Setting up a wedding registry was one of my favorite things my husband and I did together when we got engaged. We walked into Macy’s and were overwhelmed with excitement once our consultant handed over the scan gun.

Our only problem…we didn’t know where to start! Did we really need a rice cooker? How many decorative pillows would our bed really need? And what about that mixer everyone always talks about…which model was the one everyone says is a must have?

Of course I did my homework beforehand by scouring TheNest.com and other wedding websites. However, as an only child and one of the first of my friends to get married I felt a little lost once that woman handed us the scan gun.

Now that I am coming up on my second year of marriage I have a pretty good idea of what items were smart choices and which I could have done without. Originally I planned to base this list on my own registry but then quickly realized many of my friends and family read my blog posts and I wouldn’t want to insult anyone by telling them I returned or (cough) re-gifted their presents. Instead I polled my own friends and our friends on the Coldwell Banker Facebook Page.

This in no way covers everything a couple will need but it certainly gives some interesting insights. Here is what I learned:

Must Haves

• KitchenAid® Mixer (Most suggested Item!)
• Coffee Maker
• Good Vacuum (Believe me, a good one makes cleaning much more enjoyable! I highly suggest bagless)
• Pots & Pans
• Multiple Sets of Bedding
• Glass Bakeware
• Knife Block Set
• Everyday Plates
• Toaster
• Crock Pot
• Serving platters & bowls
• Drinking Glasses

Will You Really Use?

• China (Most debated item. Some say it’s still packed in boxes and others said it was their favorite item)
• Ice Bucket
• Crystal
• Ice Cream Maker: As my coworker Anna put it so eloquently “Too much work. You know what’s easier? Picking up a pint of Haagen Daz.” PS while on the subject of ice cream…skip the scooper too. A spoon works just as good 🙂

Interesting Ideas

• A Meat Slicer
• Hot Dog Griller (Yes, I chuckled too but Ashley Houseman, an agent with Coldwell Banker Morris Realty, Inc., said this is one of her most favorite items!)
• Cordless Drill (Bonus if it has screwdriver attachments)
• Wok
• Vacuum Sealer
• Air Mattress (This has been a lifesaver for us)

Some Final Advice

1) Register early

A common question many engaged couples wonder is when they should register. Joe and I registered before our engagement party. Family and friends were happy to bring an actual wrapped gift instead of writing a check.

2) Register at multiple stores

It is perfectly fine to register at more than one location. It is wise to register with at least one store that has a brick and mortar store as some people may not be comfortable shopping online.

3) Don’t be afraid to think big!

You may think registering for a big ticket item sounds greedy but it will provide your loved ones an opportunity to buy a group gift, so shed that fear and $can away!

Thank you to all who helped with this list!

Cover image via Flickr user the queen of subtle

Did we leave something out or do you disagree with one of the items? Leave a comment!

Read more of our first time home buying tips here.