Mastering The Wedding Registry

disclsoure: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of De'Longhi Group

Getting married is amazing. It is exciting. It is a time like no other in your life. As a former wedding planner and wedding book author, I know it can also seem overwhelming. Selecting flowers, dresses, invitations, and parties are what most couples consider wedding planning, but there is so much more. One aspect of planning most couples tend to underestimate is developing the bridal registry. They think it is easy to select a few amazing gifts and be on their way, but truth be told, crafting a useful and meaningful wedding registry is almost an art form!

A bridal registry provides a couple the opportunity to make selections for items they will use in their home after they are married. It also offers guests guidance and options for selecting gifts for the couple that they need and want. Modern registries can include everything from honeymoons to mortgage funds to home improvement essentials, but you can never go wrong creating a traditional wedding registry with an established store like Bloomingdales. Registering at a trusted store also gives you access to the stores bridal consultant who can guide you through the registry process.

With many couples living on their own or even together before they wed, they often have a myriad of items for their home. Creating a registry to compliment what they already own should include immediate needs, fundamental items (like an amazing coffee maker), items they anticipate a need for in the future, or even selections to provide a fresh start in their home (together).

Over the years, when it came time to craft a wedding registry, my advice to every client (and friend) I worked with, was to begin with core, essential items - you can't go wrong. These are items you will use practically forever. I, myself, have seen married for a long time (almost 20 years!), and believe it or not, items from my wedding registry are still being used!

So, are you ready to register?  Need a little advice? Check out my top tips for Mastering the Bridal Registry!

1 -  Decide which items are important to you...And have your fiance do they same. While you both may agree you need new towels or linens right now, think long term. Formal china may not seem necessary at this moment, but in the future, do you hope to entertain family and friends for the holidays or other special occasions? Will you be hosting work colleagues? Wouldn't it be lovely to have gorgeous serving pieces for such occasions? I have a friend who chose to not register for formal china, glassware or serving pieces. Fast forward a few years, she not only wants but really needs these items. You really need to consider your future needs and lifestyle when registering.

2 - Fill your kitchen with convenient, modern, and reliable appliances. Honestly, nothing can really replace quality in the kitchen. The items we bring into our homes should also make life easier so you can spend more time doing what you love. In my world, all these amazing small appliances help my day run smoother. Quality products like the Braun BrewSense Drip Coffee Maker can become an integral part of your daily life and be valuable for years (and years!). 

Whether you begin each day with a cup of coffee or enjoy one in the afternoon in the company of friends, this is an essential household item not only for newlyweds but, really anyone! There is something special about brewing an amazing pot of coffee and sharing it with friends. And...you want to serve the best coffee, right? This Braun coffee maker utilizes the PureFlavor System which brews the coffee at the right temperature every time, therefore capturing the best flavor and aroma! Don't forget to add this beauty to your Bloomingdales Registry and let the German quality, design and engineering of Braun help you build your home and compliment your lifestyle. 

3 - Select items in all prices ranges. Not everyone can afford to gift you a place setting of china, or a mattress, or 700 thread count sheets. Include smaller, practical, and affordable items so that all of your guests have a range of items to choose from. Sometimes guests have their own ideas when it comes to what they are going to buy you. Even if Aunt Martha can afford something extravagant, she may have her sights on setting you up with practical, traditional registry items like a coffee maker or mixer. There is a better chance (but no guarantee) that you will get items you prefer if you have a diverse list. 

For couples all over, the options for their weddings are virtually limitless. I can hardly believe the amazing ideas and inspiration and tools available to brides these days. Just like every other aspect of wedding planning, a bride can go so overwhelmed with the amount of information and opinions floating around her. Stay focused, look for quality brands like Braun, and trust in the essentials and you will be on your way to creating your perfect home. 

Be sure to visit Braun on Facebook and Pinterest for more!

Do you still have any items from your wedding registry?

Happy Registering!

This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of De'Longhi Group. The opinions and text are all mine.