The Top 22 Forgotten Registry Items You Shouldn’t Live Without

Don’t leave these essentials off your wish list.
Two registry items: bedding and stand mixer
Photos: The Knot Registry Store
chapelle johnson the knot associate editor
by
Chapelle Johnson
chapelle johnson the knot associate editor
Chapelle Johnson
Associate Editor
  • Chapelle writes articles for The Knot Worldwide. She covers all things wedding-related and has a personal interest in covering traditions and history.
  • Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Chapelle was an editorial intern for Subvrt Magazine.
  • Chapelle has a degree in English writing from Loyola University New Orleans.
Updated May 27, 2024
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There's a lot to keep straight while planning a wedding, but you shouldn't let that stop you from creating a well-planned wish list before the big day. After all, forgotten registry items will only become things you'll have to buy later. That's why you and your partner should do yourselves a favor and set aside time to learn the top wedding registry tips before making your own. Then, when you're ready, head to The Knot Wedding Registry and start including the best registry items. But we guarantee while you're picking your faves, you'll feel like one or two things are missing. Check out our round-up of registry must-haves couples easily forget so you can make your newlywed life comfier and happier.

Printable Guide on Forgotten Wedding Registry Items

Don't send out your wish list without double checking you have the essential wedding registry items you need. Print or save our checklist of the most common forgotten registry products below so you can guarantee you have everything you need and want.

Free, Printable Resource on Wedding Registry Items to Not Forget
Design: Natalie Romine

1. Accent Decor

    Blue and white vintage Turkish rug registry item
    Photo: The Knot Registry Store

    Don't be afraid to have a little fun while you're building your registry shopping list. No rule says you can't ask for unique decor pieces as wedding gifts. Adding a vintage-style area rug to the living room can change the look and feel of the space, as can a colorful new accent chair or even a statement mirror. Adding wedding registry gifts that focus on style is always a good idea. For example, we love this distressed accent rug, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, inspired by Persian art.

    2. Bath Towels

      Set of bath towels registry item
      Photo: The Knot Registry Store

      When people think of a wedding registry, they think about fine china and baking pans. But a home needs more than pretty flatware and kitchen tools to function effectively. Consider other rooms of the house that could use some TLC too, like your bathroom. Chances are you've got a ton of old and mismatched bath towels hanging on by a (literal) thread, so don't let them be wedding registry items you forget. Grab a new set of super-soft, 100% organic cotton towels that'll give you a spa-like feel when you step out of the shower.

      3. Bedding

        Blue bedding registry item
        Photo: The Knot Registry Store

        Bedding sets are definitely wedding registry items no one thinks of but take a moment to consider what you're working with. Chances are, you've got pieces in your linen closet that get the job done. But if you've slept on silky-soft sheets with a high thread count before, you know there's a difference between good enough sheets and amazing sheets. Your wedding is the perfect time to level up your bedding game, so why not grab this 400-thread count cotton sheet set?

        4. Blender or Food Processor

          Blender registry item
          Photo: The Knot Registry Store

          The best kitchen wedding registry items are the ones that pull double duty, especially if you're tight on space. This countertop product can blend shakes, sauces, soups and more and has a handy travel cup you can make things in and take to-go. In addition to a blender, every couple should get a food processor so you can make tasty salad dressings, hummus and guacamole with the push of a button.

          5. Car Care Supplies

            Car care supplies registry item
            Photo: Amazon

            Arguably, the most forgotten wedding registry items are car care supplies. Whether it's a battery charger to jump-start your car or a portable tire pump, include a few items from this category on your list. To help keep your vehicle clean and looking as good as new, we suggest getting this detailing kit that comes with 22 pieces, like a window scraper, duster gloves and a collapsible bucket.

            6. Cash Funds

              Speaking of non-material gift ideas, consider the benefits of starting a cash fund for something you need or want. Luckily, The Knot Wedding Registry makes it super simple to start a cash fund for virtually anything. Some creative cash fund ideas include saving up for a house, covering some of your honeymoon expenses or paying for couples' cooking classes.

              7. Coffee Maker

                Coffee maker registry item
                Photo: The Knot Registry Store

                If you're coffee-obsessed and have been wondering how to save money, buy a coffee maker. This wedding registry item you forget about will cut down on your daily coffee bill, which will save you a lot in the long run. The espresso machine can make lattes, cappuccinos and espressos and has a sleek milk frother attachment.

                8. Dutch Oven

                  White ceramic Dutch oven registry item
                  Photo: The Knot Registry Store

                  Aside from being nice to look at, cast iron cookware has a lot of benefits. Cast iron pieces can maintain high temperatures while baking and are typically toxin-free. If you only add one cast iron item to your wedding registry, make it a Dutch oven. This versatile pot can be used for baking, roasting, searing and even deep-frying practically anything. It's also great for making soups, stews and sauces that need a long time to simmer.

                  9. Food Storage Containers

                    Plastic food containers registry item
                    Photo: The Knot Registry Store

                    It's time to toss your old, slightly warped and definitely not BPA-safe plastic food containers. (Yes, the ones you got for free every time you ordered takeout and never got rid of.) The truth is, they take up way more space in your kitchen than they should, are constantly tumbling out at you whenever you open the cabinets and it's nearly impossible to find a lid that fits. Start over with this complete set that's easy to stack, made with freezer and microwave-safe glass and has airtight lids to prevent leaks and lock in freshness.

                    10. Garbage Can

                      Black and silver stainless steel trashcan
                      Photo: The Knot Registry Store

                      You know you're finally a "real" adult when the sight of a sleek new garbage can makes you weak in the knees. Stainless steel garbage cans are surprisingly pricey and can get filled up pretty quickly. That's why this roomy model with dual compartments is probably your best option. It will allow you to separate your regular garbage from your recyclables and look stylish while doing it.

                      11. Gift Cards

                        If you're still scratching your head over what else to register for and don't want to clutter up your home, reflect on what you and your partner enjoy doing in your spare time. Think about experiences like date nights at your favorite restaurants and weekend trips to a cool rental house or something simple like streaming music from your favorite platform. Gift cards allow you to include these options without choosing specific products. And yes, people often think adding gift cards to your registry is one of the top three registry mistakes, but they're wrong. Let gift cards to your preferred places and items be an easy addition for you and a quick pick for your loved ones.

                        12. Grill Utensils Set

                          Stainless steel grilling toolset registry item
                          Photo: The Knot Registry Store

                          How else will you become the master of the BBQ if you don't own a solid set of stainless steel grilling tools? This 13-piece collection includes all the utensils you need to flip and skewer to your heart's content as you host backyard dinner parties with friends, neighbors and both sides of the fam.

                          13. Outdoor Furniture

                            White and gray lounge chairs with gray acacia outdoor table registry item
                            Photo: The Knot Registry Store

                            Making a list of what you need inside the home is important, but outdoor items are often forgotten when making a wedding registry. If you've got some green space to utilize, register for this comfy four-piece patio set for you and your partner can sip your coffee, tea or cocktails on. Add an outdoor rug and a pretty string of bistro lights and voila! You've got the backyard oasis you've always dreamed of.

                            14. Pans (Stainless Steel, Non-Stick or Cast Iron)

                              Pans registry item
                              Photo: The Knot Registry Store

                              Registering for a cookware set doesn't have to feel like overkill. These high-quality, non-stick items will also be your go-to in the kitchen. Getting a non-stick one will also save you time and energy since food will be less likely to burn on its surface, making it easier to clean. The collection, available in six colors, comes with three pans, a Dutch oven, pan racks and a lid holder.

                              15. Picture Frames

                                White circle picture collage frame registry items
                                Photo: The Knot Registry Store

                                When you've just moved into a new place, it's natural to focus on furniture and kitchen items first. But once the essentials are added, many people have forgotten registry items like wall decor. Adding paintings, digital prints or framed family photos to a blank wall can give a space personality and make a home truly feel like yours. Our advice? Try out this mounted picture frame so you can have a place to put all your beautiful wedding photos.

                                16. Slow Cooker or Pressure Cooker

                                  Slow cooker wedding registry item
                                  Photo: The Knot Registry Store

                                  If you have a passion for cooking but don't want to stand and babysit the food you're making a slow or pressure cooker is a necessity. You'll love this six-quart multicooker that not only does the basics but also steams vegetables, cooks rice and makes yogurt. Our favorite features of this product are the safety ones, which include overheating protection and a safe-locking lid.

                                  17. Stand Mixer and Mixing Bowls

                                    White KitchenAid stand mixer with silver mixing bowl
                                    Photo: The Knot Registry Store

                                    Most couples have a standard handheld mixer in their cupboards, but every home chef deserves a quality stand mixer. Not only will it help you whip up delicious cookies and fluffy pizza dough within minutes, but you'll be able to flip a switch and walk away while the mixer does the work for you. Going for a do-it-all The Knot Registry Award winner like this KitchenAid, perfect for those overwhelmed by other wedding registry options, will always be the right choice since it can spiralize veggies, make sheets of pasta and churn ice cream. But don't neglect including lidded mixing bowls to your list so you can prep your meals and bake goods easily while your mixer gets to work.

                                    18. Steamer

                                      Steamer wedding registry gift
                                      Photo: The Knot Registry Store

                                      You can't iron every piece of clothing in your closet. That's why you need a handheld steamer for your special fabrics. Get a professional quality steam with this Conair product that instantly erases wrinkles. You can also use this steamer for sanitizing countertops, refreshing drapes and cleaning your car.

                                      19. Suitcases

                                        Suitcases wedding registry item
                                        Photo: The Knot Registry Store

                                        Don't set off on your honeymoon with the same dusty luggage you've had for years. Instead, request a top-notch suitcase set like this one. This three-piece collection has multi-directional wheels for easy mobility and comes in three sizes. Our favorite part about them is the hardshell exterior, which will help protect your bags from everything life throws at them.

                                        20. Tool Set

                                          Tool set registry item
                                          Photo: The Knot Registry Store

                                          Bought a new home or plan on trying some DIY projects? Then, a proper tool set and a toolbox to keep it all contained is a must. Most people tend to acquire bits and pieces over the years (a screwdriver here, a wrench there), but keeping it organized will make all the difference. Consider registering for this cordless tool set that includes a drill, sander, jigsaw and more.

                                          21. Vacuum

                                            Vacuum registry item
                                            Photo: The Knot Registry Store

                                            Between work and everyday life, cleaning the house is going to become a bigger job as the years go by. That's why registering for a vacuum needs to be at the top of your list. A lightweight bagless vacuum like this one will aid in getting all the tough areas in your home. The upright appliance has swivel steering, a washable filter and (animal owners will love this) a Pet TurboEraser Tool to get all the pet hair you can and can't see with the naked eye.

                                            22. Yard Care Supplies

                                              Yard care supplies wedding registry item
                                              Photo: The Knot Registry Store

                                              Spending time in the yard is many people's favorite pastime. If you're a part of this group, you should definitely get yard supplies. Whether you've wanted a low-noise leaf blower or a new weed wacker, don't hesitate to put these items on your registry. For those who love to garden, we recommend getting this gardener folding seat. It comes with two trowels, a garden fork, a cultivator, a weeder and a storage tote.

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