I used to work at a top wedding registry store, this is what I tell my engaged friends.
1. Fine china.
They will push fine china on you like you wouldn’t believe. Honestly, I feel like fine china is a dying breed. China on a wedding registry is going to bring in a lot of money for the store, but consider if you actually need it in your home. Along with the flat sheet, millennials have seen the light, and expensive ass plates on display that you use once a year is a bizarre concept. Once I got engaged I no longer worked there, I went to register knowing that china would be pushed on me, and I didn’t even have a dining room let alone a China cabinet, and still I left with china on my registry. It was beautiful, but once I got home and snapped out of my daze and I took it off my registry. I needed a blender, not a $30 plate.
2. Everyday plates.
I say all that to say, you should invest in your everyday plates. My everyday plates are technically china. They are plain white, but they are bone china. They are the most durable and will stand the test of time. And if you do happen to host a fancy dinner party, they’ll be just fine for the occasion.
3. Oh sheet.
A high thread count sheet is a great choice. Some brands like Wamsutta package all their bedding pieces separately, so you don’t even have to feel guilty about not using the flat sheet. The store will tell you that you need 3 sets. One for the bed, one for the hamper, and one in the closet. Seriously I’ve never had a problem ever washing my bedding and then putting it back on my bed in one day.
4. Bedding again.
If you known me for longer than 6 months there will eventually come a time when I try to talk you into owning a duvet. Like a Bible salesman I will try to convince anyone that a duvet is the way to go. The thread count and quality of a duvet is going to be far superior to any comforter you buy. When you buy a duvet you also have to buy a comforter to go inside. I recommend a synthetic down comforter that have boxes sewn throughout to keep the stuffing in place. The duvet can be removed to wash. Which is going to take up way less space in your washer and dryer, and is going to help your comforter last longer because it will need to be washed and dried far less often.
5. Silverware.
I am the biggest silverware snob on the planet. When it comes to silverware, you must invest! You’re going to want something that is called “18/10,” that means its strong AF. I love my silverware, it is so strong and durable. I don’t even have an ice cream scoop at my house, because my spoons are so strong, they scoop ice cream just fine.
6. Knives.
Get yourself some good knives. I have a Calphalon block that has sharpeners in the knife slots. My block comes with kitchen shears, but that is another recommendation, some high quality scissors.
7. Blender.
We put a really nice Ninja blender on our registry. Seven years later and we are still using it. It is also a food processor, which is great, two things in one is going to take up less cabinet space.
8. Bathroom mats.
I personally think bathroom mats are disgusting and they never ever last. I would recommend getting the floor mat that comes with towels. There like the mats you see draped over the tub in hotels. You use it once and toss it in the hamper. Or just do without all together.
9. Kitchen mats.
Kitchen mats, again, YUCK. Just do without. They break up a flow in the kitchen. They’re not cute. You’re constantly putting them back where they belong. And they are disgusting.
10. Pots and pans.
I’m a fan of Calphalon, stainless steel or nonstick, whichever you prefer, the store is very knowledgeable about the ins and outs of both types.
11. Kitchen Gadgets.
Oh the gadgets, you could spend days looking at all the knick knacks. In my opinion registering for anything less than $15 is tacky. So if you’re going to put gadgets on your registry stick to sets of items, otherwise buy it yourself now, or later when you have some gift cards.
12. Decor.
Be careful with decor on your registry. It’s technically a want and not a need and can be off putting to shower guest. You don’t need a $30 throw pillow, and save that for the gift cards.
13. Gift Cards.
It may seem silly, but add a gift card to your registry. It’s kind of like saying, ‘hey I’m totally cool with receiving a gift card.’
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