Recently engaged and onto the registering phase? Unsure what to register for? Every couple needs the core essentials for their new lifelong partnership, so we’ve compiled a rough guideline to help you choose what yours will be.

What you already have. First and foremost, you need to sit down and take notes about what you already have. Everything that will be joining you and your partner in your new home will not need to be replicated, so make sure you’re accounting for all your dishes, towels, and that fancy Kitchenette mixer that you haven’t taken out since last winter. You want to utilize the free gift phase by only asking for the items you don’t have yet. This is easier if you already live together because you can go through what you both have instead of what you both have individually. If you won’t be moving in together until after you say “I do,” you should make decisions about what stays and what goes as you compile your belongings together before registering for anything new.

Extracurricular Activities/Hobbies. Take into consideration what lifestyle you and your partner lead. What are you two into? Do you both love to cook and/or bake? Do you love the outdoors and go on a lot of hiking and camping trips? Ask for items that you can use for the activities that you love to do on a regular basis. I say “on a regular basis,” because you need to be registering for items that you know you will utilize. If you already host parties, and you know that you’ll be hosting a lot of parties in the future for example, ask for dishes that you know you will be utilizing frequently, and legitimately need. If you start asking for items because you want to try a new hobby, you may not stick with it and be left with something expensive that a family member or friend bought for you that is now just taking up space in your home.

Location. Think about where it is you two will be living after you’re married, regardless of whether or not you’re already living there. What will be useful? Will you be living in the mountains and in need of warm blankets? Think about what will be useful in your home.

Living space. How much space you’ll be living in plays a big factor in how much and what you’ll be asking for as well. If you’ll be living in a small apartment, there’s no need to request large baking items that will take up a lot of counter space. If you’ll be living in a large house where counter space is abundant, then go for it! Make sure the items you’ll be registering for aren’t going to overload your space.

Future goals. Will you two be moving somewhere new or staying around your current location after your wedding? Will you be scaling down or ramping up? Aim to ask for items that will contribute to future plans with your person. Anything that doesn’t seem necessary probably isn’t, and items that you know you’ll need are most important.

Don’t take advantage of the power. Registering for a wedding can feel like you’re creating your best birthday list yet; but that’s not the case. These should only be items that you and your partner need, that will ultimately make the best contribution to your life together. Don’t take advantage of your friends and family by asking for anything you want just because you want it. On that note, don’t ask for items that are unreasonably priced either. You want this to be fun for those you love, not stressful.

Before you do any registering, these are the types of things you’ll need to consider to create a successful wedding registry. If you don’t want to create a registry at all, tune into our blog on Thursday to discover some great alternative ideas!