Not Your Grandmother’s Registry: What to Put on a Bridal Registry
Bridal shower registries have evolved from traditional lists filled with rarely used fine china to more practical, everyday essentials and entertaining pieces. Forget your grandmother’s approach to making a registry: couples can now focus on adding things they will genuinely use and enjoy. This includes upgrading kitchenware, hosting essentials, or experiences such as cooking classes. Instead of choosing items for the sake of tradition, couples can prioritize functional, high-quality items that reflect their lifestyle and taste.
Upgrade What You Already Have
Getting engaged means combining two households together. Many couples already have basic household items, get hand-me-down items, or purchase affordable items to furnish their first “home” together. Upgrading items such as dinner plates, bowls, glassware, and utensils are good items for your bridal shower registry.
Brides don’t have to include a fine china set that will sit in a cabinet and be pulled out once a year when the in-laws visit. Look for a neutral setting that you will be able to use year round, fits your style, and is a modern setting that can carry you through years of a happy marriage to come.
A Curated Registry Experience
The days of simply walking into a big-box store and scanning items with a handheld device are behind us. At Home for Entertaining, we offer a more personalized, curated registry experience. Rather than just scanning products, we take the time to guide couples through our carefully selected collection, offering insights into the craftsmanship, design, and functionality of each piece. We’ll work with you to select collections that perfectly align with your vision, advise on quantities, and even assist your guests in finding exactly what you want from your registry.
What truly sets Home for Entertaining apart is our exclusive selection of locally made, artisan-crafted gifts—pieces that can’t be found in typical retail chains. Every item in our store tells a story, lovingly created by local artisans with a passion for their craft. By registering with us, you’re not just adding beautiful, meaningful items to your home—you’re supporting small businesses and talented artists. This ensures that your home reflects both your style and your values.
Nontraditional Gifts
If you are looking for nontraditional items to include on your registry, consider asking for one of our exclusive cooking classes. This is a fantastic experience for newly married couples to enjoy together, where you can learn how to prepare a new dish—and who knows, it might even become a new favorite! It's not just a gift- it's a memorable experience you’ll cherish.
In addition to cooking classes, think outside the box with unique registry items such as a puzzle, a beautiful mahjong set, hosting cocktail napkins, or a fun and inspiring cookbook. These types of gifts offer something different from traditional household items and cater to a variety of tastes. With options at different price points, these thoughtful choices give your guests the opportunity to select meaningful gifts that will add a personal touch to your home and lifestyle. Many couples now are also looking for items such as home improvement gift cards.
What About Honeymoon Funds?
Many couples now are asking for monetary gifts directly to support their “honeymoon fund.” Donating to a honeymoon fund for a wedding gift can feel uncomfortable or unappealing for a variety of reasons such as cultural norms or personal values. Others enjoy the act of giving a beautifully wrapped, thoughtful gift.
Some people feel uncomfortable when a couple requests money for their honeymoon or wedding expenses. There is often a stigma that monetary gifts, especially when requested directly or via a honeymoon fund, are less personal or thoughtful compared to more individualized gifts.
It is important to offer items attendees can actually purchase even if the main ask is a monetary contribution. This gives everyone a choice, and also helps you end with things you will love and select.
A Registry that Reflects You
What to put on a bridal registry has come a long way since your grandma got married, how they made their registry and how current brides are making registries. What began as a practical solution for wedding gift-giving has evolved into a highly customizable, often experiential process that reflects couples' tastes, values, and lifestyle choices. As the wedding industry continues to evolve, the registry will likely continue to grow and adapt. These changes offer new and exciting ways for couples and their guests to celebrate.
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THE BASICS OF THE BRIDAL REGISTRY