The Ultimate Bridal Registry Checklist

Your friends and family really want to gift you with the things you'll want and need to build your new life together, and your gift registry is their guide. It's the ultimate shopping spree! Remember to include enough items for engagement gifts, shower gifts and wedding gifts at various price points. TIP: Register for twice as many gifts in proportion to guests (couples) you've invited. And don't forget to read our guides on how to register for every item on your list.

Let's Eat!

Dinnerware (Everyday)
You'll want everyday dinnerware for pizza, burgers or taco night! I recommend basic white porcelain or non-decorated fine bone china as they both are extremely durable, making them oven-to-table convenient and microwave- and dishwasher-safe.

8 - 16 dinner plates (Register for extra dinner plates, since those are the most used.)
8 - 12 soup/cereal bowls
8 - 12 salad/dessert plates
8 - 12 mugs
2 medium platters
2 large platters
2 large serving bowls
1 sugar bowl and creamer
1 salt and pepper set
1 pitcher
1 covered butter dish

Note: Earthenware is also great for everyday use and can usually be found in sets of four dinner plates, salad plates, bowls and mugs.

Dinnerware (Dressy)
Step it up for special occasions like Friday night or New Year's Eve. I recommend decorated fine bone china. Surprisingly durable, it'll dress up any table, and everything is guaranteed to taste better!

8 - 16 dinner plates
8 - 12 salad/dessert plates
8 - 12 bread-and-butter plates
8 - 12 cups
8 - 12 saucers
8 - 12 rim soup bowls
8 - 12 different yet coordinating accent plates (great for salad or dessert)
2 medium or large-sized platter
2 open vegetable bowls
2 covered vegetable bowls
1 gravy boat and stand
1 sugar bowl and creamer

Flatware
I recommend two sets. One set for everyday use (18/10 stainless) and a dressier pattern for Friday night and special occasions (sterling if you can swing it!).

8 - 12 place settings (which consist of a dinner fork, a soupspoon, a salad/dessert fork, a teaspoon and a knife).
2 salad servers
1 - 2 slotted spoons
1 - 2 serving forks
1 cake/pie server
1 gravy ladle

Table linens
2 tablecloths
8 - 12 placemats
8 - 12 napkins
8 - 12 napkin rings
1 table runner
1 table pad

Note: Register for additional sets if you have an outdoor entertaining space.


Cheers!

Drinkware (Casual)
Select a plain, non-cut stemware for everyday use and outdoor living -- for a picnic or when grilling.

8 - 12 all-purpose red-wine glasses (merlot, cabernet, Bordeaux, etc.)
8 - 12 all-purpose white-wine glasses (pinot grigio, viognier, chardonnay, etc.)
8 - 12 champagne flutes

Drinkware (Dressy)
Register for a dressier cut crystal for special occasions.
8 - 12 red-wine glasses/goblets
8 - 12 wineglasses
8 - 12 champagne flutes
8 - 12 iced-beverage glasses
1 pair toasting flutes (for wedding)

Barware
6 - 12 double old-fashioned glasses
6 - 12 highball glasses
6 - 12 martini glasses
6 - 12 pilsner glasses
6 - 12 margarita glasses
6 - 8 shot glasses
3 pitchers (for water, OJ and cranberry juice)
1 martini pitcher
1 - 2 wine carafes
2 decanters
1 ice bucket with tongs
1 shaker
1 set of bar tools
1 wine rack
1 wine fridge
1 bar cart

Let's Get Cookin'!

Kitchen Electronics
blender
immersion blender
toaster or toaster oven
microwave
coffeemaker
coffee-bean/spice grinder
espresso machine
single-serve coffee machine
crock pot
electric can opener
electric knife
food processor
hand mixer
stand mixer
ice cream maker
panini press
rice cooker
waffle iron
bread maker

Cookware
10-inch frying pan or skillet
small omelet pan
3-quart saucepan with lid
2-quart saucepan with lid
6-quart stockpot with lid
double boiler with lid
roaster/lasagna pan
casserole pan
grill pan or griddle

Cutlery
8-inch chef's knife
7-inch santoku knife
bread knife
paring knifeutility knife
sharpening steel
pair of kitchen shears
knife block for storage
8 - 12 steak knives

Kitchen Accessories
baking needs
bottle opener
cabinet organizers
cheese grater
colander
cutting boards
food-storage containers
garlic press
ice cream scoop
kitchen towels
masher
measuring cups and spoons
meat tenderizer
mixing bowls
peeler
pizza wheel
salad spinner
salt and pepper mill
spatulas
spice rack
teakettle
timer
tongs
trash can
trivets
whisk
wooden spoons


Plush!

Bed Linens
2 sets of sheets (top and fitted sheets with two pillowcases)
2 sets of pillowcases (extra)
1 comforter or duvet
1 duvet cover
2 pillows (per bed, or more depending on sleeping preference)
2 blankets
1 bed skirt
2 pillow shams (you will need pillows, too)
2 - 4 accent pillows
1 mattress cover
1 mattress pad

Note: Register for above items PER bedroom.

Towels
2 - 4 bath sheets (35" x 70")
2 - 4 bath towels (27" x 52")
2 - 4 hand towels (16" x 30")
2 - 4 washcloths (13" x 13")

Note: Register for above items PER bathroom.
Don't forget a set of towels for the pool, hot tub and beach.

Bath Items
bath rug
shower curtain, liner and rings
soap dish or dispenser
tissue holder
toothbrush holder
trash can

Note: Register for above items PER bathroom.

Things You'll Want and Need!

Electronics
camcorder
digital camera
digital photo frame
DVD/Blu-ray player
flat-screen TV
GPS
stereo system
Wii or Xbox system

Home Accessories
accent furniture
accent pillows
bowls
candlesticks/votives
coat rack
decorative shelves
lamps
ottoman
picture frames
storage bench
throws
trays
vases

Luggage
20" carry-on upright suitcase
27" expandable upright suitcase
25" rolling duffel bag
rolling garment bag
tote bag
backpack
*You can even register for your honeymoon package. This registry is offered by many travel agents.

Good for You
air purifier
carbon monoxide detector
fitness equipment
folding table and chairs
hamper
handheld vacuum
iron/garment steamer
ironing board
laundry basket
robotic vacuum
smoke detector
steam cleaner
step stool
vacuum cleaner

Let's Take It Outside
grill
grill tools
outdoor/balcony furniture
sporting gear

Let's Give
Many organizations, such as justgive.org, provide you the ability to register for donations to the charity of your choice.

Enjoy Life Together!


Shown above: Robert Mondavi Wine-Specific Stemware by Waterford