12 Essentials to Put on Your Wedding Registry, According to Design Editors

"You will never have more photos than you do after your wedding, so having a nice place to display your favorite one is non-negotiable. Plus, I happen to think that, like the photos themselves, there's no limit on how many frames you can have. Use them to create a gallery wall or display just one on your desk, nightstand, or wherever else will make you smile."

—Jessica Cherner, Associate Shopping Editor

"I didn't have a wedding registry because a) I got married in City Hall and b) felt like I didn't need any gifts from people that would just take up more space in our tiny apartment. However, if I were to have a 10-year vow renewal and do something bigger, I definitely would add colorful drinkware to my wedding registry. The couple will always need chic wine glasses, like these from Ferm Living, and even nice everyday water cups make sipping H2O feel more fun. I much prefer these glasses over something more generic that says 'bride' or 'groom' on them."

—Marina Liao, Senior Shopping Editor

"Historically, wedding registries were built as a way to prepare a newlywed couple for life together, with many helpful home tools and necessities filling up the list. However, while many couples may very well desire those types of items still, in the modern day, a lot of couples in the United States are already living together prior to marriage, so the building blocks of a home have typically already been purchased. It is for this reason that I believe your registry should be filled with chic things you both want—no matter how playful or unnecessary. While quilts and covers obviously aren't unnecessary, you probably don't need a frilly one that looks like a wedding dress, but if you want it (which I do), then put it on your list! This one from Anthropologie is feminine and fun and romantic—all things you want for the start of your life together."

—Meghan Shouse, Assistant Editor

"There are very few moments in your life where you can comfortably ask for luxury tableware and have the request feel warranted. And while the younger generations are moving away from traditional sets of china, I still think having a fancy place setting can level up any family dinner. I previewed this Kit Kemp collection at the Wedgewood showroom five years ago, and they haven't left my mind since. And even though I am nowhere near getting married, this dinner set will be the first thing on my list when I am."

—Kate McGregor, Digital Editor

"Seeing this on my best friend's wedding registry made me realize just how simple—and necessary—adding a sleek mirror is for your space. It's the kind of purchase you can easily forget to invest in, but automatically makes the room look bigger and more cared for. It's a wedding and housewarming gift rolled in one, and you don't have to shell out hundreds for it, either."

—Janae McKenzie, Associate Shopping Editor

"A wedding is the time to get yourself some beautiful Astier de Villatte pieces. I registered for this pitcher and continue to use it for everything: to water plants, hold flowers, serve water... It lives on a shelf by our sink and makes me so happy. I think of our wedding every time I see it."

—Elyse Moody, Senior Features Editor

"File this under something that is absolutely necessary and needed. Half the fun of a wedding registry is adding things that feel celebratory and outside of your day-to-day norm, and these jam jars are just that. Also, please note that while this is described as a jam jar, it's really just a delightful holder for a condiment of your choosing—I use mine for ketchup during a casual BBQ and the wow factor is unparalleled. If you really want to go big, register for several of the smaller sizes and every person at your dinner party has their own dipping accoutrement. Très chic, indeed."

—Jess Teves, Executive Content Editor

"Finding the right frame for a favorite print sounds like a quick errand, but it can be a surprisingly arduous (and expensive) chore that just never gets done. And it doesn't help if the art piece or print in question has irregular sizing. One of my engaged friends has smartly registered for multiple Framebridge gift cards, so the many artworks she's collected with her partner through the years can finally get the gorgeous, custom displays they deserve."

—Melanie Yates, Senior Digital Editor

"Textile design meets tableware—meets dessert and coffee! I imagine the newlyweds finally eating that frozen piece of wedding cake, maybe for breakfast because 'every day is a holiday when you’re married to me.'"

—Claire Brito, Senior Social Editor

"It's not a wedding registry without a piece of Le Cruset cookware. I love this sized pan (with lid!) because it works for family-sized meals without being too difficult or heavy to store away. Choose your favorite color from the iconic line, and start your collection with a piece or two on your registry."

—Kate McGregor, Digital Editor

"These are my all-time favorite sheets, and I registered for a pair in every size so that we could have them on every bed in the house. They are smooth and soft and add something pretty and simple to the bed. They also last forever and are a great price."

—Elyse Moody, Senior Features Editor

"There is something chic about the off-centeredness of this one, which also has a more classic double-handled option. I love that it's engravable, because, well, it's forever!"

—Claire Brito, Senior Social Editor