The Wedding Gifts I’m Glad I Registered For!

Last week in our Facebook group Social Graces, we talked about wedding registries — what to register for, what to leave off, and things we would register for if we could do it all over again. So it got me thinking about my own wedding registry. We’ve been married for 18 years and still use many of the wedding gifts we received — and there have been plenty of times when I’ve hosted a dinner or holiday where I wish I had registered for something back in the day.

Today, in our latest wedding etiquette post, I’m sharing my favorite registry items that are tried and true; gifts that have stood the test of time. I’m also talking about the items I wish I had registered for, as well as the gifts I wish I hadn’t returned (yes, there are a few!). So if you are a bride-to-be or know someone who is working on their wedding registry, this is for you!

Things I’m Glad I Registered For:

It’s hard to imagine the holidays you’ll host, the dinner parties you’ll throw, and the birthday parties you’ll plan one day when you’re in the middle of wedding planning. Even when you’re a newlywed, some of those things seem so far away — at least they did to me! 

Fine China: The first thing that comes to mind is my fine china. Several years ago it was common to not register for fine china — young brides were told they’d never use the nicer stuff – but that “trend” has thankfully passed especially as setting the table has become a popular pastime. I also inherited a set of silver serving pieces, and I am so glad I have it (even though they did stay at my parents’ house for about 10 years!). As I’ve gotten older and have hosted more and more holidays, my formal dinnerware has come in handy more often than not. So I would say, YES, register for the nicer stuff. It’s expensive to purchase later on when you have children and life expenses (and it’s nice to have heirlooms to pass down to your children one day!) I would register for at least 12 place settings. (P.S. My pattern is Bernadaud Constance. I didn’t register for Christmas China because this pattern is perfect for the holidays, too!)

Kitchen Appliances: I’m also grateful to have registered for several nicer kitchen appliances. My stand mixer and waffle maker have been heavily used. It’s not romantic to register for practical things but you’ll be so glad you did. 

Everyday Items: I am so glad I registered for these mixing bowls – we have used them so much! And someone gave me this cutting board for a shower gift and it has been one of our most used items. Nice measuring cups come in handy on a regular basis, too. 

Linen Napkins: Monogrammed linen napkins are so nice to have! These also make a great off the registry gift if you are shopping for wedding or shower gifts! I love these. 

Things I Wish I Had Registered For:

Pots & Pans: I can’t tell you how many times over the years I have asked myself why I didn’t register for nice pots and pans when I got married. We went through several cheaper sets during the first 10 years of marriage. If I could do it again, I would register for a set like this one. I’d add a double boiler and steamer too! 

Steak Knives: Whenever my husband makes steak I kick myself for not registering for good steak knives.

Soup Tureen: If your china pattern has a tureen I would register for it! Makes such a nice display on a table or centerpiece. This Herend soup tureen is most certainly an heirloom.

Dutch Oven: We use our Dutch Oven all the time! I wish I had added this to my registry. 

Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet is another item my husband and I use regularly. I should have put it on my registry! 

Serving Dishes: So many times during party prep I wished I had registered for more serving dishes. I love this line and I also love Fig & Dove’s melamine serving dishes. 

Vitamix: We didn’t register for it but have used our Vitamix so much! 

Wine Glasses: I registered for crystal wine glasses but wish I had registered for more everyday because I’ve needed them for entertaining. If I was getting married today, I’d register for some fun Estelle glasses. 

Things I Wish I Had Kept:

Ceramic Bread Basket: I returned a ceramic bread basket we received. I have thought many times about that gift!

Duplicate Gifts: Dishes can break, or things could get lost in a move. Like Pyrex glass 9 x 13 pans and cake pans. Think about keeping extras because you might need a replacement or extra!

What gifts would you recommend new brides register for? Comment below! And don’t forget we have a wedding gift guide filled with fabulous ideas! 

Florals and Styling by Christina Brockman and Photography by Brennan Smith.