Okay fine, I admit it; when I picture planning my future wedding I see myself spending countless hours hunched over the living room coffee table, desperately trying to pull off a gorgeous wedding at little to no cost (and succeeding with flying colors, by the way). However, there is often another vision that also enters my mind; the one where I am frolicking through department stores, crazy with the power that only a gift registry gun can provide. I’m not proud of it, but damnit, I also know I’m not alone.
Alright now let’s come back to reality for a second. The fact is your gift registry is a huge opportunity. Many couples aren’t just getting married, they’re also in the process of moving in together, buying a home, starting a family or any other large milestone. Don’t waste your gift registry as the result of a slightly crazed (but most definitely earned) spending spree. So I’ve made a list of items that should be on your gift registry. And trust me, while these may seem boring now, they will most definitely come in handy later.
– Organizational Items. As previously mentioned, there are probably going to be a ton of milestones headed your way, so you’d better be organized. And yes, I understand that storage containers and label makers might not exactly get your engine revving, but this thing will be invaluable down the road.
– Good kitchen knives. Never mind the garlic press (that literally has only one purpose) or the giant punch bowl you’re only going to use twice a year, get yourself some knives. I’m not talking about the set of knives you buy at 4:00 in the morning because you can’t sleep and if you call now you’ll get an entire second set free, I’m talking about the knife that costs a significant amount of money because it’s worth it. As an avid cook, I can’t even begin to explain the need for proper tools in the kitchen, and even if you are a takeout-five-nights-a-week kind of person, you’ll be surprised how often you’ll appreciate a good knife in the kitchen.
– Bedding. This isn’t the time to look at the decorative sheets you’re going to end up putting on the spare guest bed; this is the time to look for heavy duty bedding supplies. A high quality comforter, real pillows (not the ones you still have from college), even a sturdy mattress. You know, something you will be able to appreciate every, single, day.
– Your honeymoon. A honeymoon is as much a part of your wedding as your reception, except it tends to be a bit pricier. What’s more, so many couples end up budgeting for the wedding but then completely forget about the budget for the honeymoon! Instead of leaving yourself hung out to dry, consider one of the many sites that allows you to register parts of your honeymoon. Like one night’s stay, or a massage, or surfing lessons.
– Charity. Admittedly, a wedding is one of the most openly selfish occasions in your life. There’s the dress (no one else can wear white), the pressure (“C’mon, it’s for my wedding!”) and the authority (because the bride says so), so how about a little selflessness? A charity of your choice is a great way to include the less fortunate in your big day.
Lily’s Bridal – Maryland Premier’s Bridal Boutique – offering Wedding Dresses sizes 4 to 30.