Should You Make a Wedding Registry for Your Second Marriage?

Not sure about creating a registry for your second wedding? There are a few reasons why you might be feeling a little hesitant, especially if you already have a lot of the items first-timers would typically register for, like glassware and bed linens. Some couples also worry about etiquette rules around creating a registry for a second marriage, but the truth is that anyone getting married—for the first, second or seventh time—should feel free to register for wedding gifts.

Nowadays, registries have evolved far beyond the traditional department store experience. So, if you have enough dinnerware, bath towels and kitchen appliances already, you can register for cash, gift cards, experiences, charitable donations and items that reflect your favorite hobbies instead.

Wondering where you can possibly register for all of these things in one place? That's where The Knot Registry comes in. By creating your second wedding registry with us, your wish list can truly be whatever you want it to be. Plus, you can still register for traditional gifts too if there's anything you're missing or want to upgrade. And if you're still not sure how to make the most of your wish list, we're sharing the top wedding registry ideas for a second marriage below.

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In this article:

• Should You Create a Registry for a Second Marriage?
• The Best Registry Ideas for a Second Marriage

Should You Create a Registry for a Second Wedding?

You can and should create a registry for your second wedding, especially if it's something you and your partner want. There's no obligation for guests to buy a wedding gift whether you have a wish list or not, so simply creating a registry for your second wedding isn't considered poor etiquette. It simply acts as a guide for guests who do want to buy you a gift, so they can choose something that's truly useful or meaningful to you and your spouse-to-be.

Jessica Kane

The Best Registry Ideas for a Second Wedding

Like we said, wedding registries have evolved beyond traditional housewares. Couples who already have the necessities can use their registry for other fun, practical or charitable pursuits. We're sharing our favorite ways to use The Knot Registry for your second wedding right here.

Cash Funds

Similar to a first wedding, second marriage registry etiquette dictates that you can 100% ask for cash as a wedding gift. In fact, it makes more sense to ask for cash than tangible presents if you already have everything you need at home. The Knot Cash Funds lets you create a fund for pretty much anything you want, whether you're building a nest egg for the future, raising money to adopt a puppy or want to set up a honeymoon fund. The best part? You can give your fund a unique title and description so guests know exactly what it's for and why it matters to you.

Home Upgrades

Just because you have the basics already doesn't mean you can't register for traditional items. If there's something you'd like to upgrade (like a regular vacuum to a cordless one or an old French press to an espresso machine), go for it! Alternatively, maybe there are some cool KitchenAid attachments you've had your eye on or you're planning to turn your abode into a smart home. Whatever you're looking to upgrade, now's the time to start! Your guests will be happy knowing they're helping to make your house even more of a home.

Gift Cards

Registering for gift cards is another popular practice nowadays, and they're especially fitting for a couple who already has the essentials. Instead of requesting specific items like fine china or a Dutch oven, you can get a gift card for something that makes more sense for the stage you're at as a couple. The Knot Registry Store doesn't just have an incredible selection of registry items from top brands; we also have gift cards for over 25 different stores. Adventurous couples will get plenty of use out of an Airbnb, Delta Air Lines or REI gift card, while home-improvers will appreciate a Lowe's or HomeGoods gift card. Other options include Disney, Fanatics, The Container Store and Shutterfly.

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Unique Experiences

Instead of registering for physical things for your second wedding, consider putting one-of-a-kind experiences on your wish list. The Knot Registry Store is chock-full of cool experiential presents that'll help you kick off your newlywed life in style. Choose from romantic excursions (we're talking dinner for two on a train in Napa Valley), adrenaline-pumping adventures (parasailing in Hawaii, anyone?), relaxing dates (hello, couples massage) and so much more. There are over 1,500 unique experiences to choose from in our store, with options in the US and all over the world.

Charitable Donations

If you decide you really don't need anything, use your wish list to give back to a cause that's close to your heart. The Knot Registry is partnered with GoFundMe, meaning you can create a fund for the charity of your choosing on GoFundMe and it will automatically sync to your registry account on The Knot—pretty convenient, right? By consolidating both registries, you'll be able to add additional items to your wish list on The Knot too. That means you can give guests the option to buy you that new wine fridge you've had your eye on or donate to a charity you both care about deeply. Wedding registries for second marriages can be a real force for good.

Event Tickets

In addition to romantic and adventurous experiences, you can also register for tickets to sporting events, live theatre performances, concerts at Madison Square Garden and more through The Knot Registry Store. (We know, is there anything you can't register for?!) Whether you and your soon-to-be spouse are huge Yankees fans or have been waiting to catch "Hamilton" live for what feels like a million years, you'll find something that's right up your alley. It's another great alternative to traditional wedding registry ideas, and what could be more fun than kicking off your new marriage with a slew of exciting games or shows?

Gifts for Your Favorite Hobbies

Another great way to make a second wedding registry that works for you? Register for things that support your interests—both shared and individual. The Knot Registry Store has plenty of great picks for music lovers, jet-setters, pet lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, tech lovers and beyond. Upgrade your luggage, stock up on camping gear, start compiling home gym equipment, dabble in virtual reality or treat your fur baby to top-of-the-range pet accessories. There are so many ways to create a wish list that suits your lifestyle and life stage (yep, even if you already have the essentials).