Best wedding registry items: ideas and must-haves
Best wedding registry items: ideas and must-haves
What to put on your wedding registry: timeless picks, trending ideas, and practical essentials.
Jul 31, 2025
It’s no secret that getting married is expensive. According to The Knot, the overall average wedding cost in the US is $33,000, working out at around $284 per guest.
A wedding registry is a great way to recuperate just a few of those costs, by asking your guests to buy you things you actually want and need as wedding gifts.
However, knowing what to put on your wedding registry can be challenging.
This is especially the case if you live with your other half before marriage, like more than 70% of couples in the US nowadays (according to PubMed Central).
After all, if that’s the case, the chances are you already have many of the essential household items that would traditionally be included on a registry.
With that in mind, we wanted to compile a list of the best wedding registry items for modern couples, including items that members of our team have loved receiving (and ones they wish they’d asked for when they had the chance!).
That way, you can make the most of this unique opportunity to fill your home and life with items you actually want and will use (perhaps even for decades to come!).
So, have a browse and then create a wedding registry full of excellent items, experiences and ideas that leave no room for regret!
45 wedding registry ideas for 2025
Kitchen & dining upgrades
Kitchen and dining upgrades can be pricey and often end up falling by the wayside when you’re living paycheck to paycheck.
Before my husband and I got married, we only had four of everything – four plates, four bowls, four glasses… you name it! We saw our wedding as the perfect excuse to upgrade our dining sets so we could get eight of each.
Not only will they last us long into the future, but we’re now able to host friends without one of us having to drink wine out of a mug!
Whether that resonates with you or not, a wedding can be a fantastic chance to add kitchen and dining items to your home that you wouldn’t usually splash out on yourselves.
Here are some fantastic upgrades to consider.
1. Carafe
A carafe may not feel like a necessity, but it’s sure to add a touch of style and convenience to any dinner party.
We love this clear carafe from Anthropologie. With a hint of gold around the rim, it oozes sophistication.
2. KitchenAid mixer
One of the most popular items to make it onto a wedding registry, a KitchenAid mixer is an investment in your future.
Just imagine all that you could make with the 10+ attachments included. From pasta and burgers to ice cream, it’ll have you covered for every scenario.
3. Espresso machine
Upgrade your morning coffee with this barista-style espresso machine.
Sure to get plenty of use, you can be reminded of your wedding day with every sip of caffeine!
4. Le Creuset dutch oven
Another wedding registry staple, this Le Creuset dutch oven is a classic that will transform your cooking (and hosting!) experience.
A favorite from my own wedding, it’s a timeless investment that will last decades.
5. Serving bowl
Level up the presentation of any dish you cook with a beautiful serving bowl.
This glazed terracotta bowl with soft, scalloped edges is guaranteed to wow any lucky dinner guest!
6. Chef’s knife set
A good set of knives may not feel like a natural wedding present, but think how much use they’d get.
These come in a practical yet sophisticated knife block to make cooking even more streamlined.
7. Dinnerware collection
Why not take the opportunity to upgrade your existing dinnerware collection? I certainly did and have no regrets.
This collection from Anthropologie is stylish and, most importantly, it all matches!
8. Placemats
A set of linen placemats is a must-have for a married couple.
This green set injects a modern twist, perfect for modern life.
9. Wine glasses
A set of matching wine glasses always feels so grown up.
We especially love this handpainted crystalline set with its light-refracting texture and 24-karat gold rim.
10. Candleholders
Add some glamor to your dinner table with these cut glass candle holders.
They’re perfect for adding a sparkle to any occasion.
Home & living must-haves
Once you’ve got your kitchen and dining table stocked up, it’s time to turn your attention to the rest of your home.
Traditionally, items like bed linen were a must on a wedding registry.
Although they’re no longer a necessity for most couples (after all, you’re already sleeping on something, right?!), your wedding is a fantastic chance to grab an upgrade and perhaps even enjoy some luxury bedding you might not fork out on yourselves.
Likewise, it’s a great chance to look around your home and consider what upgrades would make it a more pleasant place to be – we used some money we received from our wedding to purchase a quality rug for our living room and it’s still going strong today.
Here are some more ideas to consider.
11. Luxury bedding
Ask your guests to treat you to a set of luxury sateen sheets.
Soft, durable and with a smooth feel that gets better with time, these sheets from Parachute are made to last.
12. Artwork
Brighten up the walls in your home with some colorful artwork.
It’s a great way to put your stamp on your home as a couple.
13. Mirror
A statement mirror can make an attractive feature in your home.
It’ll add light, a sense of space and, of course, give you somewhere to check your appearance!
14. Coffee table book
A chunky coffee table book can be a statement piece for your living room, and show guests who you are as a couple.
You can’t go wrong with this impressive hardback celebrating 100 years of Vanity Fair.
15. Vinyl record player
Bring some artistic flair into the home with this portable turntable.
Blending vintage vibes and modern tech, it spins 33 1/3, 45, or 78 RPM records as well as allowing you to stream directly through the record player from Bluetooth.
16. Fringed throw
Say hello to cosy nights in as a married couple, thanks to this sumptuous wool throw blanket.
There’s even the option to add customization. Get your names and the date of your wedding embroidered to make it the perfect keepsake.
17. Indoor planter
Want to breathe some life into your home with some large houseplants?
This ceramic planter will level up any plant (real or faux) and infuse your interior with effortless style.
18. Smart fragrance diffuser
Treat all your senses with this smart fragrance diffuser, set to fill your home with designer-grade scents.
Home never smelt so good!
19. Handwoven cushion
Channel your inner Studio McGee with a handwoven cushion.
This linen striped cushion will level up the interior design in pretty much any home.
20. Table lamp
Good lighting can make or break your home.
This cute and characterful table lamp is an eye-catching feature that will inject some warmth into your interior decor.
Travel & Experiences
Now we’ve covered a lot of the traditional items you might expect to find on a wedding registry.
But if you don’t need many items for around the home, don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
Nowadays, you can add just about anything to your wedding registry, including travel and experiences.
While my husband and I didn’t go down this route ourselves, I’ve lost count of the number of experiences I’ve bought for my friends as wedding gifts – from contributing to a hot air balloon ride, to buying them dinner on the beach as part of their honeymoon!
Here are some wedding registry ideas along those lines you could consider.
21. AirBnB giftcard
Ask for the gift of home wherever you are in the world, with an Airbnb voucher.
It’s a great way to incentivize future travels and leaves the door open for you to explore where you want to visit later down the line.
22. Contributions towards your honeymoon
Some registry providers like Moonsift will let you add a cash fund to your wedding registry.
In this way, you can ask guests to contribute towards a bigger purchase, like your honeymoon, without asking them to break the bank.
23. Restaurant voucher
Why not ask for a voucher to your favorite restaurant?
That way, you and your new spouse can enjoy a delicious meal (and of course, quality time together!), courtesy of your loved ones.
24. Hot air balloon ride
What could be more romantic than a hot air balloon ride for two?
It’s certainly a memorable experience to include on your wedding registry.
25. Tickets to a game
If you and your future spouse are both into the same sports, consider adding tickets to a game (or even a season ticket!) to your registry.
It’s a great way to support a team you both love while bonding over your shared interests.
26. Theater tickets
Ask for a night you won’t forget in a hurry.
Pick out tickets to a show you’ve both been dying to see, to start creating even more memories.
27. Spa day
After the whirlwind of your wedding, a spot of relaxation could be just what you need.
A spa day is a great chance for you to spend some quality time together, while you both unwind.
28. Luggage
If you’re soon to head off on honeymoon, new luggage could be just the ticket.
Practical and stylish, this set will last you years.
29. Massage voucher
Enjoy some quality time together when you need it most.
A voucher for a relaxing couple’s massage will be the perfect treat to look forward to.
30. Cinema voucher
Are movies your love language?
Never miss a new movie again, with a cinema voucher for a theater near you.
Personal & lifestyle treats
Everyone, and every couple, is unique.
So, don’t feel like you have to add certain items to your wedding registry just because that’s the done thing.
Rather, think about items that can help you celebrate your relationship and love for one another in the most ‘you’ way possible.
If the classic bedding sets and homeware items aren’t doing it for you, here are some wedding registry ideas that could inject some fun and personality into your marriage.
31. Handcrafted chess set
If you and your partner love playing games together, this mahogany and maple wood tournament chess board is sure to go down a treat.
With chess pieces hand-carved by master artisans out of the highest-grade woods, it’s definitely one to treasure.
32. Projector
Level up your home movie nights.
This home theater projector is ideal for movie buffs or just catching up on your favorite Netflix shows.
33. Amazon Echo
Ask for the gift of voice-controlled music with an Amazon Echo.
As well as Alexa, the smart home hub will even let you voice control compatible lights, locks and sensors.
34. Inflatable kayak
If you love adventuring with your other half, this inflatable kayak will give you something new to bond over.
Head off for a day trip with a picnic and don’t look back!
35. Picnic backpack
On the topic of picnics, a good-quality picnic hamper or backpack is a must for outdoor-loving couples.
This one includes an insulated wine tote so you can even toast your marriage on the go!
Meaningful & sentimental picks
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life.
So, why not add some items to your wedding registry that reflect that?
Some of our favorite wedding registry items include gifts that are designed to immortalize your big day.
Whether it’s a personalized print of your wedding venue or a photo frame designed to hold your first photo as a married couple, these are the items that you’ll treasure forever.
One of my favorite items from my wedding day is a beautiful print with a quote about the importance of love on it.
Every time I look at it, I remember the vows we made that day and how special it is to be surrounded by people who I love and who love me in return.
Here are our top sentimental wedding registry items to add to your list.
36. Pressed flower bouquet
Don’t let the beauty of your bouquet ever die.
Instead, ask for a voucher for a pressed flower bouquet from Pressed Floral to ensure it lives on forever.
37. Print of the wedding venue
Be reminded of your big day every day, with a bespoke illustration or sketch of your wedding venue.
38. Personalized star map print
Immortalize your wedding day with a bespoke star map print that captures your wedding date.
39. Photo frame
The most sentimental gifts aren’t always the most expensive.
A pretty photo frame ready to hold a photo from your special day is always a must.
40. Wedding keepsake box
Store all the sentimental items from your day in one place, with a specially designed keepsake box.
The perfect way to preserve your most special memories.
Sustainable & secondhand options
Last but not least, let’s talk about sustainable and secondhand options.
Buying new isn’t as sustainable as choosing used items, as it contributes to the consumption and production cycle, which can be resource-intensive and environmentally damaging.
But even if you do need new items, it’s worth thinking about whether you could ask for eco-friendly picks that are designed to leave the world a better place.
After all, there’s something comforting about knowing that your wedding day is adding good to the world, rather than contributing towards over-consumerism and waste.
Here are some sustainable and secondhand options to consider.
41. Secondhand furniture
Filling your home with secondhand furniture isn’t just an environmentally-friendly way to shop.
It’ll also infuse your home with character and history.
42. Plant a tree
Planting a tree can be a lovely way to cement your marriage.
As your marriage progresses, you’ll be able to enjoy seeing it grow and thrive, just like your relationship!
43. Recycled bottle blanket
Cozy up on those cold winter nights under a gorgeous blanket.
These just happen to be made of recycled plastic bottles, so you can enjoy your new throw guilt-free.
44. Charitable donations
Is there a charity that’s close to your heart?
Asking guests to gift a donation to a charity of your choice is a great way to make sure your wedding day results in some long-term good. It can also help to keep the memory of a family member alive who sadly can’t be with you on your special day.
45. Little library
Use your wedding as an excuse to bring the community together.
A little library can be left at the front of your home so that you can distribute books around your neighborhood and encourage book swaps.
What should I include on my wedding registry?
Now you have some ideas for what you can include on your wedding registry.
But don’t be afraid to go off-piste!
Just stick to these tips and you can’t go wrong.
Include items that span a range of price points
Include more gift options than necessary (around two times the number of guests)
Include items that you want as well as items that you need
Include items that can be used by you both, or that are specific to your life as a couple (ie. avoid items that are clearly only for one person)
Include a cash fund so guests can contribute to bigger-ticket items
What not to put on a wedding registry?
There aren’t many things that you should avoid putting on your wedding registry.
However, here are some don’ts to bear in mind when you’re picking out items to add.
Don’t register for only high-ticket items
Don’t add items that are personal to just you or just your spouse (eg. clothing)
Don’t add items that will only be used on the wedding day
Don’t add thousands of gift ideas (this can overwhelm guests)
Don’t add items that could make your guests uncomfortable (eg. lingerie)
What's too expensive for a wedding registry?
There’s no set limit for what’s too expensive for a wedding registry.
Rather, you’ll need to consider your guests’ budgets.
Most importantly, if you add higher-cost items, make sure you balance them out with lower-cost choices, so that guests can pick out something that fits their budget.
The last thing you want is to pressure guests into spending more than they’re comfortable with.
If you do want to ask for bigger-ticket items or experiences (by which we generally mean ones that cost several hundred dollars or more), consider choosing a wedding registry provider that allows you to add a cash fund – like Moonsift.
That way, your guests can contribute an amount that they’re comfortable with, to help you towards a bigger purchase.
Tips for building a registry you’ll love
As you can see, there aren’t many hard and fast rules that you have to abide by when you’re creating a wedding registry.
Rather, it’s all about working out what’s best for you as a couple and being considerate towards your guests at the same time.
That said, there are some tips you can follow to give yourself the best chance of making a registry you’ll truly love, and avoiding wedding registry regret!
Here’s what we’ve found works best.
1. Start building your registry early
The earlier you start building your registry, the better.
This is because it will give you time to brainstorm items and add them to your registry as you think of them (instead of having to sit down and wrack your brains for ideas one evening!).
By giving yourself plenty of time, you’re more likely to add items that truly appeal to you, rather than forcing yourself to find options.
2. Give your guests plenty of notice
Share your wedding registry with guests with plenty of time to spare.
This way, they won’t be scrambling around to sort your gift out at the last minute.
Plus, it will prevent them from unknowingly going off-piste and getting you a gift from elsewhere.
3. Add enough items
When working out how many gifts to add to your registry, a good rule of thumb is to double the number of guests.
So, if you’re inviting 80 guests to your wedding, you’ll want to include around 160 items.
4. Don’t overwhelm your guests with choice
At the same time, you’ll want to avoid adding too many items.
Not only could this overwhelm your guests with choice, but by narrowing it down to those items you actually want, you’ll have a better chance of receiving your favorites!
5. Choose a universal wedding registry
Lots of wedding registry providers will only let you choose items from a certain store, or a small selection of partner stores.
However, a universal wedding registry provider (like Moonsift) will let you add items to your registry from any store in the world.
That means you can enjoy adding all your favorite items and experiences, wherever they may be.
6. Treat it as a work in progress
Don’t feel the need to completely finish your wedding registry before you share it.
Instead, bear in mind that you can carry on adding items for as long as you want to, even up to the day of the wedding (for those last-minute gift purchasers!).
If you forget to add something at first, it’s not the end of the world!
7. Check it carefully
Make sure to double and triple-check your wedding registry before you send it to your family and friends.
That way, you can make sure that nothing has accidentally made its way on, and spot if there are any glaring omissions.
Plus, you can make sure that important details, like your postal address, are correct. The last thing you want is for those gifts to go walkabouts!
Create a wedding registry with Moonsift
Hopefully, you found these tips and wedding registry ideas useful.
Now, all that’s left is to choose a wedding registry provider and get started adding all those items you have your eye on.
As a universal wedding registry provider, Moonsift is a cut above the rest.
It’s easy to use, has been designed together with stylists and interior designers (so it looks great!) and will let you add items from any store in the world.
Plus, it’s completely free!
Give it a try and create a wedding registry on Moonsift.
It’s no secret that getting married is expensive. According to The Knot, the overall average wedding cost in the US is $33,000, working out at around $284 per guest.
A wedding registry is a great way to recuperate just a few of those costs, by asking your guests to buy you things you actually want and need as wedding gifts.
However, knowing what to put on your wedding registry can be challenging.
This is especially the case if you live with your other half before marriage, like more than 70% of couples in the US nowadays (according to PubMed Central).
After all, if that’s the case, the chances are you already have many of the essential household items that would traditionally be included on a registry.
With that in mind, we wanted to compile a list of the best wedding registry items for modern couples, including items that members of our team have loved receiving (and ones they wish they’d asked for when they had the chance!).
That way, you can make the most of this unique opportunity to fill your home and life with items you actually want and will use (perhaps even for decades to come!).
So, have a browse and then create a wedding registry full of excellent items, experiences and ideas that leave no room for regret!
45 wedding registry ideas for 2025
Kitchen & dining upgrades
Kitchen and dining upgrades can be pricey and often end up falling by the wayside when you’re living paycheck to paycheck.
Before my husband and I got married, we only had four of everything – four plates, four bowls, four glasses… you name it! We saw our wedding as the perfect excuse to upgrade our dining sets so we could get eight of each.
Not only will they last us long into the future, but we’re now able to host friends without one of us having to drink wine out of a mug!
Whether that resonates with you or not, a wedding can be a fantastic chance to add kitchen and dining items to your home that you wouldn’t usually splash out on yourselves.
Here are some fantastic upgrades to consider.
1. Carafe
A carafe may not feel like a necessity, but it’s sure to add a touch of style and convenience to any dinner party.
We love this clear carafe from Anthropologie. With a hint of gold around the rim, it oozes sophistication.
2. KitchenAid mixer
One of the most popular items to make it onto a wedding registry, a KitchenAid mixer is an investment in your future.
Just imagine all that you could make with the 10+ attachments included. From pasta and burgers to ice cream, it’ll have you covered for every scenario.
3. Espresso machine
Upgrade your morning coffee with this barista-style espresso machine.
Sure to get plenty of use, you can be reminded of your wedding day with every sip of caffeine!
4. Le Creuset dutch oven
Another wedding registry staple, this Le Creuset dutch oven is a classic that will transform your cooking (and hosting!) experience.
A favorite from my own wedding, it’s a timeless investment that will last decades.
5. Serving bowl
Level up the presentation of any dish you cook with a beautiful serving bowl.
This glazed terracotta bowl with soft, scalloped edges is guaranteed to wow any lucky dinner guest!
6. Chef’s knife set
A good set of knives may not feel like a natural wedding present, but think how much use they’d get.
These come in a practical yet sophisticated knife block to make cooking even more streamlined.
7. Dinnerware collection
Why not take the opportunity to upgrade your existing dinnerware collection? I certainly did and have no regrets.
This collection from Anthropologie is stylish and, most importantly, it all matches!
8. Placemats
A set of linen placemats is a must-have for a married couple.
This green set injects a modern twist, perfect for modern life.
9. Wine glasses
A set of matching wine glasses always feels so grown up.
We especially love this handpainted crystalline set with its light-refracting texture and 24-karat gold rim.
10. Candleholders
Add some glamor to your dinner table with these cut glass candle holders.
They’re perfect for adding a sparkle to any occasion.
Home & living must-haves
Once you’ve got your kitchen and dining table stocked up, it’s time to turn your attention to the rest of your home.
Traditionally, items like bed linen were a must on a wedding registry.
Although they’re no longer a necessity for most couples (after all, you’re already sleeping on something, right?!), your wedding is a fantastic chance to grab an upgrade and perhaps even enjoy some luxury bedding you might not fork out on yourselves.
Likewise, it’s a great chance to look around your home and consider what upgrades would make it a more pleasant place to be – we used some money we received from our wedding to purchase a quality rug for our living room and it’s still going strong today.
Here are some more ideas to consider.
11. Luxury bedding
Ask your guests to treat you to a set of luxury sateen sheets.
Soft, durable and with a smooth feel that gets better with time, these sheets from Parachute are made to last.
12. Artwork
Brighten up the walls in your home with some colorful artwork.
It’s a great way to put your stamp on your home as a couple.
13. Mirror
A statement mirror can make an attractive feature in your home.
It’ll add light, a sense of space and, of course, give you somewhere to check your appearance!
14. Coffee table book
A chunky coffee table book can be a statement piece for your living room, and show guests who you are as a couple.
You can’t go wrong with this impressive hardback celebrating 100 years of Vanity Fair.
15. Vinyl record player
Bring some artistic flair into the home with this portable turntable.
Blending vintage vibes and modern tech, it spins 33 1/3, 45, or 78 RPM records as well as allowing you to stream directly through the record player from Bluetooth.
16. Fringed throw
Say hello to cosy nights in as a married couple, thanks to this sumptuous wool throw blanket.
There’s even the option to add customization. Get your names and the date of your wedding embroidered to make it the perfect keepsake.
17. Indoor planter
Want to breathe some life into your home with some large houseplants?
This ceramic planter will level up any plant (real or faux) and infuse your interior with effortless style.
18. Smart fragrance diffuser
Treat all your senses with this smart fragrance diffuser, set to fill your home with designer-grade scents.
Home never smelt so good!
19. Handwoven cushion
Channel your inner Studio McGee with a handwoven cushion.
This linen striped cushion will level up the interior design in pretty much any home.
20. Table lamp
Good lighting can make or break your home.
This cute and characterful table lamp is an eye-catching feature that will inject some warmth into your interior decor.
Travel & Experiences
Now we’ve covered a lot of the traditional items you might expect to find on a wedding registry.
But if you don’t need many items for around the home, don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
Nowadays, you can add just about anything to your wedding registry, including travel and experiences.
While my husband and I didn’t go down this route ourselves, I’ve lost count of the number of experiences I’ve bought for my friends as wedding gifts – from contributing to a hot air balloon ride, to buying them dinner on the beach as part of their honeymoon!
Here are some wedding registry ideas along those lines you could consider.
21. AirBnB giftcard
Ask for the gift of home wherever you are in the world, with an Airbnb voucher.
It’s a great way to incentivize future travels and leaves the door open for you to explore where you want to visit later down the line.
22. Contributions towards your honeymoon
Some registry providers like Moonsift will let you add a cash fund to your wedding registry.
In this way, you can ask guests to contribute towards a bigger purchase, like your honeymoon, without asking them to break the bank.
23. Restaurant voucher
Why not ask for a voucher to your favorite restaurant?
That way, you and your new spouse can enjoy a delicious meal (and of course, quality time together!), courtesy of your loved ones.
24. Hot air balloon ride
What could be more romantic than a hot air balloon ride for two?
It’s certainly a memorable experience to include on your wedding registry.
25. Tickets to a game
If you and your future spouse are both into the same sports, consider adding tickets to a game (or even a season ticket!) to your registry.
It’s a great way to support a team you both love while bonding over your shared interests.
26. Theater tickets
Ask for a night you won’t forget in a hurry.
Pick out tickets to a show you’ve both been dying to see, to start creating even more memories.
27. Spa day
After the whirlwind of your wedding, a spot of relaxation could be just what you need.
A spa day is a great chance for you to spend some quality time together, while you both unwind.
28. Luggage
If you’re soon to head off on honeymoon, new luggage could be just the ticket.
Practical and stylish, this set will last you years.
29. Massage voucher
Enjoy some quality time together when you need it most.
A voucher for a relaxing couple’s massage will be the perfect treat to look forward to.
30. Cinema voucher
Are movies your love language?
Never miss a new movie again, with a cinema voucher for a theater near you.
Personal & lifestyle treats
Everyone, and every couple, is unique.
So, don’t feel like you have to add certain items to your wedding registry just because that’s the done thing.
Rather, think about items that can help you celebrate your relationship and love for one another in the most ‘you’ way possible.
If the classic bedding sets and homeware items aren’t doing it for you, here are some wedding registry ideas that could inject some fun and personality into your marriage.
31. Handcrafted chess set
If you and your partner love playing games together, this mahogany and maple wood tournament chess board is sure to go down a treat.
With chess pieces hand-carved by master artisans out of the highest-grade woods, it’s definitely one to treasure.
32. Projector
Level up your home movie nights.
This home theater projector is ideal for movie buffs or just catching up on your favorite Netflix shows.
33. Amazon Echo
Ask for the gift of voice-controlled music with an Amazon Echo.
As well as Alexa, the smart home hub will even let you voice control compatible lights, locks and sensors.
34. Inflatable kayak
If you love adventuring with your other half, this inflatable kayak will give you something new to bond over.
Head off for a day trip with a picnic and don’t look back!
35. Picnic backpack
On the topic of picnics, a good-quality picnic hamper or backpack is a must for outdoor-loving couples.
This one includes an insulated wine tote so you can even toast your marriage on the go!
Meaningful & sentimental picks
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life.
So, why not add some items to your wedding registry that reflect that?
Some of our favorite wedding registry items include gifts that are designed to immortalize your big day.
Whether it’s a personalized print of your wedding venue or a photo frame designed to hold your first photo as a married couple, these are the items that you’ll treasure forever.
One of my favorite items from my wedding day is a beautiful print with a quote about the importance of love on it.
Every time I look at it, I remember the vows we made that day and how special it is to be surrounded by people who I love and who love me in return.
Here are our top sentimental wedding registry items to add to your list.
36. Pressed flower bouquet
Don’t let the beauty of your bouquet ever die.
Instead, ask for a voucher for a pressed flower bouquet from Pressed Floral to ensure it lives on forever.
37. Print of the wedding venue
Be reminded of your big day every day, with a bespoke illustration or sketch of your wedding venue.
38. Personalized star map print
Immortalize your wedding day with a bespoke star map print that captures your wedding date.
39. Photo frame
The most sentimental gifts aren’t always the most expensive.
A pretty photo frame ready to hold a photo from your special day is always a must.
40. Wedding keepsake box
Store all the sentimental items from your day in one place, with a specially designed keepsake box.
The perfect way to preserve your most special memories.
Sustainable & secondhand options
Last but not least, let’s talk about sustainable and secondhand options.
Buying new isn’t as sustainable as choosing used items, as it contributes to the consumption and production cycle, which can be resource-intensive and environmentally damaging.
But even if you do need new items, it’s worth thinking about whether you could ask for eco-friendly picks that are designed to leave the world a better place.
After all, there’s something comforting about knowing that your wedding day is adding good to the world, rather than contributing towards over-consumerism and waste.
Here are some sustainable and secondhand options to consider.
41. Secondhand furniture
Filling your home with secondhand furniture isn’t just an environmentally-friendly way to shop.
It’ll also infuse your home with character and history.
42. Plant a tree
Planting a tree can be a lovely way to cement your marriage.
As your marriage progresses, you’ll be able to enjoy seeing it grow and thrive, just like your relationship!
43. Recycled bottle blanket
Cozy up on those cold winter nights under a gorgeous blanket.
These just happen to be made of recycled plastic bottles, so you can enjoy your new throw guilt-free.
44. Charitable donations
Is there a charity that’s close to your heart?
Asking guests to gift a donation to a charity of your choice is a great way to make sure your wedding day results in some long-term good. It can also help to keep the memory of a family member alive who sadly can’t be with you on your special day.
45. Little library
Use your wedding as an excuse to bring the community together.
A little library can be left at the front of your home so that you can distribute books around your neighborhood and encourage book swaps.
What should I include on my wedding registry?
Now you have some ideas for what you can include on your wedding registry.
But don’t be afraid to go off-piste!
Just stick to these tips and you can’t go wrong.
Include items that span a range of price points
Include more gift options than necessary (around two times the number of guests)
Include items that you want as well as items that you need
Include items that can be used by you both, or that are specific to your life as a couple (ie. avoid items that are clearly only for one person)
Include a cash fund so guests can contribute to bigger-ticket items
What not to put on a wedding registry?
There aren’t many things that you should avoid putting on your wedding registry.
However, here are some don’ts to bear in mind when you’re picking out items to add.
Don’t register for only high-ticket items
Don’t add items that are personal to just you or just your spouse (eg. clothing)
Don’t add items that will only be used on the wedding day
Don’t add thousands of gift ideas (this can overwhelm guests)
Don’t add items that could make your guests uncomfortable (eg. lingerie)
What's too expensive for a wedding registry?
There’s no set limit for what’s too expensive for a wedding registry.
Rather, you’ll need to consider your guests’ budgets.
Most importantly, if you add higher-cost items, make sure you balance them out with lower-cost choices, so that guests can pick out something that fits their budget.
The last thing you want is to pressure guests into spending more than they’re comfortable with.
If you do want to ask for bigger-ticket items or experiences (by which we generally mean ones that cost several hundred dollars or more), consider choosing a wedding registry provider that allows you to add a cash fund – like Moonsift.
That way, your guests can contribute an amount that they’re comfortable with, to help you towards a bigger purchase.
Tips for building a registry you’ll love
As you can see, there aren’t many hard and fast rules that you have to abide by when you’re creating a wedding registry.
Rather, it’s all about working out what’s best for you as a couple and being considerate towards your guests at the same time.
That said, there are some tips you can follow to give yourself the best chance of making a registry you’ll truly love, and avoiding wedding registry regret!
Here’s what we’ve found works best.
1. Start building your registry early
The earlier you start building your registry, the better.
This is because it will give you time to brainstorm items and add them to your registry as you think of them (instead of having to sit down and wrack your brains for ideas one evening!).
By giving yourself plenty of time, you’re more likely to add items that truly appeal to you, rather than forcing yourself to find options.
2. Give your guests plenty of notice
Share your wedding registry with guests with plenty of time to spare.
This way, they won’t be scrambling around to sort your gift out at the last minute.
Plus, it will prevent them from unknowingly going off-piste and getting you a gift from elsewhere.
3. Add enough items
When working out how many gifts to add to your registry, a good rule of thumb is to double the number of guests.
So, if you’re inviting 80 guests to your wedding, you’ll want to include around 160 items.
4. Don’t overwhelm your guests with choice
At the same time, you’ll want to avoid adding too many items.
Not only could this overwhelm your guests with choice, but by narrowing it down to those items you actually want, you’ll have a better chance of receiving your favorites!
5. Choose a universal wedding registry
Lots of wedding registry providers will only let you choose items from a certain store, or a small selection of partner stores.
However, a universal wedding registry provider (like Moonsift) will let you add items to your registry from any store in the world.
That means you can enjoy adding all your favorite items and experiences, wherever they may be.
6. Treat it as a work in progress
Don’t feel the need to completely finish your wedding registry before you share it.
Instead, bear in mind that you can carry on adding items for as long as you want to, even up to the day of the wedding (for those last-minute gift purchasers!).
If you forget to add something at first, it’s not the end of the world!
7. Check it carefully
Make sure to double and triple-check your wedding registry before you send it to your family and friends.
That way, you can make sure that nothing has accidentally made its way on, and spot if there are any glaring omissions.
Plus, you can make sure that important details, like your postal address, are correct. The last thing you want is for those gifts to go walkabouts!
Create a wedding registry with Moonsift
Hopefully, you found these tips and wedding registry ideas useful.
Now, all that’s left is to choose a wedding registry provider and get started adding all those items you have your eye on.
As a universal wedding registry provider, Moonsift is a cut above the rest.
It’s easy to use, has been designed together with stylists and interior designers (so it looks great!) and will let you add items from any store in the world.
Plus, it’s completely free!
Give it a try and create a wedding registry on Moonsift.