Martini Mondays: The Next Pour | A new set of chats.
This week on Martini Mondays, I had my favorite guest (and resident chef/husband) Jaysen join me to talk all things wedding registries—what you need, what you don’t, and what couples always get wrong.
Let’s just say… opinions were had.
The Biggest Registry Mistake
According to Jaysen: don’t just “point and shoot” your way through your registry.
It’s easy to get excited and add everything—but if you don’t go back and edit, you’ll end up with things you’ll never use (hello, panini press).
✔️ Focus on what you’ll actually use
✔️ Think about your guest list
✔️ Have a mix of price points
Everyday vs. Special Occasion
The sweet spot? Both.
- Everyday essentials = things you’ll use constantly (plates, cookware, etc.)
- Special pieces = items you won’t buy yourself (hello, pretty glassware)
My take: if you don’t register for the “fun” items, you’ll never have them.
Chef-Approved Must-Haves
Straight from Jaysen:
- High-quality pots & pans (he’s an All-Clad guy… shocker)
- A solid knife set (yes, even if it feels “extra”)
- Everyday dishware (preferably white—because food looks better)
His philosophy?
Spend on the things you’ll use daily—and take care of them.
Is It Tacky to Register for Expensive Items?
Short answer: it depends.
- A $1,000 knife set? Debatable.
- A beautiful home piece or heirloom item? More acceptable
The key:
✔️ Keep your registry approachable
✔️ Include a range of prices
✔️ Remember—groups can go in on bigger gifts
Things You Don’t Need (Probably)
We’re calling these out:
- Rice cooker (controversial, apparently)
- Panini press (still fighting about this)
- Fondue pot (unless you’re committing to a fondue era)
- Random “as seen on TV” gadgets
If it’s gimmicky… you won’t use it.
Amazon Finds That Are Actually Worth It
One unexpected MVP:
Milk frother (under $20)
We use it daily—and honestly, it’s the perfect small registry add.
Registry Trends We’re Side-Eyeing
We also touched on newer trends like:
- Honeymoon funds
- “House funds” (hard no!)
Our take:
Cash gifts already exist… let’s not overcomplicate it.
Final Advice
“If you invest in good things and take care of them—you’ll have them forever.”
Honestly… applies to your kitchen and your marriage
If you’re building your registry right now, think of this as your sign to:
✔️ Edit your list
✔️ Skip the gimmicks
✔️ Invest in pieces that last
Read about my fave places to register!
And if you need help curating your entire wedding season look (not just your registry) … you know where to find me.
Cheers to smarter registries and fewer unused appliances.
XO, A.C.E Styling
