5 traditional registry items you can skip—and what to add instead

Fine china, ice buckets and cake stands, oh my. When it comes to wedding gifts, maybe the quintessentials are calling your name—they’re classic for a reason, after all. But don’t let tradition alone determine your registry wish list.

San Francisco-based wedding planner Erica Estrada is well acquainted with the struggles couples face when choosing the items that will play backdrop to this next life chapter. “Take inventory of what you already own,” Erica recommends. “If you already have items you love, there’s no need to request duplicates.” Most importantly: “There’s also no reason to add items because you think you have to.”

We rounded up five traditional albeit outdated gifts with modern mainstay alternatives—twists on tradition less apt to collect dust and more likely to get used in regular rotation.

Instead of: crystal
Try: glass

Once upon a time, crystal punch bowls, decanters and glassware were among the crème de la crème of wedding gifts. Today, dinner parties are much more casual, and its formality and fragility can present a bit of a vibe clash. Instead, Erica suggests opting for glassware you’d reach for on a daily basis as well as when hosting.

Instead of: lace
Try: linen

Also in line with the more formal entertaining style of yesteryear, lace was a typical gift for newlyweds to prep them for their impending hosting duties. Erica thinks linen is even more chic (we agree!) and sets a more relaxed tone. “Much like glassware, linen can be a part of everyday meals and entertaining,” she says. Start with a set of four or eight in a versatile earthy hue.

Instead of: monograms
Try: a mailbox

When it comes to gift giving, wedding guests love a personal touch. Monogrammed stationery and stamp sets make a thoughtful custom gift, assuming you and your partner will share a name. If that’s not the case—or if you want to add an alternative a bit more outside (or should we say inside?) the box, Erica suggests this unique yet super practical request: “A mailbox is an unconventional gift. A stylish one is great for curb appeal and can elevate a mundane task.” Stick to options with clean lines and classic colors to easily fit your home’s exterior design, and consider adding your house numbers for a tailored touch.

Instead of: wedding frames
Try: framed art

Registering for a few gallery frames is a great way to think ahead and ensure a home for your favorite snaps of the big day. But now’s the chance to add some artwork to your blank wall space as well. Choosing the right piece is a fun exercise to do together—and perhaps a welcome break in the midst of nitty-gritty wedding planning to-do’s.

Instead of: candles
Try: a humidifier

Post-wedding R&R is a must, so it’s no wonder that candles are a common gift for helping newlyweds unwind. But creating a calming space at home to rest and recharge calls for more than just candles. “Traditional registries used to focus purely on housekeeping and entertaining,” Erica says. “A humidifier makes space for your own comfort, ensuring you get the rest you need.”

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