While we traditionally think of marriage as the first time a couple is setting up a household, the truth is, in 2019 approximately 70% of couples lived together before they tied the knot. Considering the fact that even adults who aren’t co-habitating are still typically living independently of their parents, most people don’t need another crock pot as a wedding gift. Fortunately, some of our traditions around wedding registries are changing, and technology is making it easier than ever to create a registry that will have gifts your guests will feel confident giving and you will love receiving, and even more importantly, using!
The Traditional Registry
There are always going to be those people who want to buy you a traditional wedding gift by going to the store and buying it off a “traditional” wedding registry. Because of this, I still always recommend creating a registry that includes some household items at least one brick and mortar store. There are always a few items from this category you can use, and most online wedding registries now allow you to pull items from multiple companies into one central place, so you can easily include these items along with less traditional ones.
Replace Your Everyday Use Items
Sure you’ve already set up housekeeping, but I’m sure the items you use every day could use a refresh. Items like towels, sheets, rugs, pots and pans, kitchen utensils — these get a fair a mount of wear and tear, so it might be nice to replace them with a new or even higher quality version.
Upgrade Your Basics
Think about things for the home you would like, but probably wouldn’t buy for yourself — that specialty wok, the specialty mattress pad that heats and cools, the robot vacuum — these are great items to put on your registry.
And remember, many modern gift registries now feature an option for “group gifting”, which makes gift-giving affordable for your guests by allowing them to contribute to a portion of a large-ticket item’s purchase.
Home Accents and Art
If you’ve been in your home for a while, your wedding registry could be an opportunity to enjoy a mini-makeover. Register for decor items like accent pillows, rugs or even small side tables and lamps that bring some new life to your typical surroundings. Lamps are another element that ties together a room, but are often overlooked on a wedding registry. If you’re sick of starting at bare, bland walls, one online registry allows you to register for art to liven up your walls, again providing your guests with the “group gifting” feature.
Furniture
Putting furniture on your wedding registry is also becoming a more common practice thanks to group gifting. Mattresses are another smart and unique item for a wedding registry, and an investment in your back for many years!
A Less Traditional Registry
If you’re already stocked on the usual household essentials, consider these alternative ideas for a wedding registry.
Items for your Hobby
Bonding over shared hobbies and interests are a key factor of strong relationships. If you both love to camp, you could ask for a tent, backpacks, or plenty of other accessories. Avid travelers may opt for sturdy luggage for their adventures. If cooking is your thing, register for upscale kitchen tools to upgrade your current collection, or even request a few months of delivered meal kits for at-home date nights. If you love hosting parties, consider additional glasses and bar ware (or alcohol — I love a good stock the bar shower), extra place settings of dishes, serving pieces, or even board games for game night!
Outdoor Items
Keeping that in mind, outdoor enthusiasts could register for unconventional items like patio furniture for the backyard. Aspiring grill masters could add a backyard grill or some new grilling accessories to the list too! If you are blending families, or have spent years dreaming of big backyard parties, pergolas, outdoor yard games, and heat lamps may also be fun entertaining items that you would enjoy.
Tools
Tools are another practical and unique category for the wedding registry. A set of tools is invaluable for many tasks around the house. Drills, screwdriver sets, and or even a ladder could come in handy when you least expect it!
We Just Want The Cash
Of course we know that cash is always appreciated, but requesting it is still frowned upon by some people. But there are ways to put cash on your registry without offending anyone’s delicate sensibilities. (And, if you really just need the cash, be sure to have those in the know pass the word around to those who will be amenable to that. It’s becoming less and less of a faux pas as the years pass.)
Experiences
One alternate choice is a honeymoon registry that allows guests to gift you hotel nights, excursions, and dinners as a part of your dream honeymoon experience. Having the option to choose the experience from a pre-determined list enables your guest to feel a more personal involvement than just slipping money in a card.
Gift Cards
Gift cards suggestions are another tactful way to request cash. Gift cards for experiences like movies, dinner out, a class, or even a trip to stores you shop at often are terrific to stash away for later when the excitement of the big day has calmed a bit.
Goal Funds
Another avenue to tactfully request cash is to give your guests an online option to contribute to a particular “fund,” or buy a gift card earmarked for a particular project. Whether your goal is to buy a home, remodel your existing home, or even to finance fertility treatments or adoption, goal funds are a unique idea for modern couples who are planning for the future.
Charitable Contributions
For couples who are truly financially blessed or minimalists by nature, choose a charity that is meaningful to you and request donations in lieu of gifts. What better way to celebrate your love as a couple than by supporting a cause that you love too?
What did you receive as a wedding gift that you still use? What do you wish you had put on your registry? What have you given as a wedding gift that was a unique alternative? Drop your thoughts on all things wedding registry in the comments!
All photos are stock photos.