Photo: Courtesy of Snowe
If clutter makes you cringe and less is more is totes your mantra, then chances are you’re a minimalist bride at heart. You like clean lines and know that a bunch of “stuff” isn’t a must to make a big impact design-wise. So for a wedding registry that meets your minimalist needs, we asked two experts to share their insider secrets.
Do make sure you have enough gifts on there
Remember: your registry is a guide for your guests so having enough gifts for everyone to choose from ensures you don’t wind up with a bunch of crap you have absolutely no use for, notes Zola’s very own Newlywed-At-Large, Jennifer Spector. “That would be every Marie Kondo devotee’s worst nightmare!”
But don’t get talked into registering for stuff you don’t need
Rachel Cohen and Andres Modak, co-founders of home essentials brand Snowe, suggest having a maximum number of gifts in mind before you start registering. “It can be very easy to get trigger happy and add things you’ll never actually use.” Don’t feel pressured by friends and family to register for gizmos and gadgets they think you should have either, they warn. “Take stock of the size and layout of your home, and keep in mind that you need a place to put all you’re registering for.”
Ask for experiences too
While you should register for physical products because gift givers tend to favor those purchases, you can always supplement with honeymoon funds and experiences, says Spector. “For example, if you love to cook but don’t have the space for an entire set of pots and pans, register for a few key pieces and a private cooking class for two or meal delivery from Blue Apron.”
Register for less little stuff and more big-ticket items
Some couples, especially those who have been living together for years, already own most of the basics so it makes sense to register for fewer, more expensive pieces they can use constantly, like a bar cart or high-end, quality luggage, recommends Spector. “You can mark items as group gifts so guests can contribute to one larger purchase.”
Upgrade the every day items
According to Cohen and Modak, a minimalist registry should begin and end with the most essential things you need for daily life. There’s no better time than now to upgrade the basics and replace them with classic and timeless (the key word here being timeless!) pieces that will simplify your life and allow you to easily expand as your needs grow. Anything that helps keep clutter at bay is a good idea too, tells Spector. “Multipurpose kitchen appliances, trash cans, storage containers and serving platters that do double duty as decor are excellent items to register for.”
See More: This Year’s Biggest Wedding Trend: Minimalism (Here’s 7 Ways to Pull It Off Like a Pro)
Go neutral, especially in the bathroom
Minimalism is most important in the smallest room of the house, stress Cohen and Modak. “Let a single aesthetic, be it white, grey or ivory declutter the bathroom to help you relax, refresh and unwind.” As for the kitchen, trust in a set of neutral dishes to maximize versatility. “A simple, cohesive backdrop of high quality, durable plates, bowls and flatware in a single color will provide a clean palette that can transition effortlessly from everyday small bites for two to those times you find yourself cooking an al fresco feast for the extended family.” In the bedroom, it’s best to invest in two neutral sets of soft, durable, breathable sheets and pillowcases that will work with any duvet and quilt, they recommend.
Choose double duty glassware
A full set of everyday drinkware is key! Choose complementing tall and short glasses to achieve a unified aesthetic, instruct Cohen and Modak. “When registering for glassware, imagine where you will store each type of glass to avoid cluttered shelves. A set of versatile, sturdy tumblers can make it as easy to pour a glass of OJ as it is to serve up spirits on the rocks.”
Don’t create several different registries
Avoid creating registries at multiple destinations. This will help streamline the options for you and your guests and make it easier for everyone to keep track of, point out Cohen and Modak. “This also helps you focus on quality over quantity, which is a core component of confident, minimalist living.” Even better: cut out the trigger altogether. “Registering in a brick and mortar store can lead to overconsumption, whereas registering online from home helps you better envision a place for everything you choose!”
Stick to a few favorite brands
If you have a minimalist sensibility, Spector suggests sticking to just a few brands that fit your aesthetic. “Approach your registry like an editor and you can see what goes together before it ships so you have a cohesive look to your home,” she says.