Photo: Getty Images
If you’re starting the wedding registry process you know it can be overwhelming — how many sets of flatware do you need? What kind of wine glasses? Should you pick a classic china pattern or something more modern and tailored to your personality, or forgo china altogether? Ah, decisions, decisions!
Here’s an easy rule of thumb to follow: If you’re the kind of couple that would rather get a few larger gifts than a slew of smaller ones, consider the beauty of the group present! Most wedding registries will now allow guests to easily donate any amount they want toward larger gifts, so consider one or two larger gifts and maybe some smaller ones for those people who still want to bring a physical present. Need a little guidance? We’ve picked out some of our favorite splurge-worthy registry items to help you get started!
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A Mattress
A mattress is one of those things that no one ever really wants to buy, but when you get one you love you can’t believe it’s taken you as long as it has to replace that dingy one you’ve had since college! Our favorite these days is the Casper — great price point, super comfy, convenient to deliver and set up, and they let you test it for 100 days so you can return it if it’s not what you’re looking for. (King-sized mattress, $950, Casper)
Photo: Courtesy of Papillionaire
Bikes
If you’re the kind of couple that likes to go on outdoor adventures together (or even just the occasional ride around the city), think about registering for bicycles. We love Huffy for an excellent price point (and we especially love the retro-inspired beach cruisers!), and for a higher price point, we also love Papillionaire bikes. (“Sommer” bike, starting at $499, Papillionaire)
Photo: Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma
A Super Fancy Espresso Machine
If you and your partner are caffeine snobs — ahem — aficionados, you know how important (but how pricey) a quality espresso machine is. For a lower price point, we love the Nespresso DeLonghi Pro Espresso maker and for something a little more unique and a bit higher price point, this La Pavoni Professional Espresso Machine will definitely add a little oomph to your morning caffeine routine. (“DeLonghi Lattissima Pro” espresso maker, $599.95, Nespresso available at Williams-Sonoma)
See More: The Best Ways to Let Guests Know About Your Wedding Registry
Photo: Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma
A Quality Vacuum Cleaner
Not among the sexiest of things you can register for, but definitely something you’ll use for years and years, a really great quality vacuum can really change your — dare we say — life? We loveee Miele vacuums, and this upright one is both powerful and easy to use — no re-vacuuming needed with this miracle worker! (“Dynamic U1 Twist” vacuum, $449, Miele available at Williams-Sonoma)
Photo: Courtesy of Hélène Delmaire; Brenna Giessen; Lulie Wallace
A Piece of Art You Love
We’ve already told you how easy it is register for art, so why not get something for your new home that’s an original as opposed to a print/replica? Obviously it’ll be pricier, but if it really speaks to you, you’ll be happy everyday when you see it. You can set up a fund on your registry specifically for that art piece so that many people will be able contribute. Above are a couple of originals we love at different price-points. (“8 Dec” $326, Hélène Delmaire; “Coastal Moon” $280, Brenna Giessen; “Flowers for Ellen” $1,300, Lulie Wallace)