This weekend, we will begin to tackle our wedding registries. Crate and Barrel, Target, and Macy’s are on our list of stores to visit. I’m pretty excited—this is one of the tasks I’ve been looking forward to, even before we got engaged. What doesn’t sound fun about pointing and shooting a little gun at items you want/need? And most stores now offer some sort of “Sip and Scan” event, where couples can enjoy free cocktails, DJ-spun music, and tips from consultants while they shop.

Sounds like a good Sunday-morning activity, right? (I’m pretty sure Jack needs some convincing . . .)

Since moving in together three years ago, we’ve acquired and combined quite the heap of beat-up silverware, IKEA dishes, cheap towels, and hand-me-down pans. But since we’re getting older, and seem to be hosting more wine-and-cheese gatherings versus keg-and-solo-cup parties, I think it’s time we upgrade our collection. We’re actually trading in our current digs and moving to a condo in downtown Kansas City next week, so I’m looking forward to starting our new life with a new home and new accessories.

The words, “We should add that to our registry!” have come out of my mouth several times over the last few months, especially when I’ve realized whatever I’m cooking, cleaning, or planning would be easier with a certain item. But until recently, I hadn’t written anything down. Here is what I’ve got so far (some of these came suggested by friends):

• A juicer (I might, however, buy one of these before the big day. Good for the pre-wedding diet.)
• KitchenAid Stand mixer (Did you know this is the number one registry item among brides?)
• High-quality silverware (Our current mismatched collection is slightly embarrassing.)
• Bedding for our room and guest room
• Serving trays and serving utensils (I never have anything to serve food on when we have more than four people over.)
• Cake stand
• Roasting pan
• Knife set
• Martini glasses
• Stemless wine glasses
• Wine bottle stoppers (Not sure how we’ve lived without these for so long.)
• Luggage
• Serving bowls
• Ice bucket
• Stainless steel garbage can
• Dutch oven (I come across so many recipes that recommend these.)
• Framed artwork

Splurges/luxuries that we don’t necessarily need:

• Hotel-quality towels (My coworker just told me these aren’t a luxury—they’re a necessity.)
• Espresso machine or Keurig Coffee Maker
• Pasta maker
• Waffle iron
• Copper pots
• Honeymoon excursions
• iPad

Things Jack will probably want to add to the list:

• Deep fryer
  

  Jack's margarita machine

• Margaritaville margarita maker (See photo at right. I think we already drink too many of these.)
• Grilling accessories
• Outdoor games (A croquet set would be pretty fun.)
• Personalized barware
• Table saw
• Power washer
• SodaStream Jet Starter Kit (Or some other make-your-own-soda device. I told him it’s cheaper to buy a 24-pack of Diet Coke.)

What are some things you plan to register for? Or if you’re already married, what items do you recommend? What do you still use on a regular basis? What have I missed?