“What is a bridal registry?”

Getting engaged is one of the most exciting times in a person’s life. Part of planning the big day is creating a bridal registry. As a bridal gift store in Bucks County, The Pink Daisy are experts in all thing bridal. We’ve created this guide to help you understand how to create the ultimate bridal registry.

A bridal registry is a service many retailers offer wherein a couple can create a list of gift ideas for their friends and family to purchase from for the bridal shower and wedding.

Where can I create a bridal registry?

To ensure you cover your must-have items and those items you’ve included on your registry more out of desire than out of necessity, it’s a good idea to register at a big-box store and another at a boutique location, like The Pink Daisy!

How many stores should I create a registry at?

Most people build a registry at one or two retailers, but it’s not uncommon to find a bride that has three or four registries.

What should I put on a bridal registry?

Each bridal registry is unique and can include a variety of traditional and non-traditional items. These are the most common traditional items brides put onto their registry.

Cookware

This includes standard tools required to prepare any meal, including:

• Pots and pans of varying sizes
• Skillets
• Sauté pans
• Grill pans
• Dutch ovens
• Stockpots

Cookware may also include:

• Wok
• Tangine
• Panini press
• Waffle maker
• Ramekin dishes

Ovenware

This category includes items that allow you to prepare meals in the oven, including:

• Pyrex baking pans
• Ceramic or stoneware casserole dishes
• Non-stick baking pans
• Cookie sheets
• Bread loaf pans
• Muffin tins
• Cake pans
• Cooling racks

Ovenware may also include:

• Pizza stones
• Roasters

Kitchen Electrics

These are the items that will have a home on your counters, as you’ll be using on a daily basis.

• Coffeemaker
• Teakettle
• Blender
• Stand mixer
• Electric beaters
• Toaster
• Toaster oven

Optional kitchen electrics include:

• Espresso maker
• Coffee bean grinder
• Rice cooker
• Pressure cooker
• Crockpot
• Spiralizer
• Juicer
• Ice cream maker
• Stand mixer extensions: a pasta roller, meat grinder, etc.

Knives

No kitchen is complete without a good set of knives! There are a variety of knives available, each with a different purpose in the kitchen.

• Chef’s knife
• Serrated knife
• Medium knife
• Paring knife
• Kitchen shears
• Meat fork
• Knife block (for storage)
• Knife sharpener
• Cutting boards

Small Kitchen Tools

These are everyday necessities that make cooking easier.

• Cooking spatulas (metal, rubber)
• Cooking spoons (metal, wood)
• Ladles
• Rubber brush
• Baster
• Cooking tongs
• Whisks
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Peeler
• Can opener
• Zester or microplaner
• Cheese grater
• Pizza cutter
• Ice cream scoop
• Salt and pepper grinders
• Timer
• Mixing bowls
• Utensil holder

Other option small kitchen tools include:

• Garlic press
• Spoon rest
• Cookbooks
• Sifter
• Colander/strainer
• Spices/spice rack
• Pot holders/dish towels/aprons
• Soap dispenser
• Trash can
• Paper towel holder

Dinnerware

This is where you’ll put everything you need to eat dinner, whether it’s just as newlyweds or together with a group of friends.

• Dinner plates (formal and casual)
• Salad plates (formal and casual)
• Dessert plates (formal and casual)
• Soup/pasta bowls (formal and casual)
• Cream and sugar vessels
• Teacups and saucers
• Coffee mugs
• Serving platters
• Serving bowls
• Gravy boat
• Butter dish

Dinnerware also includes your flatware, like:

• Formal five-piece flatware
• Casual five-piece flatware
• Serving spoons

Glassware & Barware

Whether it’s water or wine, you’ll need different drinking vessels for each!

• Red wine glasses
• White wine glasses
• Champagne flutes
• Pitches
• Small and large water glasses
• Bottle openers
• Wine openers/stoppers
• Decanter
• Wine/ice bucket
• Martini shaker
• Moscow Mule glasses
• Cocktail glasses

Linens

From the bedroom to the dining room, your home will require plenty of linens as newlyweds:

• Fine linen and casual tablecloths
• Fine linen and casual napkins
• Napkin rings
• Placemats
• Sheet sets
• Duvet/duvet covers
• Pillow shams
• Throw blankets
• Bath towels
• Hand towels
• Washcloths
• Guest towels
• Bath mats
• Shower curtains

Home Décor

Many brides (especially those who are planning to move into a new home after the wedding) choose to add decorative home elements to their registry, such as:

• Vases
• Frames
• Candles
• Wall clocks
• Wall décor
• Table lamps
• Decorative accents

See what other must-have items you need to include on your bridal registry or learn more about creating your dream registry here.

When should I make a bridal registry?

Register as early as possible! This gives everyone access to your registry, whether they’re planning on attending your shower, your wedding, or both. Similarly, it gives people who won’t be able to attend certain events a chance to purchase a gift that can be sent to you in time for your shower or wedding.

Typically, creating a registry seven to nine months out is best practice. Regardless of how many registries you plan on making, do them at the same time so that you don’t overlap any items. If you forget anything, you can always add it in the future.

Do I really need to make a bridal registry?

While there’s no definitive rule that states you have to create a registry, many of your guests, especially those from older generations, will look for a registry to choose a traditional gift from.

What is a non-traditional bridal registry?

If you’ve been with your partner for some time and already live together, you may feel like you don’t need to create a registry. If that’s the case, consider creating an alternative registry that asks for experience gifts, funds for your honeymoon, or even subscription services you can use together as a couple once you’re married. 

Alternative Wedding Registry Ideas

• Parts of a home. If you’re having a home built, you can have your guests purchase a “part” of your home. In other words, they’re giving you money to put towards your new construction. 
• Charities. Your guests can donate funs to the chairty of your choice. 
• Gift cards. Partial to a retailer that doesn’t allow you to create a registry? Create a registry of gift cards for your favorite restaurants and retailers. 

Remember — creating a registry should be fun and exciting! Remember these tips when creating a registry of your own. Congratuations on your engagement and happy planning!