Fine china? Forget it! Here are 6 things you don’t have to include in your registry anymore (despite what your parents and grandparents think!)
Wedding registries used to have a very specific purpose — providing a newlywed couple with everything they’d need to start a home.
Let’s be real, though. It’s 2025, and many of us are starting our homes (and even our families) before we say “I do.” Beyond that, many of the standard, classic items you’d find on a registry would probably end up gathering dust in the back of your closet.
Despite what some older friends and relatives may think, here are 6 things you don’t have to include in your registry anymore (that is, of course, unless you want to!)
1. Fine china and full service silverware
Unless you throw frequent fancy dinner parties for 8 or more people, registering for fine china and full service silverware is a waste. They might be nice to have at the holidays, but chances are they won’t see the light of day for more than one or two meals a year…if that.
Image courtesy of Heather Jean Photography
2. Speciality entertaining pieces
Again — unless you’re known for your dinner parties, things like cheese platters, Lazy Susans, and tiered trays tend to just take up space.
3. Fancy glass wear and crystal
Items like these may be nice to have as family heirlooms, but they rarely serve any day-to-day purposes in our homes. Consider including one nice vase or statement piece on your list and leave it at that.
4. Trendy kitchen gadgets
Okay, that Instagram ad with the machine that makes cocktails like a Keurig? You tapped “save” SO fast. But big, trendy kitchen gadgets take up A LOT of real estate in your kitchen, and usually don’t get used all that much.
5. Anything that strongly matches your current kitchen decor
Yes, that red checkered dutch oven IS adorable. Do you think you’ll have the exact same vibes in your kitchen for the next 20 years, though? It’s best to go with more neutral hues so you can continue to use the item regardless of your current interior design.
6. “Staples” that you know you won’t use
We all know and love the KitchenAid stand mixer. But before you add it to your registry, ask yourself this question: how often do you bake? If the answer isn’t “a lot,” you’re better off registering for something else. The same goes for other kitchen staples like blenders, air fryers, etc. Think of how often you’re likely to use these items. “Staples” aren’t staples for everyone!