Almost all wedding registries include the basics: dinnerware and flatware, pots and pans, knives, kitchen electrics like blenders and toasters and mixers, towels, and sheets. But colors and styles are what set each one apart. The choices really reflect the personality of the couple. I actually find it pretty fun to check out what couples choose to decorate their homes and entertain their guests. It’s a little glimpse into their lives.

We started our registries back in February. Benefit to starting early is that we were able to include the list on our website before sending our Save the Dates. Disadvantage is that some of the things we chose then are no longer available.

We found a few items at Macy’s, but we were extremely impressed by the selection and customer service at Bed Bath & Beyond. The bridal registry consultant shared ideas we hadn’t even considered. For example, we really did not think we wanted china. But we changed our minds when she introduced us to Noritake. It’s incredibly durable, dishwasher- and microwave-safe, and casual — adjectives I would not have previously used to describe china. So we added the Colorwave sets to our list, in a variety of colors.

We also scanned the KitchenAid 5-Quart Artisan Stand Mixer in red (we’ve been drooling over that for months), Calphalon cookware, a Cuisinart Griddler, and a Magic Bullet.

I think Nick let me hold the scan gun for a whole two minutes! But he did scan me and declare me to be “priceless.” Yes, this is my husband-to-be!

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Rach and I really enjoyed compiling our wedding list. It is a great pleasure to visualise your future together even from a very materialistic point of view. We both spent plenty of time trawling through household porn – glasses, pots and pans, mixers, rugs, bed linen etc. and debated / argued over the relative benefits. I was pushing hard for a list compiled solely of wine, a sneaky tactic which made my other suggestions seem less controversial. So… I have selected wine glasses, some dazzling copper pans and a selection of kitchen knives and quietly encouraged friends to buy us wine whereas Rachel has suggested a fabulous mixer, bed linen, a bread-maker and several other highly practical things. We also settled on plenty of things which we were equally enthused about including every decent cook book we could think of and a table for the garden.

{Image credits (from top): Kasumi knife via here; Kitchenaid mixer via here and Lyonnaise frying pan via here}

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Beach-inspired Tabletop. Scroll down for details and description!

They always say it’s better to give than it is to receive. That may very well be the case- especially since it seems like etiquette for this arena of weddings seems to either be outgrown by the industry, or difficult to decode for most.

Really, there are two ways you can go, and they certainly hinge on the situation you find yourself in as an engaged couple:

1. Registering for your home [ie: you don’t live together, or you’re still in need of items to complete your “home”]
2. Monetary gifts

We’ll address registering first. Yes, this is the old, faithful, traditional route. Just so you know, up front: people will buy off the registry. And by that, I mean, OFF off. Some folks will feel that they are being more personal, more whimsical, more fun… just because they’re giving you something that you aren’t asking for. Whatever the item is, take it with grace and a grain of salt. I know that while you’ve taken the time to hand pick each matching item for your home, people just want to leave you with a piece of their love- no matter how hideous. Be grateful and deal with it after the big day. :)

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Hello. I am a bride. I love to shop. But, I am totally intimidated by our wedding registry!

Let me back up. The Broke-Ass Groom and I have been living together for over 6 years. We’ve got most of what a couple needs to get by, but its all a modge-podge of chipped Ikea plates, dog-chewed towels, mason jar glassware, and mismatched barware. So, getting married provides us with the perfect excuse to plan our home design, even if we lack the home part (still renting). Fun, right?

Well…. its stressful! Not knowing where we’ll end up living in a year (when our lease runs out) makes planning color schemes and design themes tough. For months we dawdled on the decisions, fearing committment, but as time went on we figured it best to plan for the home of our dreams. Anyone hear of the law of attraction? If you build it, they will come? Well, if we stock it… the house will come…. we hope!

So we laid out some ground plans… take a gander.

The kitchen/dining room: Mod, retro, kitsch. Mid Century Atomic influence. Oranges, yellows, organic woodsy browns and pops of turqoiuse all around. Bright and Cheery but sophistifun.

(images from Wishpot)

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