Your wedding is one of the biggest days of your life and with everything else you need to organize, people asking what you’d like as a present can seem like a lot to deal with.

If you have a registry, however, you can direct your guest to it instead of freaking out and trying to think of something on the spot. Sure, it’s tempting to ask for anything you feel like, but if you plan it correctly, a registry can be a helpful tool in starting your marriage off on the right foot. Read on to discover five must-have items to include on your wedding registry.

Cookware

No one wants to worry about necessities when they’re madly in love but certain things can’t be swept under the rug for long. Starting a life with someone is a big step, but it won’t be a long one if you both starve to death because you didn’t realize you’ve got nothing to cook with until after you’ve blown all your cash on your honeymoon.

Beautiful cookware sets are functional presents, but they’re also great mementos of your big day. Every time you cook for, or with, your partner, you’ll be reminded of how special it was to tie the knot surrounded by those you love.

High Thread Count Sheets

A lot of people avoid getting bedding that has a higher thread count as the cost can seem unreasonable for something you pretty much only use when you’re sleeping. The beginning of your married life, however, is the perfect time to upgrade your sheets and cover sets. You deserve a little bit of luxury, and you’ll be thankful for the extra resilience as well as how nice they feel.

Small Appliances

Asking your guests to renovate your kitchen isn’t fair, but requesting those small appliances you’ve always felt were missing is. Think things like coffee machines and blenders – anything larger probably isn’t great etiquette, but they do say it’s the small things that matter anyway.

Luggage

No one ever thinks to buy themselves quality luggage, but if you get one good suitcase, you’re essentially set for life. This is definitely one of those cases where it’s quality over quantity, so why not register for a set for yourself and your partner?

Keepsakes and Miscellaneous Items

It’s totally okay to ask your guests to buy you that nice photo album that you can’t justify the price of or a cute little box to keep your traditionally saved portion of cake in.

Not everything on your registry has to be big – it doesn’t even have to have a purpose. Make sure you include some sweet and fun presents that you and your partner want just for the sake of having them.

You can essentially ask for anything you want on your registry, but to avoid disappointment, it’s recommended that you keep your guests' budgets in mind before going over the top.

Everything included in this list can be picked up for a reasonable price and will provide continued value to your new married life. The great thing about a registry is that you can ensure you get things you want and need but still offer your guests the flexibility to get something they think you’d like. And that’s definitely better than blurting out something like “socks” in the heat of the moment.

Now, happy planning and enjoy your wedding day!