Wedding essentials: a complete gift registry idea list

When you are planning your wedding, it is customary to sign up for one or more gift registries. A gift registry is a list of items you would like to receive; it helps your guests select items that will fit with your needs, taste and decorating scheme.

When you select items for your registry, keep in mind the things you already have and assess your needs. Do you want to replace existing items or coordinate with them? What basics do you not have? Do you plan to do formal entertaining or do you need more items for casual dining?

The following is a comprehensive list of items to consider when filling out a traditional wedding gift registry:

APPLIANCES

Kitchen appliances help make the business of cooking more convenient and more fun.

Blender

Toaster

Coffee Maker

Espresso/Cappuccino maker

Coffee Grinder

Hand Mixer

Stand Mixer

Indoor grill

Slow cooker

Food processor

Mini-chopper

Spice grinder

Ice cream maker

Bread machine

FORMAL DINING

Formal china is perfect for romantic at-home dinners or elegant entertaining.

Formal china, place settings (12)

Formal silverware place settings (12)

Salad / pasta bowls (12)

Serving bowls (2-3)

Serving platters (2)

Serving tray

Coffee service

Cake server

Serving spoons (3)

Carving set

Serving forks (2)

Butter dish

Salt and pepper shakers

Ladle

Demitasse spoons (12)

Espresso cups and saucers (12)

Soup tureen

Cake plate

Butter knife

Gravy boat and stand

Teapot

CASUAL DINING

Attractive dinnerware for everyday eating will set the tone for your new home together.

Casual place settings (12)

Utensil place settings (12)

Salt and pepper shakers

Casual teapot

Mugs

GLASSWARE / BARWARE

Select the basics in glassware, but remember fine crystal for special occasions.

Everyday drinking glasses (12)

Water goblets (12)

Wineglasses (12)

Champagne flutes (12)

Old fashioned glasses (12)

Iced beverage glasses (12)

Martini glasses

Margarita glasses

Dessert wine glasses

Beer mugs or glasses

Juice glasses

Pitcher

Ice bucket

Cocktail shaker

Shot glasses

Cocktail tools

Highball glasses

Patio serving pieces (pitcher, glasses and tray)

COOKWARE / BAKEWARE / KITCHENWARE

A well-equipped kitchen puts even a novice cook at ease and pleases the experienced chef.

Casserole dish

Paring knives (2)

Butcher’s knife

Chef’s knife

Bread knife

Boning knife

Steak knife set

Saucepan, small

Saucepan, medium

Saucepan, large

Frying pan

Saute pan

Griddle

Stock pot

Dutch oven

Baking sheets

Cake pans

Muffin/ cupcake tins

Cooling racks

Colander

Dry measuring cups

Liquid measuring cups

Measuring spoons

Spice rack

Roasting pan

Steamer insert

Mixing bowls

Cutting boards (2)

Mandolin

Aprons

Salad set

Cooking utensil set

Wooden spoons

TABLE LINENS

Table linens pull together the room for pleasurable dining.

Casual tablecloths (2)

Casual placemats (12)

Formal tablecloths (2)

Cloth napkins (12)

BED AND BATH

Outfit the bedroom and bathroom with the linens and accessories sure to make you comfortable.

Sheet sets (3)

Duvet and cover

Bed skirt

Mattress pads (2)

Blankets (2)

Pillows (6)

Decorative pillow (2-3)

Bath sheets (6)

Bath towels (8)

Hand towels (8)

Washcloths (8)

Guest towels (6)

Bath mats (2)

Shower curtain

Scale

Electric toothbrush

Hamper

Waste baskets

Mirrors

Lap blanket