Creating a registry is one of the most fun aspects of wedding planning. But with so many choices, narrowing down bridal registry ideas also has the potential to be quite overwhelming. It's easy to get lost in the myriad options and lose sight of the items you'll actually use and enjoy day after day. Shop smarter by registering for wedding gifts that will truly help you start your life together, and that you'll love to use for years-even decades-to come.

  1. Upgraded Bedding

    Your registry is an opportunity to shop for high-quality items you might not have already purchased yourself. So make your bedroom into a sanctuary by upgrading your sheets, duvet, shams and bed skirt with linens that will last for years. A heated mattress pad will keep you both warm on chilly nights, and a cashmere throw blanket will add a touch of cozy luxury.

  2. Quality Bath Towels

    Likewise, trade in tired looking towels for fresh, fluffy bath sheets for you and your guests. Choose ultra-soft Turkish or Egyptian cotton, or opt for an eco-friendly bamboo fiber blend. Make sure to register for extra sets to accommodate overnight guests.

  3. Durable Kitchen Tools

    Whether you and your fiancé cook every day...or only when you're feeling inspired, make stocking your kitchen with durable gear a top priority.

    Start with dishes, flatware and drinkware for everyday use, and consider if you’ll use second sets for special occasions.

    Next, register for a cookware set that includes a saucepan, sauté pan, and stockpot. And invest in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven. You'll also want to invest in a knife set that includes chef's, paring and bread knives, as well as a honing steel and knife sharpener.

    And don't underestimate the worth of a high-quality blender, like one from Vitamix, in preparing healthy recipes from silky smoothies to chunky sauces and hot soups to frozen treats. Instead of adding a single-use blender, food processor, ice cream maker and stand mixer to your wedding registry, a Vitamix blender has the power and versatility to do the job of all those machines in one, making it one of the best investments you can make for a healthy, efficient and inspiring kitchen.