The Only 15 Wedding Registry Items a Couple Really Needs, According to Pros
Creating a wedding registry is arguably one of the best parts of getting married. As a recent bride, registering for our wedding was one of the few stress-free aspects of the planning process that my now-husband and I could enjoy together. After all, the wedding registry is essentially a grown-up wish list — and a socially acceptable one, to boot!
The only challenge? Resisting the urge to register for anything and everything we could potentially want or need. As a city-dwelling couple with limited kitchen storage, striking the balance between style and utility is key.
While I made it out of the wedding planning process completely unscathed (and with a fully upgraded kitchen!), the new class of soon-to-be brides is still in the thick of it. In an effort to simplify the planning process for 2024 and 2025 brides, I’m paying it forward by rounding up the best wedding registry gift ideas for every type of home cook, thanks to the help of nuptial experts from wedding registry and planning site Zola.
15 Kitchen Essentials You Need on Your Wedding Registry
Start with a durable cookware set.
Whether you’re a novice home chef or a seasoned pro, every kitchen needs a solid foundation. Consider the cooking equivalent to be a selection of pots and pans in the most functional sizes.
Consider multi-use cookware.
Fellow city-dwellers who are short on storage (or who prefer simple, one-pan meals) should consider an all-in-one cookware option. “Zola couples are also gravitating towards items that are space-conscious, designed with a small footprint. This reinforces the trend we’re seeing towards minimalistic, uncluttered spaces,” says Cullman.
Add a stand mixer.
The Kitchn editors aren’t the only ones who love the KitchenAid stand mixer — it’s Zola’s most popular item on wedding registries! Adding this easy-to-use appliance to your registry is the easiest way to fulfill your childhood fantasy of owning a bakeshop.
Don’t overlook the air fryer.
For the past five years, my “For You” page has been flooded with easy air fryer recipes — and I’m ashamed to say it took me a long time to lean in. Now that I’ve seen the light, I can confirm the air fryer is one of the best kitchen products I own. It’s extremely versatile and cooks (almost) anything, in about half the time as an oven!
Trade in your toaster.
Speaking of toasters, don’t forget to add this classic to your registry. While many couples already have a trusty toaster from their college days, this is one humble appliance that deserves an upgrade. According to Cullman, “Today’s couples are choosing kitchen items that reflect their style and bring personality into their home, discovering new colorways on social media.” Consider this your blessing to make an aesthetically driven choice!
Mix in a quality blender.
As a lifelong smoothie-lover, my blender has served me well. What was originally purchased as a personal blender has evolved into the most-used appliance in our married life, and the ease of use has even turned my husband into a smoothie fan, too.
Don’t forget (eco-friendly) accessories.
“Recycling is trending outside of the bin,” notes Cullman. Beyond sustainable cookware, couples are opting for recycled materials in all their kitchen accessories.
Consider your caffeine intake.
While a daily latte may not be the sole reason millennials are putting off home ownership, it is a cost that adds up quickly. Transition your daily coffee (or tea!) habit into a DIY moment by recreating your go-to drinks at home with these stylish finds.
Lean into your interests.
According to Cullman, “Couples are adding elevated at-home food prep appliances like outdoor Ooni or indoor Breville pizza ovens, bringing a restaurant-style experience to their home.” And while a pizza oven might not top every newlywed’s list, it’s important to lean into your interests and get real about what you’ll actually use.
