6 Simple Ways to Make Your Registry Feel More Like You
If you find yourself wondering what to put on your wedding registry, you're not alone. In fact, plenty of couples face this obstacle as they create their wishlist. It can be hard to know what the best products are, especially if you've never made a registry before. Or, if you and your fiancé have been living together before the wedding, you're probably already well-stocked on common registry picks. Making your wishlist is a must, but you want to be sure you're registering for something you'll use. (Otherwise, why add more stuff to your hallway closet to collect dust?) If you're facing this challenge, we're here to help. Below, find six simple ways to make your registry feel more like you. We've rounded up the best tips and examples to create a personalized wedding registry. In other words, you'll actually look forward to using these gifts long after your wedding day.
Determine What Matters Most
In order to ensure you don't have the urge to return your registry gifts, figure out what matters most. If you don't want (or need) another set of serving utensils in your kitchen drawer, don't feel pressured to add them anyway. You'll use the gifts you actually want, so don't neglect the things that excite you.
If you're in the process of redoing your bedroom, register for the bedsheet set of your dreams. But if seeing another pillowcase in your closet will make you feel unorganized and cluttered, don't add it. Instead, think about what will add more meaning to your overall lifestyle.
There are plenty of registry picks that don't take up space (think: cash gifts, honeymoon funds, gift cards or even charity donations). So, to make the most out of your newlywed wishlist, be thoughtful about what you'll enjoy. Doing so will help you build a registry that best represents what you and your partner really want—not what you think you should want.
Register for Activities
Which leads us to our next point: Whether you're constantly planning your next adventure or mapping out standing date nights at Olive Garden, there's a corresponding registry gift. If you have a serious case of wanderlust, start a honeymoon fund that includes zip-lining passes. Or, register for gift cards to your favorite restaurants for your next night out.
There are no rules that dictate what you should register for, so choosing a variety of gifts will bring added excitement to your new marriage. Your guests will also be thrilled to buy something that they know won't go to waste. Plus, if creating a personalized wedding registry is your goal, thoughtful gifts like these will give your loved ones a peek into your life. Knowing what matters most to you will help them find the best gifts.
Create a Family Fund
Yes, you can register for money—and no, it's not tacky. In fact, setting up a cash registry could be the best way to make sure you get what you want. Evaluate what you have and what you need to determine if a cash fund is right for you. (Spoiler alert: It probably is!) The sky's the limit when it comes to choosing what to use the money for. You can put it towards a kitten fund if you've been wanting to grow your family, or use it to redecorate the guest bathroom. Get a massage on your honeymoon with your extra funds, or add it to your savings to get the new home you've been dreaming of.
If your loved ones don't fully understand why you've set up a cash fund, share why you'd prefer money over a physical present. Once they understand how their gift will be used, they'll be more inclined to give to a cash fund. Ultimately, your wedding is about your partnership—not just the party you're throwing. If money will be most beneficial for your relationship long-term, you should feel empowered to add it to your registry.
Browse Other Registries for Ideas
Online registry browsing is never a bad idea. In fact, looking at what your friends register for will help inspire your own selections. If your college roommate registered for cooking classes, that might remind you that you've been meaning to learn how to make something other than your go-to pasta dish. Or, if a friend registered for camping gear, you'll remember that you've been meaning to replace the cooler you've had sitting in your basement for years.
Some celebrities also make their registries public. Stars like Brittany Snow, Tim Tebow and Rachel Lindsay shared their registry picks to give fans a glimpse into their lives—so, you can use that to your advantage by allowing their wishlists to inspire your own. If you find yourself unsure of what you want, seeing what matters to other people will get your creative ideas flowing. So, while you might not love margaritas as much as Snow and her husband Tyler Stanaland, you will be reminded that you want a bar cart to display your collection of top-shelf liquors.
Peruse Our Editors' Picks
If you're still not entirely sure what to register for, browse The Knot Registry Award winners. Tested and vetted by The Knot editors, these picks are the best of the best. Whether you're looking for bakeware or smart home devices, you'll find the top products to upgrade your registry. Plus, you might come across one (or two) items you never knew you needed (like a rose gold french coffee press or a camera to watch your pets while you're away). No matter what you pick, any of The Knot Registry Award winners are must-have additions to your newlywed nest.
Donate to a Charity
With a GoFundMe charity registry via The Knot, you can link a meaningful organization of your choice to your registry. If you're the type of couple who has everything and there's an organization that's impacted your life (or you simply feel strongly about supporting a certain charity), you can give back through your wedding. We've had couples who've donated to foundations and even used their wedding money to provide scholarships. Not only will the proceeds go to a great cause, your guests will get to learn more about you and your future spouse. In turn, your registry will feel uniquely tailored to you.