Indulge in all of the cake tastings, have the caterer create mini samples for selection, and don't forget to register for your favorite things. After all, it only happens once in a lifetime.
When registering, it's always nice to have help with where to start. Check out Williams-Sonoma's registry guidelines for tips on creating the perfect registry.
Below are my own lived-and-learned registry DOs and DON'Ts:
DO - Have plenty of options
Some people like to buy that one original gift "so they always think of me when they use it" whereas others want to buy whats practical, like your everyday glassware. Different items and different price ranges will be pleasers.
DON'T - Be too practical
I'm a big fan of passing things from generation to generation, whether it be traditions, everyday practices, or material things. So if grandma has a set of China, or Aunt Judy has a set of silver, and long lost 2nd cousin half removed so-and-so has a set of crystal to pass along to you, take it! And then build off of it.
DON'T - Over register
And lastly, some of my favorite registry items for the home chef:
1. A Dutch Oven
2. A Pizza Stone
3. A Stand Mixer
4. A Mortar & Pestle
5. A Good Set of Knives
DON'T - Be too practical
Quit saying to yourself, "Oh, I don't want someone to have to buy that for me." It's their decision to buy it for you, so have fun! Now's the time. It's a rare occasion that you get to shop with other people's money.
DO - Keep it in the family
I'm a big fan of passing things from generation to generation, whether it be traditions, everyday practices, or material things. So if grandma has a set of China, or Aunt Judy has a set of silver, and long lost 2nd cousin half removed so-and-so has a set of crystal to pass along to you, take it! And then build off of it.
DON'T - Over register
Granted, all of this being said, don't have so many outrageous options that you end up receiving impractical items that you will never even take out of the box (our juicer falls into this category).
DO - Copy cat
It's totally acceptable to look at registries of other friends and family and take note of their ideas. After all, imitation is the highest form of flattery.
DON'T - Forget your own style
One of the things that is so fun about giving someone a gift off of their registry is seeing what kind of things that particular couple prefers. Some have a more modern sense of style while some tend to stay more traditional. Some want to register for things they might already have while others like to register for something completely out of their norm. I'll readily admit that upon receipt of most wedding invitations, I jump for the occasion to see what the newlyweds-to-be have chosen to receive for their new life together. It's fun for everyone!
DO - Copy cat
It's totally acceptable to look at registries of other friends and family and take note of their ideas. After all, imitation is the highest form of flattery.
DON'T - Forget your own style
One of the things that is so fun about giving someone a gift off of their registry is seeing what kind of things that particular couple prefers. Some have a more modern sense of style while some tend to stay more traditional. Some want to register for things they might already have while others like to register for something completely out of their norm. I'll readily admit that upon receipt of most wedding invitations, I jump for the occasion to see what the newlyweds-to-be have chosen to receive for their new life together. It's fun for everyone!
DO - Keep an open mind
People may shop off registry, and that's okay. It may be an item that they have used year after year and you might find that you will too! Hear your mother saying in your head, "You never know unless you try..." And in the end of the day, you can always return it for store credit, just keep that tidbit to yourself.
And lastly, some of my favorite registry items for the home chef:
1. A Dutch Oven
2. A Pizza Stone
3. A Stand Mixer
4. A Mortar & Pestle
5. A Good Set of Knives
*** Photos courtesy of Williams-Sonoma ***