Picking out what looks good is easy. But actually knowing what you can use can be a bit of a challenge. Here are a few picks as you sign up for your bridal registry.

Whether you are creating a registry in the most exclusive store in town or telling your maid of honor to get the word out to your guests, what you pick out for your guests of what to give on your Big Day will reflect on you and your wedding. So though it is your day to shine, think of the guests you have invited to celebrate and share an important part in your life. No matter how exotic your wedding location is, no matter how much money you make or don’t make and no matter which family you are marrying into, your guests will give you gifts to show their love for you and to help  start you off your new life. Knowing this, do not ASK for gifts. Knowing that, you still need to make life easier for your guests so it is strongly recommended that you create a registry and let your guests know about it…in a subtle way.

Wishlist, Pricelist

Let’s talk about money. There should be a wide price range of gifts. Your guests should have a choice of spending P100 or P10,000 for your gift. If you register for items that are all in the P5,000 to P10,000 price range, you are telling your guests that you expect them to spend P5,000 on you. It doesn’t matter if they are wealthy and are intending to spend double that amount. What matters is the message you are giving. Be sensitive too. Not all your guests will be able to afford expensive gifts anyway but will want to give you something they are sure you want and need.

Longterm setting

When you register, keep in mind how your immediate future is going to be. Will you be staying with your parents and moving out after a few years or will you immediately move into a brand new house? Will you begin your marriage in a condominium unit? Make sure you put things in your registry that you really want and need. Don’t ask for a complicated coffee machine if you will be living with your father-in-law who has his own coffee preferences. But do get the matching plates and charger sets if you are moving into your own home and see yourself entertaining and hosting dinner parties. It is not advisable to ask your guests to buy something and then return it and just keep the cash. What will you do when an aunt visits you in your new apartment and asks where her cheese platter is?

List only what you really need

Always consider what you need. If you are starting out, you will definitely need items like cookware, table settings, flatware, towels, linens and some appliances. The more useful appliances are toasters,  rice cookers, microwaves, coffee machines and even electric fans. Having a registry will also help you get full sets of dinnerware, glassware and cookware. While a guest may buy only one set of four, this will add up quickly and before you know it, you will have a dozen (or even two dozens!) of those fabulous crystal goblets.

Think of maximum usage

Here are a few thoughts to ponder on when registering for homeware. First, do you see yourself entertaining posh dinners or casual get-togethers? Or would you rather gather around the table for  drinks and dessert? Second, what is your cooking style? Do you even have a cooking style? Whether a chef or not, a kitchen would need a great food processor or an efficient juicer to make you look like a 5-star chef.

5 basic essentials

Stick to the basics. One can never go wrong with a set of classic glassware. You can experiment a bit and try those with a hint of color too. Serving trays are the mark of great hostess so be sure to pick those that are unique. Monochromatic options with unique accents and hues never go out of style. You will need different dishes depending on whom you will frequently invite. By giving your guests a range of style options and price points (classic whites and microwave-safe items for eating in, and higher-end china dishes for the swankier affair) you will then be set for different entertaining styles. Do add an accent piece or two on your own sometime in the future as well.