The Wedding Registry Checklist Every Couple Needs

It can seem like all you do is plan during the months leading up to your wedding. Of course, most of us get a lot of satisfaction from picking out details like the perfect appetizers, a guest-pleasing drink menu, romantic floral bouquets and a fun dance playlist. Sitting down to choose wedding details is a pretty amazing experience. However, brides and grooms should also devote time to creating thorough, practical wedding registries. Here's a look at some must-have items for all of the essential spaces where you'll be spending time as a newlywed couple!

The Kitchen

They say that couples spend most of their time together in the kitchen. You have a lifetime of preparing meals and entertaining guests together ahead of you when you get married! Shouldn't you make sure you have all the right tools to really love your kitchen? Here's a registry checklist for kitchen items to help you organize your wish list:

• ​A good coffee maker with grinder.
• A quality, stylish tea kettle to display on your burner.
• A stand mixer.
• Mixing bowls.
• A large slow cooker.
• A blender.
• A food processor.
• A toaster or toaster oven.
• A waffle iron.
• A knife set with eight to 10 pieces and knife block.
• A full cookware set.
• A casserole dish.
• A full set of cooking utensils.
• A set of measuring cups.
• A colander.
• A high-quality, durable peeler.
• Cutting boards.
• Cookie sheets.
• Baking pans.
• Pie plates.
• Tart dishes of various sizes.
• A cheese grater.
• An ice cream scoop.
• Trivets.
• Dish towels.
• Matching aprons.
• A cooling rack.
• Ramekins.
• A butter dish.
• A large salad bowl.
• Salad tongs.
• A cake plate or stand.
• Baking spoons and spatulas.
• A serving set.
• A pizza cutter.
• Kitchen scissors.
• A cake knife.
• A bowl for chips and dip.
• Bowls for up to 12 people.
• Mugs for up to 12 people.
• Desert plates.
• Decorative serving platters.
• A large waste bin.
• Bottle openers.
• Wine and champagne glasses.

It might be tempting to think that you can skip some items if you don't spend a lot of time baking or cooking in the kitchen. The reality is that there may come a time when you and your new husband or wife will be spending more time whipping things up at home! In addition, you may think that you can skip a good coffee maker just because you don't drink coffee. It's important to remember that the standard registry items are there for a reason! You may find that a coffee maker is essential whenever you host other people for the holidays!

The Living Room

How do you make a cozy, inviting living room? Some small additions to your registry can help you to create a really great setting for enjoying your early years as a married couple. Check out the essential registry items for the living room:

• A vacuum cleaner.
• Picture frames in a variety of sizes.
• Decorative and scented candles.
• Comfortable blankets.
• Throw pillows.
• Accent chairs.
  
• A television.

Some people don't realize that you actually can put some furniture, electronics and home décor items on a registry. You generally don't want to add any big-ticket items like a luxury sofa or huge television. However, modest accent chairs and a small flat-panel television can be acceptable. 

The Bathroom

Creating a nice bathroom is an essential part of feathering any new nest. What's more, many wedding guests actually find it very easy to shop for bathroom essentials because they are light to carry and easy to find. Here are the essential bathroom items for your wedding registry:

• A bath mat.
• A shower curtain.
• Matching robes.
• A hamper.
• A scale.
• A soap dish, toothbrush holder and lotion dispenser.
• A small garbage basket.
• A hanging vanity mirror.
• ​Up to a dozen bath towels.
• Up to a dozen hand towels.
  
• Up to a dozen wash clothes.

You can feel free to adjust quantities of items based on how many bathrooms there are in the home you'll be living in with your partner. Many couples will pick items from one collection instead of trying to match various bathroom items from different stores and designers. Going with a look that is somewhat popular is advised because you may be replacing towels over the years. 

The Bedroom

Getting married is the perfect opportunity for a bedroom upgrade. This is your chance to register for some beautiful designs with high thread counts. Here's a look at the essential bedroom items for your registry:

• A comforter or duvet.
• A mattress pad.
• Two flat sheets.
• Two fitted sheets.
• Between four and six pillows.
• Between four and six pillowcases.
• A quilt.
• A bed skirt.
• Accent lamps.
• An alarm clock.
• A noise machine.

Feel free to add any items based on your sleeping habits or preferences. This is your chance to pick out a really sophisticated look to enjoy in your bedroom once you're married! Some couples prefer to be extra fancy by matching some of the items on the bathroom portion of the registry to the bedroom items.

Your Outdoor Space

Here's a bonus category! Many couples actually forget to register for items that can be enjoyed on the deck or porch. However, most couples will spend a lot of time relaxing and entertaining outdoors. Registering for some outdoor items is doubly important if you have a pool or hot tub. Here are some fun registry items for the outdoors:

• Deck pillows.
• A pair of matching rocking chairs.
• Yard games.
  
• A grilling set.
  
• A portable fire pit.
  
• A door mat.
  
• Hanging lanterns or string lights.
  
• A picnic basket.
  
• A plastic lemonade pitcher.
  
• Outdoor plates, cups and serving platters.
  
• A hammock.

Won't you really be looking forward to enjoying some of these items when you return from your honeymoon? Asking for outdoor items on your registry is really like asking your friends and family to invest in the future fun they are going to have when you invite them over for parties! You may want to consider going heavy on the outdoor items on your registry if you feel like you already have items for the other key parts of your home covered.

Are You Planning a Wedding in Bartow, Florida?

Thinking about all of the items you can add to your registry is pretty exciting. You may be feeling more inspired than ever to begin finalizing some plans for your upcoming wedding in Bartow, Florida. The Idlewood venue is Bartow's premier wedding and reception setting for couples. Your special day can be spent among seven acres of beautiful space with a bar, lounge and gathering areas when you host your special day at the Idlewood venue. Contact us today to book your tour!