When creating a wedding gift registry, many couples tend to focus on indoor essentials such as flatware, kitchen appliances, and linens. But if you have an outdoor space, adding backyard essentials to your registry will ensure you always have an entertaining-ready alfresco area. We gathered several outdoor items for wedding registries that will be practical and stylish additions to your happily ever after.
1. Outdoor Furniture
If you want your backyard to be somewhere you can relax and recharge together, start with comfortable furniture. Synonymous with leisure, lounge seating and dining sets combine style, durability, and comfort. In other words, they’re must-haves for decks, poolsides, balconies, or whatever backyard setting you have.
Before adding patio furniture to your outdoor wedding registry, consider what pieces best fit your lifestyle. For example, if you and your partner love hiking and traveling, foldable camping chairs are great options because you can use them on your porch, then pack them away in your car for your next adventure.
If you’re both homebodies, consider a deep seating set that invites you both to spend more time outside, from morning coffee dates to snuggling up together. If you love to cook for family and friends, go for an all-weather dining set that loved ones can gather around in any season, for any reason.
2. Fire Pit
Fire pits are great for warmth, coziness, and ambiance all year long. From tabletop and portable options to user-friendly fire pit tables and traditional wood-burning styles, the possibilities are endless. So have fun picking one that suits you and your spouse-to-be’s lifestyle and that will, in the words of Louis Armstrong, keep the lovelight burning.
3. Pillows and Cushions
Small accents can have a significant impact and are easy ways to bring color and texture to your patio, deck, or balcony. With the right pillows and cushions, you can create a stylish layered look for your outdoor furniture, essentially making your backyard feel like a second living room. Beyond that, the extra support lets you two (and your guests) enjoy the outdoors for longer.
4. Durable Decor
An inviting outdoor space helps make guests feel right at home any time they visit. Curating thoughtful, joy-sparking decor that fits your combined style will do just that. Just make sure you pick pieces that can handle the elements. Here are some ideas for outdoor decor to add to your wedding registry:
- Outdoor water fountain
- Planters and hanging baskets
- Outdoor area rugs
- Bird houses and feeders
- Wind chimes
- Front door wreaths
- Lanterns
- Bistro lights
- Tiki torches
- Outdoor umbrellas
5. Helpful Entertaining Items
These are the little details you don’t think about until the need arises. Practical, inexpensive, and incredibly useful, you’ll be happy you added any or all of the following items to your wedding registry:
- Bottle openers
- Lighters
- Acrylic wine glasses and drinkware
- Weather-resistant side tables
- Melamine serveware
- Outdoor-friendly silverware
- Wireless outdoor speakers
6. Organization and Cleaning Supplies
You know what they say: a clear outdoor space equals a clear mind. While cleaning and organization might not sound very romantic, these supplies are necessary for maintaining an inviting environment. Brooms, scrub brushes, glass cleaner, buckets, and disinfectant spray are just some examples of cleaning supplies you’ll need if you want to keep your patio pristine.
Organization-related items—think weatherproof totes, extra shelving, or furniture with built-in storage—will always come in handy. Having items on your wedding registry that make backyard upkeep easy is smart for multiple reasons, such as:
- Wedding planning can be expensive, so you’ll appreciate not having to spend money on these essential items once you start this new chapter.
- Individually, cleaning and organizational supplies doesn’t cost much—making them perfect gifts for wedding guests who are on a budget but still want to give you something on your big day.
- Outdoor storage items reduce clutter and protect your decor, cushions, and blankets when you aren’t using them, prolonging the life of your cherished pieces.
Pro Tip: Don’t Forget the Tools
Trust us when we say tools are essential for seamless entertaining.
When you want to add furniture to your patio, you’ll need to know if you have enough room. Enter measuring tape. Want to put up strands of outdoor lights, display any hanging decor, or pop that loose fence post back in place? A hammer and nails (or better yet, a power drill) will make these projects a piece of cake.
7. Gift Cards
Not sure what to add to your wedding registry? Or is there a big-ticket item you have your eye on that would become more affordable with help from loved ones? All of these problems can be solved with gift cards.
A gift card gives you the freedom to purchase exactly what you want.
Maybe you’re one of those outdoorsy couples who don’t entertain much but love hiking and sleeping under the stars (and you’re both particular about your camping gear). Put gift cards to REI Co-op on your registry. Or you might already have a fully stocked house and don’t need more stuff. Gear your wedding registry toward creating an incredible honeymoon with Southwest Airlines, Airbnb, or Uber gift cards.
