Bridal Registry Must-Haves: For Your New Life Together

Specialty coffee machines

You probably already own a basic model, and maybe even a Keurig, but now’s the only time that people will be willing to buy you things like a Gaggia Classic espresso machine and a cow-patterned Bialetti Mukka Express cappuccino machine. Whether or not you plan to do much entertaining, put these items on your registry if either of you is a coffee lover!

A vacuum cleaner

Nothing is more frustrating than a cheap vacuum cleaner, and if you have wall-to-wall carpeting in your house, you need to splurge on a well-built vacuum that will stand the test of time. Dropping money on a vacuum is a real drag when you’re at the point of your marriage when you’re penny-pinching and trying to clean your toddler’s crushed Cheerios off of the carpet, so do yourself a favor and ask for a great model, such as the Miele S7580 Bolero .

A good knife set

Nearly as frustrating as a vacuum that literally doesn’t suck, are knives that don’t cut. Not only will a quality set of knives, like the Wüsthof Gourmet 12-Piece Knife Block Set , make cooking a pleasure (or at least less of a chore!), but they’re safer, too; dull knives are more likely to slip and slice into your palm. Not a good way to start a marriage!

Pots and pans

Don’t even think about using discount store pans for the long haul: The non-stick coating will wear off quickly, and they’re more trouble than they’re worth. Choose heavy pans that will stand up to heavy  use. My personal favorite is Lodge cast iron ; once they’re well-seasoned, they’re non-stick, and they’ll last for a lifetime.

A high-end mattress

Mattresses are expensive, and high quality ones even more so. Still, go mattress-shopping with your future spouse, and put the one you want on your registry. Try out the Sealy Optimum Collection for true comfort. Your parents or inlaws might want to splurge, or maybe some friends or family members will chip in to buy you a decade’s worth of restful night and sweet dreams. While you’re at it, choose sheets with a high thread count and maybe a comforter set as well.

Lawn tools

If you’re buying a house now or in the future, you’ll have yard maintenance to deal with. A good lawnmower, an edger, gardening shears and a long garden hose will all come in handy. Craftsman has a great selection of mowers with choices ranging from push-mowers for small yards to tractors for those with some acreage, and several models in between. If you plan on having a flower or vegetable garden, don’t be afraid to ask for small hand tools and even gardening gloves, too!