Top 10 Registry Favorites: Instant Pots, KitchenAid Mixers, and More

So, you’re getting married! Congratulations. Between picking out flowers, tasting cakes, and creating the perfect seating chart, you’ve got a lot on your plate.

Then someone asks, "Where are you registered?" and you realize there’s one more thing to add to your to-do list.

Don’t worry: this is the fun part. Creating a wedding registry is like making the ultimate wish list for the new life you’re building together. It’s your chance to upgrade, refresh, and get those special items you’ve always wanted.

Here are some tips.

What is a Wedding Registry?

It may help to think of a wedding registry as a curated shopping list you create at a retailer (or a few) and share with your wedding guests. It’s a tradition that helps your friends and family choose a gift they know you’ll love and use.

Instead of receiving three toasters and a set of dishes that isn’t quite your style, you get to handpick the items that perfectly match your taste and needs as a couple.

For your guests, it’s a huge help. They want to celebrate you with a thoughtful gift, and a registry takes the guesswork out of the equation. It allows them to contribute to your new home in a meaningful way, whether that’s with a set of plush towels or a contribution to a larger "cash fund" for your honeymoon or a down payment.

What Should I Put on My Wedding Registry?

This is where you get to dream a little! Your registry should be a reflection of you as a couple. Are you homebodies who love to cook? Or are you adventurers who are always planning your next trip? Your list should tell that story. A good rule of thumb is to include a wide variety of items at different price points (the average person will spend $150 on a wedding gift, so make sure you have items below and above that price).

Start by taking inventory of what you already have. What needs an upgrade? Maybe you’re still using the mismatched pans from your college days or your towel collection has seen better years. This is your chance to get quality items that will last.

Also, think about things you don’t have but have always wanted, like a stand mixer for all those baking shows you watch or a beautiful serving platter for future holidays. You can also think outside the box with cash funds for experiences like a honeymoon, cooking classes, or even a down payment on a house.

How to Set Up a Wedding Registry

Setting up a registry is easier than you think. Most modern registries are online, which means you can add items from the comfort of your couch.

Many couples choose to register at one to three places to give guests a good selection. Big-box stores like Amazon, Target, and Bed Bath & Beyond are popular because they offer a huge range of products.

Here's a simple breakdown:

Choose Your Stores

Decide where you want to register. Consider stores that offer a wide selection, easy returns, and maybe even a completion discount (a percentage off the remaining items on your registry after the wedding).

Create Your Account

Visit the retailer’s website and look for the "Registry" or "Gift Registry" link. You’ll be prompted to enter your and your partner's names, the wedding date, and an address for shipping.

Start Adding Items

Now for the fun part! Browse the store’s website and start adding items to your list. Most sites have a handy "Add to Registry" button right on the product page. Try to have a good mix of prices, from under $50 to over $200.

Share Your Registry

Once your list is ready, you can share the link with your guests. The best place to do this is on your wedding website. Note that it’s generally considered poor etiquette to include registry information on the wedding invitation itself.

Top 10 Items to Add to Your Wedding Registry

Feeling a little overwhelmed by the options? Here are some options:

1. Luxurious Bath Towels

There's nothing quite like stepping out of a shower and wrapping yourself in a truly plush towel. Upgrading your linens is one of the easiest ways to make your home feel more like a sanctuary. A high-quality set of Turkish cotton towels, like these Super-Plush Towels from Brooklinen, will make every day feel a little more special.

2. A Wedding Keepsake Box

You’ll collect so many precious mementos from your wedding journey, from the invitation to your vows. Keep them all safe and organized in a beautiful Wedding Keepsake Library, which will likely become a treasured heirloom you'll look back on for years to come.

3. A Dutch Oven

If there’s one kitchen workhorse every home needs, it’s a Dutch oven. It’s perfect for everything from slow-cooking stews to baking crusty bread. An enameled cast iron option like this Lodge 6-Quart Dutch Oven is not only incredibly versatile but also looks beautiful going from the stovetop to the table.

4. A Quality Food Storage Set

Say goodbye to that chaotic drawer of mismatched plastic containers and say hello to a unified set of airtight food storage containers to make your kitchen organization a cinch. This 34-Piece Airtight Food Storage Set is perfect for meal prep, storing leftovers, and keeping your pantry looking sharp.

5. A Personalized Cutting Board

A cutting board is a kitchen staple, so why not make it special? A Personalized Wood Engraved Cutting Board engraved with your names and wedding date is both practical and sentimental. It’s beautiful enough to use for serving a charcuterie spread when guests come over.

6. A Sharp Knife Set

A good set of knives can make you feel like a professional chef even if your culinary skills are more “Door Dash and chill” than “gourmet.” Chopping and dicing become so much easier and more enjoyable with sharp, well-balanced blades. This Cuisinart 15-Piece Cutlery Block Set has everything you need to tackle any recipe, all housed in a classic wooden block.

7. Special Champagne Flutes

You’ll have many occasions to toast to your new life together. Celebrate in style with a set of champagne flutes just for the two of you. These Bride and Groom Champagne Glasses are a sweet, romantic gift you can bring out for anniversaries and other special moments for years to come.

8. A Stylish Cake Stand

You’ll want a beautiful way to display desserts and appetizers when you’re entertaining. A versatile Acacia Wood Cake Stand is perfect for cakes, but it also works wonderfully for displaying cheeses, fruits, or pastries with its natural wood finish.

9. Electric Salt and Pepper Grinders

A small upgrade that makes a big difference! An Electric Salt and Pepper Grinder Set brings a touch of modern convenience to your kitchen. With the push of a button, you can have freshly ground seasoning, and many even come with a light so you can see exactly how much you're adding.

10. A Personalized Jewelry Box

A wedding registry is also a place for personal treasures. This Engraved Wooden Jewelry Box is a beautiful spot to keep your wedding rings, engagement ring, or other special pieces of jewelry. You can get it engraved with your initials for a truly personal touch.

Have Fun With It!

Your wedding registry is more than just a list of gifts. It's an exciting step in building a home and a life together. Have fun with it, be thoughtful, and choose items that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Remember to mix in practical upgrades with those special "just because" items. Your guests will be happy to know they're giving you something you truly want and need as you start your married life.

FAQ

What to put on a wedding registry?

You should put a mix of items that reflect your lifestyle and needs as a couple. This includes home essentials like new bedding, towels, and kitchen appliances, as well as upgrades for items you already own. Don't forget to add personal items, decor, and even "experience" gifts or cash funds for things like your honeymoon. A good registry has items at various price points to accommodate all your guests' budgets.

How to find a wedding registry on Amazon?

Finding a couple's wedding registry on Amazon is simple. Go to the Amazon homepage and hover over "Accounts & Lists." In the dropdown menu, you'll see "Find a List or Registry." Click on that, and you'll be taken to a page where you can search by the couple's names. Enter the first and last name of one of the registrants, select "Wedding Registry" from the list type, and click search.

Where to make a wedding registry?

You can make a wedding registry at most major retailers, both online and in-store. Popular choices include Amazon for its vast selection, Target for its mix of trendy and affordable items, and specialty stores like Williams Sonoma or Crate & Barrel for high-end kitchen and home goods. Many couples also use universal registry sites like Zola or The Knot, which allow you to add items from any store all in one place.