I’ve Been Married for 16 Years: Here’s What I Actually Use from My Wedding Registry

Years later, these gifts lasted.

By: Amanda Mushro

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Wedding Gifts That Will Get Years and Years of Use

Registering for your wedding is so exciting. Whether you and your partner head into a few stores to add items to your registry or you complete the entire process online, it’s so fun to pick and choose items that you hope you’ll receive as gifts for your big day.

When I was registering for my wedding, I definitely got carried away adding items that I really thought I needed (four different sets of baking dishes and lime green table linens — I’m looking at you). However, after 16 years of marriage, there are still quite a few items that my husband and I received from our wedding registry that we still use and we still love.

It seems like these items were a bit of a luxury when we were engaged and not the everyday items that we really needed. These were items we hoped we would get and probably would never splurge on.

So, if you are getting ready to create your registry and you aren’t sure if you should add the following items, go ahead and do it! Years later, you’ll still love them like you did on your wedding day.

Wedding China

Now, here me out on this one. I am well aware that many people will try to talk you out of registering for wedding China, but I am here to tell you...Don’t skip it!

Besides your wedding and engagement rings, your wedding China will be your first family heirloom. I’m a sucker for the sentimental, so I love the idea of wedding China even if it seems impractical.

These dishes and serving pieces are something you can enjoy on special holidays. Once life gets busy and more expensive, a nice set of China is probably not something you will ever buy for yourself.

I highly recommend pulling out a few of the dishes and pieces on your wedding anniversaries to have a meal together (even if it’s breakfast).

Plus, I love the idea of someday passing my wedding China down to my kids. Yes, sometimes it’s a real pain to store all of the pieces and after you’ll probably have to hand wash each piece. However, do I still think it’s a beautiful gift? Yes. And do I love seeing all of the dishes and plates on my table for special occasions? Also yes.

Pro Tip: if you are storing the China in its original box, save the cards so you can always remember who purchased each item!

Stemware and Barware

My husband and I have always loved entertaining and even though our dinner parties and get-togethers look a lot different now, I’ve always loved that we were given a variety of wine glasses and barware.

Go ahead and put some special occasion stemware on your registry. I promise you won’t regret adding those glasses.

No matter what we were serving at a party — red or white wine, margaritas, or an ice cold beer — we always had lovely stemware and barware that made the party look and feel more elegant (even if it isn’t fancy).

Standing Mixer

16 years later and my KitchenAid Standing mixer is still going strong. While I wish I had picked a more neutral color (I registered for pink), I love that this handy dandy machine is still working and gets used when I make special meals and for holiday celebrations.

The standing mixer has been an integral part of every kitchen we have had and I love that my kids like using the mixer when we bake. It’s truly a classic piece that you will use for years to come.

Really Nice Picture Frames

Here’s a life hack for you. When you register for and receive really nice picture frames, you are more likely to print, frame, and hang your wedding photos in your home.

Instead of letting all of your beautiful photos sit on your computer, put the pictures on display in your home and every home you’ll have with your partner.

Choose a classic frame and matte color so that no matter your decor, you’ll always want to have the pictures on your wall.

Fun Serving Pieces

While your everyday dishes will get a lot of wear and tear, there are so many fun serving pieces that you can register for and break out on special occasions.

It makes entertaining so much more fun and if you are on a budget, these are items you may not want to purchase. Hopefully you’ll have plenty of opportunities to celebrate with friends and family and put those serving pieces to use.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 25 Great Off-Registry Wedding Gifts, Mother of the Bride or Groom Dresses That Are Flattering and Fun, 10 Unexpected Ways to Save Money When Planning a Wedding

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I’ve Been Married for 16 Years: Here’s What I Actually Use from My Wedding Registry

Related To:

Shop This Look

Wedding Gifts That Will Get Years and Years of Use

Wedding China

Stemware and Barware

Standing Mixer

Really Nice Picture Frames

Fun Serving Pieces

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Weddings

I’ve Been Married for 16 Years: Here’s What I Actually Use from My Wedding Registry

Related To:

Shop This Look

Wedding Gifts That Will Get Years and Years of Use

Wedding China

Stemware and Barware

Standing Mixer

Really Nice Picture Frames

Fun Serving Pieces