So you’re engaged (hot dog!!) + you’re getting all of your ducks in a row for your big day! One of those ducks just so happens to be your wedding registry! It can be an extremely overwhelming (yet FUN!) time when you’re creating your registry at the store!!

Here are 5 TIPS that I promise will help make the most of your registry!

Tip #1: Think Beyond The Kitchen Gadgets. This sounds simply enough, right? But the longer you think about it, the harder it gets to think of just EVERYTHING you’ll need for post-wedding life. To be honest, this is something we didn’t even think through! Why not put a decent camera on your registry to ensure you don’t miss any of those special moments from your honeymoon through your first few years of marriage? We recommend looking at the Canon Rebel’s. They’re affordable, easy to learn + guarantees great images from the start! (Photo by Katelyn James Photography)

Tip #2: Treat Yourself To Gifts You Just Want. See something that catches your eye in the store, but you’re not sure what you’ll use it for? Add it to the registry! There’s no guarantee that you’ll receive the item + if you do, you’ll find a use for it. Have you always had an eye on a Kitchen Aid Mixer, but know you’re hand mixer works just fine? Add that Kitchen Aid Mixer to your list! You won’t forget it!

Tip #3: Think Outside The Box. Don’t just ask for gadgets + gizmos! Think about gift cards to your local grocery stores, to restaurants that you two love, to the movie theater or any other date night ideas you two might love! Guests love to personalize their gifts + they’ll appreciate you giving them ideas for gifts that mean something to you.

Tip #4: Create Cash Funds. Want to go on the ultimate honeymoon, but can’t afford it? Why not create a GoFundMe or look into the HoneyFunds that are online! Guests can easily donate money towards your trip to The Bahamas through the website, or get those crafting supplies out and make your own Honeymoon Fund box for the wedding reception that guests can put their cash in!

Tip #5: Always Add More Gifts To Give Guests Options. Don’t just choose the super pricey items + the next to nothing items. Give your guests a wide range so that everyone can afford to give you something special from your list.