen Cutting Board (Set of 3), $20, original price: $30
If you’re always chopping in the kitchen, you’d benefit from a three-piece cutting board set. Think about it — the smallest for cutting strawberries, the medium for trimming raw meat, and the largest for chopping all of your vegetables in one place. That said, HOMWE’s trio is a perfect match for your registry.
38. Lavazza Expert Classy Plus Coffee Machine, $251
For a premier machine that’ll brew espresso, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and lattes, it’s impossible to dismiss Lavazza’s Expert Classy Plus Coffee Machine. It comes with a built-in milk frother for Instagram-worthy coffee photos, too.
39. Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine, $219
I’ve had my Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine for almost a year, and it’s easily one of the best items in my kitchen. It even comes with a separate milk frother and a variety pack of pods to try out different flavors before committing to a single roast.
To make your shopping experience easier, check out our Nespresso v. Keurig review.
40. Cuisinart Perfectemp 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe, $100
Cuisinart’s coffee maker and carafe bundle is great if you like that traditional hot cup in the morning (or, if you’re serving after-dinner beverages to guests. If you want an alternative to popping in pods, you have yourself a winner.
41. Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker, $60, original price: $100
It’s hard to pass up the Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker if you adore your Donut Shop K-cups and your partner isn’t a fan of coffee. One serving, one brew.
42. Breville the Juice Fountain Cold Plus, $300
If concocting green smoothies and an array of fruit blends is one of your specialties, adding the Breville the Juice Fountain Cold Plus to your registry is a great move. It spins fresh ingredients at a low temperature to produce a high juice yield, too, so it’s great for you and your partner to enjoy.
For more options, check out our guide to the best juicers.
43. SMEG Citrus Juicer, $200
No, SMEG isn’t just known for its toaster and pastel refrigerator glistening on The Great British Baking Show. Its Citrus Juicer is one-of-a-kind with a built-in strainer to separate the pulp from the juice. And, it’s perfectly vintage and on-brand with its other appliances.
44. Hamilton Beach Juicer Machine, $70
If you’re new to juicing or making freshly squeezed orange juice isn’t your jam every day, Hamilton Beach is the budget buy for your registry. You can even toss in a whole apple or a bunch of kale into its feed chute.
45. OXO POP Container 10-Piece Set, $113
OXO’s POP Container 10-Piece Set is a minimal and durable addition to your counter for storing fettuccine or your pantry for holding rolled oats and rice. As one of my favorite kitchen essentials for my college apartment, I have them stashed away for my next place. They’re stackable and space-saving, too, with each container having an airtight pop seal.
46. Pyrex Bake, Prep & Store 18-Piece Glass Food Storage Set, $65
For tempered glass containers, Pyrex is the way to go. This 18-piece set is refrigerator and freezer safe and after using them for a few months now, you’ll never go back to flimsy plastic containers.
Flatware
1. Cambridge Silversmiths Raegan Hammered Mirror 20-Piece Flatware Set, $58
Truth be told, you use forks, knives, and spoons every day. That said, you won’t think twice about adding a 20-piece quality flatware set from Cambridge.
For more options, check out our guide to the best flatware sets.
2. Robert Welch 20-Piece Kingham Flatware Set, $20 to $298
Depending on how many pieces you’d like, Robert Welch’s 20-Piece Kingham Flatware Set is as low as $20. It’s luxe offering is crafted from hardened stainless steel and would look divine on a place setting in your kitchen.
3. Hiware 48-Piece Silverware Set, $30, original price: $38
Let’s talk about value — because that’s what Hiware’s 48=Piece Silverware Set has written all over it. For less than $30, you’ll be receiving steak knives in addition to the classic fork, knife, and spoon triage. Now, that’s something worth adding.
4. Cuisinart 15-Piece Classic Knife Block Set, $62, original price: $160
Great to match your white cabinet kitchen, Cuisinart’s 15-Piece Classic Knife Block Set is a gorgeous countertop display piece. Built with ergonomic handles and a sharp blade, you’ll be reaching for the set all the time.
5. AmazonBasics 14-Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Wood Block, $48
If you don’t want to focus too much on utensils in your registry, AmazonBasics has an affordable knife block set that will have your peppers prepped and squash sliced all the same.
Glassware
1. Luigi Bormioli Talismano Red & White Wine Glasses (Set of 4), $60
If you’re a lover of pinot grigio and chardonnay at dinner, this four-piece wine glass set from Luigi Bormioli is a finely made, sleek option for your registry. Plus, they will remain crisp for years of use, thanks to their Italian-made, blown-glass construction.
2. MyGift Modern Copper Stemless Wine Glasses (Set of 4), $28
MyGift’s Modern Copper Stemless Wine Glasses come in a four-piece set and are the perfect pair for bottomless mimosa brunches. Not to mention, they’re great for small spaces and outdoor use.
3. Elixir Glassware Classy Champagne Flutes (Set of 4), $30
When your first anniversary rolls around, you and your partner are going to want to pop the bubbly. Elixir Glassware’s Classy Champagne Flutes are a set of four made from premium, lead-free crystal with modern, long stems.
4. Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Angle Red Wine Glasses (Set of 4), $9 to $44
If you’re not big on wine or have some glasses stashed away somewhere, you can’t beat Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma’s four-piece set for less than $30. They have a classic silhouette structure and are great for casual and formal occasions.
5. JoyJolt Drinking Glasses (Set of 6), $23, original price: $35
Sometimes, you just need to stock up on the basics. For everyday drinking glasses that can double as cocktail glassware, the JoyJolt collection is tough to beat. Plus, it’s a six-piece set for less than $40, impressively.
6. Zwilling J.A. Henckels Sorrento Plus Latte Mugs (Set of 2), $35
Amp up your morning caffeine fix with Zwilling’s J.A. Henckels Sorrento Plus Latte Mugs. Unique for their double-walled glass that helps keep your brew at the appropriate temperature, they’re also dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
7. Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Tall Mugs (Set of 4), $35
Williams Sonoma did it again with its set-of-four tall mugs in the Open Kitchen line. The ergonomic design makes them perfect for catching more ounces of coffee from your machine in the morning, too.
8. Schliersee White Ceramic Coffee Mugs (Set of 6), $28
At a great value, Schliersee’s White Ceramic Coffee Mugs are a set of six that come in subtle, multi-textured designs. They’re the ideal size for tea and mug cakes, too, with the added bonus of being dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
9. Glass Domed Cake Plate/Punch Bowl, $70
The Glass Domed Cake Plate and Punch Bowl duo is the “omg, where did you get this?” item when it’s on display. It’s a beautiful clear server for your shortcakes and cupcakes, and can even be reconfigured as a luxe-looking punch bowl.
10. Tall Glass Pitcher, $40
Whether it’s time for lemonade at your BBQ or fruit-infused water at future get-togethers, a tall glass pitcher will come in handy. It’s dishwasher safe and high-quality, too.
China Sets
1. Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Dinnerware Collection, $6 to $40
What’s great about the Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Dinnerware Collection is its customizability; you can select exactly how many pieces you prefer, without committing to a 16-piece set. Plus, everything is minimally white and is sure to match any kitchen.
For more options, check out our guide to the best dinnerware sets.
2. Pfaltzgraff Trellis 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, $68, original price: $80
If rustic elegance is the aesthetic you’re shooting for, Pfaltzgraff’s Trellis 16-Piece Dinnerware Set is a beautiful addition to your kitchen. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, soup and cereal bowls, and mugs.
3. Wedgwood Renaissance Gold 5-Piece Dinnerware Set, $265
Who said you can’t snag quality China online? The Wedgwood Renaissance Gold 5-Piece Dinnerware Set is great for a fancy date night for two or part of a larger set for family dinners. You may want to add more than one intricately designed set to your registry.
4. Stone Lain Porcelain 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, $120
Bright white and textured gold trim make Stone Lain’s Porcelain 16-Piece Dinnerware Set a spectacular service for four. Again, including more than one quantity on your registry is a good call.
5. Tabletops Unlimited Otella Bone China 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, $90
If you’re searching for timeless white China, Tabletops Unlimited’s 16-Piece Dinnerware Set is a steal for less than $90 — ideal if you and your partner aren’t fancying it up all too often.
Bedding & Bath
1. Bedsure Tufted Duvet Cover Set, $46, original price: $51
Comforters and duvet covers are certainly up to preference, but Bedsure’s Tufted Duvet Cover Set is a textured white beauty that will match any room. And, there are queen and king sizes available.
For more options, check out our guide to the best duvet covers.
2. Brooklinen Luxe Sheet Set, $159
The Brooklinen bandwagon is worth hopping on for next-level comfort when catching those ZZZs. The brand’s luxe sheet set is the perfect splurge for your registry that you’ll enjoy once it’s gifted. And, be sure to check out our review of the dreamy sheets we can’t get enough of.
For more options, check out our guide to the best bed sheet sets.
3. Bedsure Sheet Set, $20, original price: $28
If you already have some sheets on hand, consider adding Bedure’s sheet set to your registry. After all, you can never have too many — especially if you have guests sleeping over.
4. Hammam Linen 4-Pack White Bath Towels, $40, original price: $80
Hammam Linen’s White Bath Towels are the perfect choice for your registry because you can handpick how many you’d like, or which quantity sets you prefer. Not to mention, they’re 100% cotton for better-than-hotel softness.
For more options, check out our guide to the best bath towels.
An FAQ, according to our wedding experts
To make your wedding registry process as easy as can be, here’s a brief introduction of the experts we consulted, along with some commonly asked questions.
- Julie Lindenman: Owner of Julie Lindenman Events, a full-service wedding production company based out of NYC. With 13 years of experience, she offers a boutique planning experience to an international clientele, too, who desire a thoughtfully designed and highly personal event.
- Melissa Trentadue: Manager of Community at Zola, a favored, online wedding registry service allowing you to register for thousands of much-loved brands, experiences, gift cards, and cash funds at once. She’s been with the company for six years — meeting with couples, talking to vendors, and following wedding trends.
- Lauren Kay: Executive Editor at The Knot, a leading all-in-one wedding planning service — from finding inspiration and local vendors to creating and managing wedding registries and guest experiences — with nearly eight years of experience in the wedding editorial business. She covers style, planning, and registry, along with trends in the space.
How do I strike a balance of registering for splurges and affordable items?
“Giving your guests and potential gift-givers a range of options is always great, since what people gift will vary,” Julie Lindenman said. “A few items might be more costly, like kitchen appliances, luggage, or experiences, but so many are little items that make up a home, like oven mitts and measuring cups.”
Additionally, Melissa Trentadue at Zola advised registering for items less than $50 and more than $200, and in between. “Keep checking in throughout your engagement to make sure that there are still gifts available in each range,” she notes. Plus, there’s an option on Zola’s registry to mark something as a group gift for larger-ticket items, so they can contribute what they wish.
How do I set up my wedding registry?
Luckily, the Post spoke with representatives from The Knot and Zola, so we have the 411 on all things online registry. Here’s an overview:
The Knot: Log on to the app to have a wedding tool in your back pocket. Then, take the Wedding Style Quiz — a Tinder-style swipe right, swipe left method — to help gear your preferences when you plan. There’s also a to-do list, a budgeting tool, and vendor connection software based on your location.
You can register for products, experiences, charity and cash funds on The Knot Registry, and even plane tickets from Delta for your honeymoon. It’s a simple, one-stop-shop.
Zola: With Zola, you can register for thousands of brands, experiences, gift cards, and cash funds all in one place. When crafting your registry, you’ll have various checklists, personalized recommendations, a free coffee chat with a registry advisor, and a gift tracker to make the post-wedding thank-you note-writing seamless.
What should I register for?
Of course, your personalized registry is up to preference, but adding quality items like gorgeous barware, new duvets, and wedding China is lovely etiquette, according to Lindenman.
“Start by taking a look around your home — what don’t you have already, and what can use an upgrade?” Trentadue said. “Maybe you’ve been wanting an espresso maker, or perhaps your bath towels have seen better days. Don’t be afraid to think out of the box, too — I’ve seen lots of couples adding kayaks to their registries lately!”
What shouldn’t I register for?
“There really isn’t anything you shouldn’t register for,” Lauren Kay said. “If there were things you didn’t want everyone to see, maybe something a little scandalous, certainly, but the sky is the limit.”
Most importantly, Kay advises registering for at least two major retailers for guests and gift-givers to choose from. “Perhaps your great-aunt wants to get you a new set of towels whereas your high school best friend wants to throw some money for an elephant ride on your honeymoon.” That said, shoot for variety.
How many items should be on my registry?
“If you’re having a larger wedding, you’re going to want to register for more items,” Kay said. “Most registries have an average of 100-150 items, depending on the wedding. But these can be small things, like a potato peeler, alongside bigger things like a new grill, a fire pit for the backyard, or a sound system for your house.”
How do I know when to add or remove items on my wedding registry?
Kay recommends adding items frequently based on frequent check-ins month to month. Removing isn’t necessary, but just make sure you aren’t registering for too many gadgets you don’t have room for. Pro tip: think of counter space (especially if you’re living in a one-bedroom apartment with your S.O.).
“Keep in mind that guests will be purchasing gifts throughout your engagement, so it’s a good idea to keep adding to your registry to make sure there are plenty of options for guests to choose from,” Trentadue adds. “You’ll want to revisit your registry after any wedding events where gifts are involved — your engagement party, wedding shower, bachelor/bachelorette parties — as well as a couple of weeks before your wedding date.”
Is it okay to ask for money or gift cards instead of gifts?
“It’s definitely okay, and you can add cash funds or gift cards on Zola,” Trentadue said. “We’ve found that guests are most likely to contribute to cash funds for something super specific, like a spa day on your honeymoon, a puppy, or a home remodeling project.”
Also, you can ask for charitable donations, Lindenman said. She used The Good Beginning for her registry two years ago.
What items should I have duplicates of on my wedding registry?
“Register for tons of flatware, dinnerware, and glassware —more than you think you’ll need,” Trentadue said. “They’re the items guests love to gift and also the items you’re most likely to break or lose, so it’s best to have backups rather than a mismatched set years down the road.”
As experts, what are your favorite items to register for?
Below, find a curated list from our industry experts:
- Caraway Nontoxic Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set, $495
- Parachute Home Linen Sheet Set, starting at $189
- Artifact Uprising — to gift a photo album credit!
- Dyson Animal Vacuum, $358
- Vitamix Series 750 Blender, $619
- Our Place Always Pan, $150
- iRobot Roomba 694 WiFi Robot Vacuum, $249
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.