From a bride's notebook: Registry items I regret not getting

1. Wall sconces

There are very few times in our lives when we get to curate a huge list of presents and actually get them. Having a wedding registry is a dream.

But it can also be very intimidating. You get engaged and suddenly you have to decide what kind of dishes you want forever. Well, they probably won't last forever, but it sure feels like your decision carries that kind of weight. What kind of spatula do you want to have FOR ETERNITY? And the most pressing question (at least for me): WHAT IF I'M FORGETTING SOMETHING?

Before we get into all the things I wish I would have added to my registry, let me just encourage you to add a lot of things to your registry. You will be surprised by the generosity of your guests. Plus, it feels so special to begin marriage with your kitchen stocked and your home furnished by all your friends and family.

Of course, if you aren't sure about what your home will need, I'd encourage you to add opportunities for cash gifts on your registry. But here's the key: be AS SPECIFIC as possible. Instead of having a huge "honeymoon fund," divide up your goal amount into meals and activities on your honeymoon, such as "Dinner in Paris" or "lodging in tree house Airbnb." This helps make your guests feel like they are really gifting you something instead of just throwing some cash your way.

Even though I thought I put everything on our registry that I needed, there were still a few things that I really wished I added.

Here are all the things I wish I would have thought of. Happy registering!

It might seem weird to put lighting fixtures on your registry, but TRUST me, lighting can make a world of difference in a space. It can transform a cold and impersonal apartment into a cozy first home.

My husband and I purchased these sconces after our wedding and wished that we had added them to our registry.

They are renter-friendly and rechargeable, so you don't have to add electric wiring to your walls or have cords dripping down your walls.

We put them on either side of our bed and they elevate the space and add a soft warm light for reading in bed at night.

2. Mason Jars

Mason jars are the literal superstars of the kitchen. They are excellent cups and iced coffee mugs, can be a rustic vase for flowers, and have amazing airtight storage for anything you can imagine.

I really regret not adding a ton of them to my registry (although thanks to an epic yardsale we now have plenty!).

I've found that wide-mouthed 16oz are the best for drinking cups and versatility and 32 oz are super handy for storing things like coffee beans or rice!

3. Amazon gift cards

Putting an Amazon gift card on your registry is pure genius — especially for those of us who are indecisive about what we want. It is one of those gifts that you know you'll use eventually!

4. Rug pad

This was something that I added to our registry last minute — and I am so glad that I did!

Quality rug pads are expensive but SO worth it for making an inexpensive rug feel way more soft and luxurious.

Plus, you can add these to washable rugs, which are usually thin, so that if feels more like a cushy rug. If you think that kids will be in your future soon, a washable rug paired with this rug pad is the way to go.

I personally love this felt 1/2 inch thick rug pad.

5. Washable rug

Along with lighting, rugs can make a space feel more cohesive and warm.

We got this washable rug from Amazon and it is the single most commented-on item in our apartment from guests. It is SO incredibly soft, but has a low pile so that you can easily wash it. It is the kind of rug that you want to vacate your desk chair for and just sit on all day.

6. Beeswax candles

Cozy dinners as newlyweds are truly the best. Candles make it all the more romantic. A lot of candlesticks leech a huge amount of toxins as they burn. Beeswax provides a super long-lasting, clean burn to fuel many candle-lit dinners.

And you might as well add some classy bronze candlesticks for your kitchen table while you're at it ;)

7. Camping tent

If you and your husband are of the outdoorsy variety, why not put a tent on the registry? A friend recently told me that she put a family-size tent on her registry, which they can now use for family camping trips.

If you dislike setting up a tent as much as I do, then you'll LOVE this pop-up 6-person tent on Amazon.

7. A cloud-like couch

A comfy couch is essential to a cozy living room. Sectionals like this one allows you to arrange the ottomans in any number of ways. Pull them out to create extra seats at a party, or push them close to the couch to create a space for snuggles or even an extra bed.

You can always create a cash fund on your registry to pay for bigger items like this, but include a picture so that they know what they are helping you buy!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

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