You've settled on a wedding date, searched for the dream dress and tasted all the cake flavors. Now it's time for the fun part — picking out items for your wedding registry. This is a great opportunity for family and friends to shower you and your soon-to-be spouse with all the essentials (and some non-essentials) for your new life as a married couple. While it may seem like a daunting task, have fun with it! Register for that stand mixer you've always wanted or a smokeless fire pit your spouse has been eyeing, as well as practical and useful items you'll reach for over and over throughout the years.

When registering, be sure to hit all the price points — under $50, $75, $100, etc. — and include plenty of options for guests to choose from. Most wedding guests will stick to buying from the registry, so experts recommend having it completed four to six months before the wedding to give ample time to purchase. From home essentials such as towels and cookware to splurge items like a grill or home security system, we've compiled our top must-have picks to add to your wedding registry.

Kitchen Essentials and Cookware

Whether you're just moving in or already living together, you can't go wrong with new kitchen cookware, bakeware and cooking utensils. Besides the usual essentials, consider adding handy items like a new potholder set, leak-proof storage containers or a meat thermometer.

Small Kitchen Appliances

When it comes to small kitchen appliances, there's no shortage of new-and-improved options to choose from these days. Enjoy a quick-and-easy meal with the help of an air fryer, or utilize a stand mixer to whip up a batch of Grandma's famous chocolate chip cookies. Since most small appliances sit on the countertop, select colors and finishes that will complement your kitchen design.

Bed and Bath

Strip away the day's stresses in your own home haven with cozy bed and bath basics. Dry off after a soothing bubble bath with fluffy new towels, then snuggle up in bed under a silky sheet set and comforting weighted blanket.

Dining and Entertaining

If you and your spouse love to entertain, register for items you know you'll get good use out of. A bar cart stocked with a set of gleaming wine glasses, high-quality cocktail-making tools and a handy drink dispenser is just what's needed for a night of fun. Kick it up a notch with a sampling of cheeses, meats and crackers on a reclaimed wood charcuterie board before the main course.

Household Appliances, Electronics & Tools

Vacuums, air purifiers and steam mops — oh my! These household tools and electronics are must-haves for new and seasoned couples alike. Keep your home safe and protected with a home security system. No time to iron clothes before work? Enlist the help of a handheld garment steamer to quickly get rid of wrinkles.

For the Home

Moving into a new home after the wedding? Wanting to refresh your current abode as newlyweds? Register for home decor or furniture staples such as table lamps, fine art or a picture frame set to put those cherished wedding photos on full display. Other ideas include a set of curtains, a decorative wall mirror or plush throw pillows.

Outdoor

Don't forget the backyard! Outfit your outdoor area with all the essentials needed to have a good time with family and friends. Whip up some burgers with a sleek charcoal grill and grilling tools while guests enjoy a game of oversized tumbling timbers. Finish off the night by cozying up to a toasty smokeless fire pit.

Just for Fun

Your wedding registry is the perfect chance to ask for items you usually wouldn't buy for yourself but have been eyeing for a while. Pizza oven? Check. Electric wine opener and pasta maker? Check, check.