8 couples tell us the one registry item they swear by

Something borrowed, something blue and wedding gifts you’ll actually use. We’re proposing an edit to the Old English rhyme with an asterisk that preparing for the life that follows your big day is just as important as planning the day itself. Why not usher in this next life chapter armed with more things you love that support things you love to do?

We asked eight IRL married couples to share the one registry pick they still stand behind, even after its honeymoon phase. Here’s to a “happily ever after” with fewer items you’ll return or store away, and more you’ll put to good use.

Cocktail glasses

“We almost never use the serving dishes we registered for, especially the cake stands. For some reason, I registered for two! We ended up returning one of our gifts and using the store credit to buy fancy cocktail glasses. I guess one of the biggest lessons of married life so far is that a cake can be served on a large dinner plate and cocktail glasses make morning OJ taste that much better.” –Julia & Dan

Mixing bowls 

“My mother-in-law got us a set of stainless steel mixing bowls, and I swear we use them every day. They’re so useful. Besides having a variety of sizes and surfaces that are easy to clean, ours have lids so they can be used for food storage.” –Cara & Jack

Oven mitts 

“Our heat-resistant oven mitt may not be the prettiest thing in the kitchen, but ever since we got one, we’ve gifted it and promptly watched as prettier oven mitts were discarded. It isn’t bulky, provides a full range of motion and handles really hot temperatures well.” –Elizabeth & Stephen

A chef’s knife

“The MVP of our wedding registry was a two-piece knife set that came with a three-inch paring knife and six-inch chef’s knife. The paring knife is great for fruit, but the chef’s knife is our go-to for everything else. We use this knife every single day. It’s just sharp enough, fits comfortably and can take on most chopping and slicing tasks with ease. I’ve learned that even most basic food tasks are immensely improved with a quality knife.” –Lizzy & Grant

Tortilla warmer

“I thought it was totally unnecessary when my husband added a tortilla warmer to our registry, but seven years later, we use it almost every Sunday for breakfast tacos!” —Fay & David

Quality everyday homewares

“It’s a good idea to invest in high-quality everyday things, like bed sheets, rugs, cookware and dinnerware. They may seem utilitarian, but they’ll make the quotidian tasks of life feel downright indulgent in no time. Plus, they’ll give you a daily reminder of the loved ones who gave them to you.” –Becca & Ryan

5 questions to ask your partner before you register

According to newlyweds on Instagram.

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

Try these twists on tradition.