Let’s be real — nobody wants to unwrap six sets of monogrammed towels and three slow cookers after the honeymoon. But it happens all the time, bless our hearts. Why? Because people guess. And when your guests guess, you end up with a pile of “thoughtful” things that’ll sit in a closet until your next yard sale in Mount Juliet.
So here’s how to steer folks in the right direction — and actually get wedding gifts you’ll use and love — Nashville style.
1. Make a registry. Seriously.
This isn’t being greedy; it’s being helpful. Your guests want to know what you need. Otherwise, they’ll assume you still don’t have matching dishes and head straight for Target with blind faith.
Make a registry that fits your life. Got a downtown apartment? Maybe skip the 12-piece china set. Building your first home in Franklin? Add some home essentials. And yes, put a few fun “just because” things on there — like a cornhole set for backyard hangs or a record player for those Sunday mornings with coffee and old-school country.
2. Mix the practical with the local.
Sure, include the good towels and cookware — but throw in some local flavor.
A gift card for Loveless Café biscuits mix? Perfect. A Nashville Hot Chicken cookbook? Even better. Something from White’s Mercantile or a handmade piece from a 12South artisan shop adds personality to your registry and keeps things authentically you.
3. Cash and experience funds are totally fine.
We’re past the days when asking for cash was awkward. Most people get it now — you don’t need another blender, you need a honeymoon.
Use sites like Honeyfund or Zola and label your options: “Honeymoon BBQ crawl in Austin,” or “Kayaking on Center Hill Lake.” It gives people the joy of gifting an experience, not just a transaction.
4. Share your registry (without sounding like a commercial).
Don’t post your registry link like it’s a new single dropping on Spotify. Just pop it onto your wedding website, or let your family and bridal party share it when people ask.
Guests appreciate a smooth, polite nudge — not a full-blown sales pitch.
5. Say thank you like you mean it.
Even if someone goes rogue and buys you something wild (like that musical whiskey decanter from Broadway), thank them sincerely. It’s part of the charm.
Maybe even send a note that says, “We’ve never had a singing decanter before — it’s officially the most Nashville thing we own!”
At the end of the day, getting the gifts you want comes down to being clear, thoughtful, and a little bit strategic.
You’ll save your guests the stress, get things you’ll actually use, and avoid the dreaded “gift graveyard” in your garage.
And once you’ve nailed the registry, let’s talk about the fun part — planning a ceremony that’s just as personal and stress-free as your new life together right here in Music City.