10 Must-Have Items for Your Wedding Registry

Wedding Registry Checklist

I have a lot of friends getting married this year, and the more I comb through their wedding registries, the more I realize that couples are forgetting to ask for some key items! Here is a list of everything you should include on your wedding registry:

{1} Luggage: Chances are you’ve never been able to afford a nice set of luggage. Register for the set you’ve always wanted and break it in on your honeymoon! Be sure to ask for a brand/model that will last for years. (Bed, Bath & Beyond Samsonite Silhouette Sphere II Luggage Collection, $99.99-$329.99)

{2} Dutch Oven: You may think you don’t need a Dutch oven – that a crock pot will do the job just fine. Consider that you can do your prep work with it on the stove, then quickly transfer it to the oven when you’re ready to slow cook. It definitely saves some time and energy and a quality Dutch oven can last a lifetime. (Le Creuset 7 1/4 Qt. Round Dutch Oven, $350.00)

{3} Bathroom Towels: You and your fiance have probably accumulated random towels here and there over the years. Now is the chance to register for a luxurious set! Be sure to register for a few extra sets to have on hand for guests or weeks where there is no time for laundry. (Macy’s Hotel Collection Bath Towels MicroCotton Collection, $10-$50)

{4} Kitchen Knives: A nice set of kitchen knives will make all the difference in the kitchen. Rather than registering for one expensive set, try registering for each knife individually. You’re more likely to receive the full set that way. (Williams-Sonoma Wüsthof Classic 12-Piece Knife Block Set, $1,010)

{5} High Thread Count Sheets: It’s time to toss those jersey knit sheets and sleep on some grown-up high thread count cotton. Again, be sure to register for an extra set! (Kohl’s Jennifer Lopez 600-Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Sheets, $159.99-$199.99)

{6} Tool Set: Registering isn’t all about the kitchen and bathroom! Head to Home Depot or Lowe’s and register for some nice tools. You’ll be grateful down the road when you’re doing home improvement work. (Lowe’s DEWALT 4-Tool 20-Volt Max Lithium Ion Cordless Combo Kit with Soft Case, $319)

{7} Cast Iron Skillet: Everyone needs a cast iron skillet in their kitchen arsenal, but not everyone was lucky enough to inherit one from a grandparent. They’re versatile, heavy-duty and cheap. Need I say more? (Target Lodge Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet 12 Inch, $24.99)

{8} Outdoor Grill: If you have a patio, a nice gas grill is a great item to add to your registry. Home Depot and Lowe’s have plenty of great options! (Home Depot Weber Spirit E-320 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill in Black, $549)

{9} Vacuum: This item is frequently left off registries, but it’s the perfect opportunity to snag something practical. (Walmart Shark Navigator Upright Bagless Vacuum, NV22L, $128.99)

{10} Crystal and China: These luxury items may not seem important now, but 40-year-old you will want to have nice dishes and glasses when entertaining at the holidays. Be sure to choose classic patterns so that you’re not struggling to replace and/or add pieces down the road. (Macy’s Waterford Barware, Lismore Collection, $95-$495)

Register at:
Bed, Bath and Beyond
Home Depot – Available in-store
Kohl’s
Macy’s
Target
Walmart
Williams-Sonoma

Illusion Back Wedding Dresses

Illusion Back Wedding Dresses

Illusion backs add intrigue and modesty to any wedding dress. Check out these designer looks before you go shopping for the big day!

{1} Source: Confetti Daydreams Photographer: Laura Jane Photography Designer: Enzoani {2} Source: Bridal Musings Designer: Claire Pettibone {3} Source: Wedding Inspirasi Designer: Mira Zwillinger {4} Source: Wedding Chicks Photographer: Anne Adams Photography Designer: Claire Pettibone {5} Source: Belle the Magazine Photographer: Paul Vincent Photography Designer: Veluz Reyez {6} Source: OneWed Photographer: SYPhotography Designer: Francesca Miranda {7} Designer: Christos {8} Source: Eventi e Wedding P. Designer: Lazaro {9} Source: Style Me Pretty Lavish & Light Photography Designer: Jenny Packham

10 Escort Card Favors for Your Wedding

Escort Card Favors

Are you trying to cut costs on your wedding day? Check out these unique escort cards that double as wedding favors!

{1} Luggage Tags, Source: Historic Mankin Mansion {2} Potted Succulents, Source: Etsy HomeAgainShop {3} Personalized Pint Glasses, Source: Favor Craver {4} Christmas Ornaments, Source: Daisies & Pearls {5} Mini Champagne Bottles, Source: Jamie Krell {6} Jars of BBQ Sauce, Source: precious & blooming {7} Chocolate Truffles, Source: Etsy DesignsByDirection {8} Compasses, Source: Style Me Pretty Photographer: Agnes Lopez Photography

10 Gold Wedding Cakes

Gold Wedding Cakes

Metallics are in this season, and not just on the runways. Add a little shine to your wedding reception with a gold wedding cake!

{1} Source: BZ Events {2} Source: Lael Cakes Photographer: Jen Huang Photography {3} Source: My Sweet and Saucy {4} Source: Style Me Pretty Photographer: Jose Villa Photography {5} Source: WeddingWire {6} Source: Mini Moko Photographer: Lucy Leonardi Photography {7} Source: Whimsical Wonderland Weddings Photographer: Pearl Pictures {8} Source: Style Me Pretty Photographer: Katie Cassidy Photography {9} Source: Wedding Chicks Photographer: Katelyn James Photography {10} Source: One Lovely Day Photographer: Jen Huang Photography

How to Throw a Brunch Bridal Shower

Brunch Bridal Shower

I’ve had a number of friends get engaged over the past few weeks, and it’s got me brainstorming bridal shower ideas. One of my favorite themes: brunch. Check out these brunch bridal shower food, drink and decor ideas from around the web!

{1} Mimosa Bar by Design Love Fest Photographer: Woodnote Photography {2} Brunch Menu from Wedding Chicks Photographer: Jamie D Photography {3} Etsy PrettyPartyCreations Mimosa Bridal Shower Brunch Invitation, $11.50 {4} Mini French Toast from Hostess with the Mostess {5} Smoked Salmon Canapes from Ms. Critique {6} Jar of Honey Favor from Wedding Chicks Photographer: Connie Dai Photography {7} Date Idea Bridal Shower Game from Wedding Chicks Photographer: Connie Dai Photography {8} Bacon & Eggs in Toast Cups from The Noshery {9} Donut Hole Kebabs from Cook Au Vin {10} Coffee Bar from Ciao Darling Photographer: Niki Rhodes Photography

10 Succulent Wedding Details

Succulent Wedding

Go green at your wedding with a few of these gorgeous succulent details!

{1} Source: BZ Events {2} Source: Bollea Photographer: Meg Perotti {3} Source: Etsy belfioredesign Bouquet with Vibrant Poppies, Succulents, Ranunculus and Blackberries {4} Source: Style Me Pretty Photographer: Birds of a Feather {5} Source: Junebug Weddings Photographer: Perez Photography {6} Source: Modern LA Weddings Photographer: AndySeo Photography {7} Etsy YootkeDesigns Succulent Invitation with Matching Response Card {8} Source: Wedding Wire Photographer: Rachel Robertson Photography {9} Source: Elizabeth Anne Designs Photographer: Leigh Weber Photography {10} Source: Floridian Weddings Photographer: Daybreak Studios

10 Naked Wedding Cakes

Naked Wedding Cakes

What’s the next trend in wedding cakes? Naked cakes! If you aren’t a fan of cakes with a lot of icing, this might be the perfect style for you as the icing is only between layers. Here’s a little inspiration for you!

{1} Source: Elizabeth Anne Designs Photographer: Judy Pak Photography {2} Photographer: Rosie Parsons Wedding Photography {3} Source: Love My Dress Photographer: Marie Wootton {4} Source: Style Me Pretty Photographer: Naomi Kenton Photography {5} Source: Style Me Pretty Photographer: Meredith Carlson Photography {6} Source: Wedding Sparrow Photographer: Half Orange Photography {7} Source: Ruffled Blog Photographer: Michelle March Photography {8} Source: Ruffled Blog Photographer: Apryl Ann Photography {9} Source: What Katie Ate Masterchef Black Forest Gateau {10} Source: The Cake Blog Photographer: Natalie Bell Photography

10 Flowerless Boutonnieres

Flowerless Boutonnieres

Cut down on wedding costs with one of these flowerless boutonniere alternatives!

{1} Source: Intimate Weddings Photographer: Twin Hearts Photography {2} Source: Wedding Chicks Photographer: Apryl Ann Photography {3} Source: Art Deco Weddings Photographer: Lachlan Burrell Photography {4} Source: Green Wedding Shoes Photographer: Jasmine Star Photography {5} Source: Southern Weddings Photographer: Jennifer Bearden Photography {6} Source: Elizabeth Anne Designs Photographer: Raya Carlisle Photography {7} Source: Style Me Pretty Photographer: John Decker Photography {8} Source: Rock n Roll Bride Photographer: Gucio Photography {9} Photographer: Hayes Photography {10} Source: The Brides Cafe Photographer: Laura Goldenberger Photography

10 Rose Gold Engagement Rings

Rose Gold Engagement Rings

Spotted on celebrities like Blake Lively and Miley Cyrus, rose gold engagement rings are a growing trend. They have an exquisite vintage feel and can be paired with a white gold wedding band for a fashionable contrast. Here are a few options in various price ranges for your shopping pleasure!

{1} deBebians Diamond Halo Rose Gold Engagement Ring, $1,875 {2} Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Enchant Flower Ring, $2,850 {3} Brilliant Earth 14k Rose Gold Willow Diamond Ring, $975 {4} catbird Lauren Wolf Jewelry Cleopatra’s Ring, $3,540 {5} Blue Nile Vintage Morganite and Diamond Ring in 14k Rose Gold, (price not yet available) {6} J.R. Dunn Tacori 2504EMP 18kt Rose Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring with Pave Setting, $3,310 {7} King Jewelers Penny Preville Liat Rose gold & Pave Diamond Engagement Ring, $3,610 {8} Anna Sheffield Marquis Bea, $12,000 {9} Greenwich Jewelers Anna Sheffield “Sheaves Bauble” Diamond Engagement Ring, $3780 {10} Jared Diamond Ring Setting 1/2 Ct Tw Round-Cut 14k Rose Gold, $1,399.99