Start building your wedding wish list

When you’re setting up a new home, here are some questions to answer:

1) How many everyday dishes will you need? Dishware and silverware sets of 10-12 of each piece are commonly used items.

2) Are the rooms in your home/apartment small or large? For example, the number of curtains you need will depend on how many windows there are. Is your apartment open concept? You may want to coordinate the colors in connected rooms.

3) What style of decoration do you like, modern or traditional?

4) Is there a color story? Do you prefer neutrals or certain colors? Does your future spouse have a favorite (or least favorite) color?

Now, you can add these household essentials to your wedding wish list:

Dishes, silverware, and glasses. Plates (various sizes), bowls, cups, forks, spoons, knives.

Furniture such as a sofa, armchair, side tables, dining table and chairs, lamps, TV and music player.

Soft furnishings like curtains, pillows, and rugs for your main living areas.

Decorative items such as picture frames, artwork, mirrors, wall hangings.

You’ll want your home to look beautiful, you’ll also need cooking tools. What kinds of recipes do you cook? What work and family responsibilities may limit your time in the kitchen? Small appliances and a selection of pans will save you prep time! Here are some things you may want to add to your wedding wish list.

Cooking pans (with lids), knives of different kinds, baking pans, tagines and baking pans. Chopping boards too.

Kitchen appliances such as mixers, air fryer, instant pot, rice cooker, food processor, blender, grater/slicer, slow cooker, coffee maker, tea kettle, etc.

Kitchen tools include mixing bowls, mortar and pestle, whisks, spatulas, strainers, measuring cups, rolling pin, large spoons, oven thermometer.

Add storage containers for your kitchen pantry to your wedding wish list. Foods like rice, pasta, beans, sugar, flour, spices, coffee beans, are best stored in sealed containers. Sets of glass, tin, or ceramic containers will be used daily.

Add to your wedding wish list things you’ll need for bedrooms and bathrooms.

Bed and bath furnishings such as bed linens: duvets, pillows, and sheets. Bath towels, a shower curtain, bathroom rugs, and curtains for privacy.

Storage containers for the bathroom to keep makeup and cleaning items in order. And don’t forget closet organizing, hangers, storage boxes, shoe organizers etc.

Cleaning appliances: every home needs a vacuum, washing machine, mop and bucket, dustpan and broom, duster, etc.

Adding personal touches can turn an empty apartment into a comfortable home. So remember to add items like lamps, mirrors, and wall decor to your wedding wish list.

When you’re married, you’ll celebrate with guests often. A wedding wish list is a chance to receive special pieces that will make entertaining a joy. Here are some ideas for things you may want for entertaining:

For the hostess table: decorative dishes and serving dishes in different sizes. Pitchers for water and drinks. Special glasses and tea sets.
Dessert dishes. Salt and pepper bowls and oil cruet sets. Servers, cake plates, platters. Bread baskets.

Decoration for the table: tablecloths, table runners and napkins. Candelabra and candles. Centerpieces.

Holiday decor: for celebrations and holidays like Eid, Christmas, baby showers, birthdays, graduations.