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Inspiration » Registries + Gifts » Your Perfect Wedding Registry Checklist 

Your Perfect Wedding Registry Checklist 

by Joy Editors
Two women in their wedding attire embracing with one arm around each other, heads thrown back with laughter

There are many exciting moments in the wedding planning process — the delicious cake tasting, picking out the best dance tunes, finding the perfect thing to wear on your big day. Another of the most enjoyable tasks that awaits you is creating your wedding registry

This is your opportunity to curate a wish list that reflects your unique style, interests, and aspirations as a couple. A thorough registry makes it easy for your friends and family to find a gift you and your partner need and want.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the art of crafting the perfect collection of items using our wedding registry checklist. You’ll discover how to strike the ideal balance between must-have essentials and occasional extravagance. And, if you have a Joy wedding registry, you can access the interactive wedding checklist tool to make the process even easier!

Kitchen Ideas

Couple standing in kitchen, man with arms around woman as she slices meats and cheese

Many kitchen items are go-to wedding gifts for newlyweds because they offer a wide variety of price options for a gift-giver’s budget. Here are some popular picks for outfitting your cooking space.

Category:Items to include:
AppliancesAir fryer
Blender
Food processor
Immersion blender
Juicer
Microwave
Rice Cooker
Slow cooker
Stand mixer
Toaster oven
Waffle maker
Baking needsBaking dishes
Baking tools (rolling pin, pastry cutter, etc.)
Cake pans
Cooling racks
Measuring cups and spoons
Muffin pans
Sheet pans
Kitchen toolsCan opener
Colanders
Cooking utensils (whisk, spatula, tongs, etc.)
Graters & peelers
Ice cream scoop
Kitchen scissors
Mixing bowls
Oven mitts
Salad spinner
Seasoning & oil dispensers
Trivets
Slicing and dicingCutting boards
Knives (bread knife, santoku, etc.)
Knife sharpening tools
Mandoline
Steak knives
Coffee and teaCoffee grinder
Coffee maker
Espresso machine
French press
Kettle & teapot
Milk frother
Mugs & teacups
On the stoveCookware set
Griddle
Grill pan
Sauce & saute pans
Skillets
Stock pot
Wok
In the ovenDutch oven
Pizza stone
Roasting pans
Kitchen extrasAprons
Cookbooks
Dish rack & sinkware
Kitchen towels

Entertaining Time

From flatware and dinnerware for enjoying those mouthwatering meals to barware that will help you host friends and family, these items will set you up for every occasion.

Category:Items to include:
Fine diningAppetizer, salad, and dessert plates
Bowls
Cake & dessert stands
Dinner plates
Drinking glasses
Flatware
Gravy boat
Napkins & accessories
Pitchers & carafes
Salad bowl with serving tongs
Serving accessories
Serving bowls
Serving platters & trays
Serving utensils (spoons, spatulas, etc.)
Sugar bowl
Table linens (tablecloths, runners, etc.)
Cocktail hourBar accessories (cocktail shaker, muddler, etc.)
Bar cart
Cocktail glasses (highball, martini, etc.)
Drinkware sets
Ice buckets & chillers
Wine aficionadosChampagne flutes
Decanters
Wine accessories (wine opener, aerator, etc.)
Wine glasses
Beer loversAt-home beer brewing kit
Beer glasses
Party timeBoard games
Chess set
Movie projector
Poker set and playing cards

Home Interiors

Don’t overlook other living areas that will help make your newlywed house a home. Whether you want to make your bedroom feel cozy with fresh new linens, create a spa-like environment in your bathroom, or decorate your walls with meaningful artwork, there are plenty of items to round out your registry. 

CategoryItems to include
Bathroom EssentialsBath Accessories (Robes, Slippers, etc.)
Bathroom Storage (Toothbrush Holder, Makeup Holder, etc.)
Bath Towels & Rugs
Bedroom ComfortBedroom Furniture
Bed Skirts
Blankets
Books and Bookends
Comforter
Quilts
Pillows & Mattress
Mattress Pad
Home DecorBotanicals & Vases
Candles & Aromatherapy
Candlesticks
Clocks
Decorative Accents (Small Art Pieces, Collectibles, etc.)
Wall Decor (Picture Frames, Wall Art, etc.)
Home OrganizationEntryway Table
Kitchen Organization
Shelving Units
Clean HomeCleaning Tools (Brooms, Mops, etc.)
Laundry Basket & Hampers
Trash Cans & Recycling Bins
Living and Dining RoomDining Room Furniture
Living Room Furniture
Lamps
Rugs
Window Decor (Drapery, Stained Glass, etc.)

Outdoor Living

Whether it’s a backyard oasis, a rustic cabin in the mountains, or some other spot filled with fresh air and clear skies, outdoor adventures are a way of life for most people. Amp up the fun with any of these helpful items on your registry.

Category:Items to include:
Health and wellnessExercise equipment (weights, treadmill, etc.)
Hydration supplies
Yoga mats and accessories
Fun times in fresh airBackyard games
Beach and picnic gear
Gardening tools and accessories
Hiking and camping equipment
Sports equipment (skis, paddleboard, etc.)
Outdoor decorDoormats
Fire pits
Heat lamps
Outdoor patio furniture
Outdoor rug
Portable speaker

Fun Extras

You can also think beyond the home. Your wedding registry is a great way to upgrade your travel adventures, ask for gifts for your beloved pet, or make life more entertaining through experiences.

Category:Items to include:
Travel-relatedAirline gift cards
Backpacks
Carry-on luggage
Checked luggage
Garment bags
Toiletry kits
Travel accessories (luggage scale, electronic adapters, etc.)
Extra comfortMassage tools
Portable heaters and fans
Purifiers and humidifiers
Smart home equipment (Nest thermostat, Ring video doorbell, etc.)
Happy experiencesCharitable donations
Gift cards
Meal subscription plans
Pet gear (beds, leashes, etc.)
Pet monitoring video camera

How to Set Up a Wedding Registry

Setting up a Joy wedding registry is super easy to do. The Joy Shop consists of almost 300 of your favorite brands with over 20,000 products, experiences, and cash funds for you to choose from. You make selections from the Joy Shop just like you would at any other retailer.

Screenshot of Joy wedding registry checklist tool

Joy’s All-In-One Registry also allows syncing and transferring of external registries so you can track all of them in one convenient place. And, by installing Joy’s easy one-click “add to registry” browser button, you will be able to add any item you find online to your registry.

As a bonus, you also have the option to set up cash funds for honeymoon experiences, accept donations for your favorite charities, or request gift cards for major retailers like Lowe’s, Airbnb, and Southwest Airlines.

Your wedding registry, your way

From gifts, to cash funds, experiences or charitable causes, add any gift you want, from any online retailer, to your Joy registry.

Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to your wedding registry. The most important thing to remember is that what’s right for one couple may not work for another. These simple do’s and don’ts will help you stay on the right track as you create your wedding registry.

Couple shopping and looking at bathroom accessories

Do create a registry 

By creating a registry, you can help eliminate uncertainty and relieve gift-giving stress. Even if you’d appreciate any gift you receive for your big day, some guests find it hard to choose the perfect thing. A Joy registry keeps it simple, with the ability to add gift items, charity donations, or a honeymoon fund all in one place.

Don’t wait until the last minute

Setting up your registry early makes it easier for guests to find a gift you’ll love. If you start soon after your engagement, it allows early birds to shop when it’s most convenient for them and allows you to add new items in the months leading up to your wedding day. 

Do give guests a range to choose from

When selecting registry items, be mindful that your guests may all be working with different budgets. Include some options at different price points. Guests may opt to split the cost of higher priced items through Joy’s Group Gifting feature, while others may prefer to gift you with a specific dollar amount through a Cash Fund

Don’t be afraid to add more expensive gifts

The average cash value of a wedding gift is around $99, but not every gift needs to be at or below this price point. If there’s a product or experience that you’d love to receive, don’t be afraid to add it to your list. With a Joy wedding registry, your guests can benefit from the Group Gifting feature which allows multiple guests to contribute towards one higher ticket item. Or someone among your family and friends may simply be feeling extra generous.

Do expect the unexpected

Keep in mind that some guests will choose to find their own gifts that are wildly different from what you had envisioned and requested via your registry. Remember, it’s the thought that counts — enjoy the surprise! 

Don’t forget to share your registry

Once you’ve created your wedding registry, share it with your guests. Many couples include a reference or link to their registry with their save-the-date cards or wedding invitations. After the invitations go out, your wedding website becomes the go-to place guests look to for registry information. If you create a Joy registry, a wedding website template is automatically set up with a link to all your items. 

As you go through this wedding registry checklist, remember to enjoy the process! Have fun selecting items that resonate with you and your partner, and cherish the moments you’ll create with each and every gift.

Wedding Registry FAQ

Crafting a wedding registry can be intimidating for some. These are some additional questions that often come up when couples start the process.

How many items should be on a wedding registry?

The number of items on your wedding registry depends on your preferences and needs, but a good rule of thumb is to double the total number of people on your guest list for a rough quantity of gifts to add. You can start with a core list of essentials and then add more to get twice as many items as you have planned guests. This will provide a range of items and price point options your guests can choose from to find the perfect gift.

Can I have more than one registry?

Yes, you can have more than one wedding registry! It’s becoming increasingly common for couples to have multiple registries. This allows you to include various items from different retailers to suit your preferences and the budget needs of your guests.

Can I register for money on my registry?

You can absolutely register for money or cash funds on your wedding registry. Many couples today opt for cash funds for various purposes like a honeymoon fund, home renovation, or saving for the future. It gives your guests the flexibility to contribute to experiences or goals that are important to you and your partner.

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