What Is a Wedding Registry? How to Choose the Best One (And What to Include)
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Building a life together, one meaningful moment at a time. Your wedding registry should reflect the way you truly live, from the kitchen to every corner of your home.
Creating your wedding registry is one of the most enjoyable parts of the planning process. It’s where practical meets personal. Whether you're blending households or upgrading from hand-me-downs, a well-curated registry helps loved ones gift you with intention. But with so many options (and opinions), it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what a wedding registry actually is, how to choose the best one for your lifestyle, and what to include.
What Is a Wedding Registry?
A wedding registry is a curated list of gifts a couple selects in anticipation of their wedding. Traditionally, this helps guests choose meaningful, useful presents that suit the couple’s lifestyle and taste. Today, registries have evolved to include not just home essentials but also honeymoon experiences, cash funds, subscriptions, and even charitable donations, making them as personal as your wedding itself.
Choosing the Right Registry Platform
Not all registries are created equal. Today’s couples have more choices than ever. Popular options include Zola, The Knot, Amazon, and even direct-to-brand registries like Crate & Barrel or Williams Sonoma. Each has its strengths, but you’ll want a platform that’s intuitive for guests, flexible for your evolving needs, and stylish enough to reflect your taste. That’s why Zola has become our go-to recommendation. It seamlessly blends function with a beautifully curated experience, offering everything from home goods to honeymoon funds, all in one place.
Here’s why we recommend it:
All-in-One Convenience – Add items from any store or choose from Zola’s extensive catalog of trusted brands.
Cash Funds, Experiences & More – Register for honeymoon excursions, house projects, or even pet funds.
20% Post-Wedding Discount – Save on unpurchased gifts after the big day.
Smart Shipping – Control when gifts are sent with Zola’s group gifting and shipping-on-your-schedule features.
👉 Create your Zola registry now
When to Start Your Registry
We suggest starting your registry as soon as you’ve set your wedding date and venue, ideally 9 to 12 months before the big day. This gives you plenty of time to:
Add to it gradually
Share it with guests ahead of any engagement parties or bridal showers
Include it on your invitations as an enclosure card or link to it discreetly via your wedding website
Guests often look to your registry when shopping for engagement, shower, and wedding gifts, so having it ready early ensures they have thoughtful options to choose from at every stage.
Pro Tip: Keep refining your list throughout your engagement. Many guests will revisit your registry closer to the wedding day, and even after, so it’s worth keeping it up to date.
What to Include on Your Registry
When building your registry, aim for a thoughtful mix of price points and item types to accommodate a variety of gifting preferences. While it’s tempting to stick to traditional essentials, the most memorable registries reflect your lifestyle, your aesthetic, and the way you plan to live together, not just the basics.
Include classic staples that will serve you for years to come (think: high-quality cookware, timeless linens, or heirloom-worthy flatware), but don’t shy away from personal touches that speak to who you are as a couple. Whether it’s a framed print from a favorite artist, a subscription to your go-to wine club, or a set of travel accessories for your honeymoon adventures, the goal is to create a registry that feels as intentional and curated as your home will be.
Think of your registry not just as a checklist, but as a blueprint for the life you're building, one that blends everyday function with meaningful experiences.
Here are 15 thoughtful, guest-friendly registry ideas:
Kitchen & Dining
Everyday Heirloom Dinnerware Set – Classic white porcelain never goes out of style.
High-Quality Chef’s Knife – A must for any home cook.
Espresso Machine – For those slow weekend mornings. I use mine every single day!
Le Creuset Dutch Oven – Iconic, versatile, and heirloom-worthy.
Stunning Glassware – Elevate your entertaining with bold and traditional stemware.
Bedding & Bath
Luxury Sheet Set (100% linen) – Soft, breathable, and hotel-quality.
Weighted Blanket – Organic cotton and great for restful sleep.
Spa-like Bath Towels – A subtle touch of everyday elegance.
Living & Decor
Statement Serving Tray – Perfect for hosting or displaying on a coffee table.
Smart Speaker or Sound System – Modern living, simplified.
Art or Framed Prints – Curate your first home together with Minted’s limited edition prints.
Lifestyle & Experiences
Luggage Set – Ideal for your honeymoon and future travels.
Wine Subscription – A gift that keeps pouring.
Experiences – For post-wedding relaxation.
Cash Fund for Home Projects or Travel – Flexible, guest-friendly, and popular.
Thank You Notes Etiquette
Keep refining your list throughout your engagement. Guests often revisit your registry for engagement, shower, and wedding gifts, sometimes even after the big day. As gifts come in, keep track of who sent what so you can stay on top of your thank-you notes. Etiquette suggests sending a thank-you within two to three weeks of receiving a gift before the wedding, and within three months after the wedding for any gifts received during or after the event. A handwritten note is always appreciated and adds a personal touch your guests will remember.
Final Tips
Keep it Updated: As items are purchased, add new ones to keep options fresh.
Make It Personal: Include descriptions or notes about why you chose an item.
Think Long-Term: Register for items that will grow with you, not just what you need today.
Ready to Build Yours?
Whether you’re curating timeless home pieces or saving for your dream honeymoon, Zola makes it easy to craft a registry that reflects your lifestyle and your love story.