Choosing kitchenware to add to your wedding registry can feel overwhelming. When you already have dozens of other things to worry about ahead of your wedding, your registry can often become a low priority. But you want to be mindful when making your wedding registry to avoid ending up with a bunch of things you later realize you didn’t need. Let’s talk about things to consider when adding kitchenware to your registry.
Starting Fresh or Adding On
Over time, wedding gift standards have started to shift. Wedding registries were once a way to help a new couple outfit their marital home in all the essentials. This standard was made when couples would move from their parent’s home to their own home for the first time. Nowadays most couples have been living together long before they say, “I do”. This reality made the need to stock an entire kitchen antiquated. This is why we recommend you and your partner sit down and decide what you actually need for your home, so you don’t end up with a bunch of duplicates or stuff you won’t use. Remember, just because it’s “free” doesn’t mean you need it.
With that being said, there are going to be couples that are starting fresh on stocking their kitchen. If you and your partner are still using hammy down pots and pans from your college days, then your registry is a great opportunity to upgrade to high-quality and longer lasting pieces. If this is the case for you, you and your partner should still sit down together and decide what items you would like in your kitchen.
Consider Your Needs
Consider who does most of the cooking when choosing kitchen items. If you have one person doing most of the cooking, let them decide which tools they think they will get the most use out of. If you both cook but have different specialties, then make sure you are getting items that will benefit both styles of cooking.
Also consider the types of meals you will be making. Someone who likes to cook a lot of steak or fish may need a cast-iron skillet, while someone who is plant-based may prefer non-stick pans for tofu and veggies. If you are into smoothies or blended sauces, you may want to prioritize a high-quality blender. Or if you’re into low maintenance meals, an air fryer may be at the top of your list. But there is a kitchen tool for just about everything, so before you add that miniature waffle maker onto your registry, consider if you will actually use it or if it will just collect dust.
Our Picks
If you are adding onto an already stocked kitchen, you know your needs best. But if you are starting from scratch, here are some of our top kitchen items to add to your wedding registry:
- Pot Set: A good quality pot set is a must for any kitchen. You want to look into different sets and materials before you add one to your registry. You can find a non-stick pot set, a stainless-steel pot set, and even a copper pot set. Consider which material is right for your style of cooking and the sizes and shapes of the pots and pans you want included. If you find a pot set that looks right for you, don’t pass it up if it’s missing a piece or two that you wanted. Instead, add on any extra pieces to your registry so you don’t end up with a massive set that doesn’t fit your needs.
- Cooking Utensils: Along with a pot set, you also want to make sure you have cooking utensils on your list. Try to avoid sets that are metal and opt instead for a wood or silicone set to avoid damaging your new pots and pans.
- Knife Set: A good set of knives is a must for any home chef. Make sure to add a set to your registry alongside your cooking utensils.
- Blender or Food Processor: These two items serve similar functions, but it is important to note that they do have different uses. If you think you will get a lot of use out of both then you’ll want to add one of each to your registry. However, if you can’t see yourself benefitting from two large appliances with similar functions, then go with a blender. A blender can perform many of the functions that a food processor can and is more of a standard kitchen tool.
- Coffee Maker: If you and your partner are coffee people, this one will be a must. Determine if you want a machine that uses capsules or a more classic style espresso maker. You can also look into a French press or a pour over coffee decanter with an electric kettle.
Stocking your kitchen with your spouse-to-be is an exciting process, so don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by choice. As long as you consider your needs and pick out items that you know you will use, you and your new spouse are sure to have the kitchen of your dreams. Start making your registry today!