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The Bridal Registry: What To Ask For

Have you started your registry for your wedding?

I have some advice for you and it comes from a good place because after our Deanna was born (and before our store opened), I wanted a part-time job so guess what I did? I went to Bed Bath & Beyond and became one of their Wedding Registry Specialists!

Yep, I worked with brides and grooms helping them choose the best items for their registries!

When I say “best” I don’t mean most expensive, I mean the best for the couple. If the couple is into cooking, then yes, register the cookware that you want even if it is expensive. If you love to entertain, then get a complete and really good barware set, a great grill, or outdoor furniture!

There are many stores to register with and at the end of this blog I have included a link to a comparison of the most popular.  Today the #1 registry site is Amazon which makes sense because many couples are already set with their household needs and will register for items they want versus duplicates of what they already have.

Other popular registry stores are Target, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and Crate and Barrel. Zola is another online option. Some couples register for money toward their honeymoon. A great idea to have the experience!

It has been a while since my registry days but I remember them well and quite fondly.  Let me take you through the process:

China: This was always first because traditionally, you HAD to have a set of china. You might get pressure to register these pieces but if you are not interested, do not bother. Don’t put gifts on that you don’t want and aren’t going to use. If you do want china, however, there are gorgeous patterns and you can register all the pieces!

Bone china dinnerware sets - Bone china products exporter and supplier

Cookwear: This is another area that can put some expensive gifts on your list. As I said, if this is your thing and you always wanted a certain brand, DO IT. Guests may go in on gifts and be excited to get it for you! If it’s not a big deal, my advice was – and still is – don’t go for the least expensive, look for a reputable brand that is reasonably priced but will last.

The best cookware sets of 2019: Cuisinart, All-Clad, T-Fal ...

Flatware: Ahh, aside from picking china patterns, this was my favorite. Choosing the daily forks and spoons… no one cared much and would always pick the cheapest ones, I never knew why. They would blow off this section, until I got to do my demo. I would take a spoon out of the package they wanted to register and bend it right in half with no effort. “That’s what you get with this brand.” It was so funny to see the reactions! If you are in the position of purchasing or registering flatware, give the bend test a try, and think of me 😉  You should NOT be able to easily bend a spoon in half. You can’t eat ice cream that way for heaven’s sake!

Truly, get something of quality, you use these multiple times daily. You can get a second, even more formal set as well (especially if you get a set of china), and if you do, make sure to get the beautiful box to store it!

Flatware & Silverware Sets | Gold Flatware Sets | Bed Bath & BeyondVintage Rosepoint by Wallace Sterling Silver 90 Piece Silverware ...

Bedding: Another favorite of mine. GET THE GOOD SHEETS. Wherever you register, ask for or read the comparisons between the different fabrics and once you select that, make sure you get a high thread count. It makes a big difference.

Dinnerware: Or “everyday plates” – this can be tricky. Couples would fall for a great pattern that wasn’t inexpensive, but the material it was made from was cheap. While I could get away with bending spoons, I wasn’t always able to demonstrate how easy it was to knock a chunk out of the rim of a plate. Some I could tap on a shelf and a piece would fall off, it was that easy. Ask what it’s made of. A very strong material you should look for is bone china which is actually a porcelain made with cow bone ash. If you want an everyday set that will last a long time and not chip, go for bone china.

Barware: Tons of options here, from full bar sets to crystal wine glasses and decanters, this deserves some thought. Maybe you’re more into beer and want separate pilsner and lager glasses and if so, register them! This section is very popular for guests and many times one of the first sections completed on the registry.

Amazon.com | Riedel Crystal Cabernet Wine Decanter and 4 Crystal ...Beer Glassware Guide: Beer Glass Types and Uses

Bath: Your bath and hand towels are personal choice and usually are chosen by color.  Make sure to register a bath mat, shower curtain, and any accessories that match like tissue box, soap dispenser, candle holder, etc. Guests can purchase two or three of those for you and have a great gift that you want and stay in their budget!

Other points to consider:

Your fiance may not be interested in parts of this process. It can take hours to complete. It works best when you get the big pieces done first and then return at another time for the smaller things like kitchen gadgets, everyday glasses, picture frames, candles and holders, etc.

Amazon.com: Kitchen Utensil Set - 23 Nylon Cooking Utensils ...

Some helpful advice before you begin:

  • Discuss before you go what you want to get registered first so you don’t waste time and energy.
  • Eat before you go.
  • Don’t bring children.
  • Make sure to register gifts in a variety of price ranges.

Choosing your registry should be an exciting experience that symbolizes the start of your life together as you pick what you both want. Click the link below to compare options before you go:

https://www.businessinsider.com/best-wedding-registry