Featuring Kaitlin & Dave’s Hollywood Glam Engagement Session at Con Alma

If you’re newly engaged and rocking the wedding planning, you’ve probably hit that next big question: what do we actually put on our wedding registry? Between Pinterest-perfect home aesthetics and TikTok’s endless “must-haves,” it’s easy to go from minimal to maximal in the span of a single scroll.

Don’t worry—you don’t need 17 types of glassware (unless you’re hosting Gatsby-level parties every weekend). Whether you’re setting up your first home together or already living as domestic pros, this guide will help you create a registry that’s practical, personal, and 100% you.

Today, we’re taking inspiration from Kaitlin and Dave’s recent Hollywood-glam engagement session at Con Alma in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. Their night out perfectly captured that mix of style and substance, and I think their session sparks that engaged romance and thrill (that sometimes needs reigniting when you’re comparing yet another set of invitation suites and napkin colors). These two are so perfectly Pittsburgh that I thought their session would be great for our Pittsburgh wedding registry guide.

So, onto one of the most fun parts of wedding planning: the gift registry!

Pittsburgh Wedding Registry Guide

Step 1: Decide How Big (or Small) to Go

A good rule of thumb: register for at least 2–3 gifts per guest to give your loved ones variety at different price points and ensure you don’t end up with 12 appliances and no towels.

💡 Pro tip: Think about your phase of life.

• If you’re moving in together for the first time, go for the basics—cookware, dinnerware, linens, and everyday appliances.
• If you already share a space: Upgrade what you have. Replace the mismatched college-era plates or that hand-me-down toaster that sparks every third use.
• If you’re minimalists: Focus on experiences or quality-over-quantity items. Many Pittsburgh couples now mix traditional registries with experience-based ones (think cooking classes, travel funds, or memberships to local gems like Phipps Conservatory or the Carnegie Museums).

Step 2: Balance Functionality with Fun

Modern registries don’t have to be all practical. In fact, they shouldn’t be. While it’s smart to include essentials, a well-rounded registry also celebrates your shared interests and lifestyle.

Here’s a breakdown:

The Essentials (aka the grown-up stuff):

• Quality sheets and duvet cover
• Nonstick cookware set or cast-iron pan
• High-speed blender or food processor
• Everyday dinnerware (neutral tones are timeless, and you can always add in trendy accent pieces over time)
• Vacuum or cordless stick vacuum (the unsung hero of adulting)
• Towels, glassware, and serving pieces

The “For Fun” Items (aka the personality pieces):

• Cocktail set or bar cart if you’re Con Alma regulars 🍸
• Charcuterie boards and serving platters for hosting
• Espresso machine or French press for slow mornings
• Stylish record player or bookshelf speakers
• Picnic set for Point State Park summer dates
• Art, statement lighting, or décor pieces that bring your aesthetic home
• Pet-related items

Step 3: Add a Few “Dream” Items on Your Wedding Registry

Don’t shy away from big-ticket items. Guests often team up for group gifts, and registries with higher-end options can help fund the pieces you’ll actually cherish long-term — like a Vitamix, a pretty stand mixer, or even an outdoor fire pit for cozy evenings. If you have groups of work friends (or lots of aunts), this could be a great option.

You can also include cash funds with intention:

• A honeymoon adventure (Italy, Hawaii, or Colorado, perhaps?)
• A first-home fund
• A “date night” fund to keep the spontaneity alive long after the cake’s been cut

If you’re using platforms like Zola, The Knot, or Amazon Wedding Registry, you can add both physical gifts and experiences, which helps you keep everything visually branded and streamlined.

Step 4: Keep Aesthetics in Mind

You’re curating your home, not just stocking a kitchen. For couples who care about design, it’s okay to prioritize pieces that look as good as they function.

Go for neutral bases with personality accents—think matte-black flatware, textured glassware, or stoneware dishes. When in doubt, choose cohesive tones that reflect your shared vibe.

If you haven’t quite nailed down your style, blending industrial accents with modern charm (think warm woods, metallic accents, and soft textures) will help create a classic mix that gives downtown loft energy and home-sweet-home coziness.

Step 5: Don’t Forget the Everyday Details

Registries are not just about filling shelves but about building your life together. Include items that support your daily rituals:

• Quality coffee mugs for slow weekend mornings
• Reusable storage or meal prep containers for weekday efficiency
• Board games or puzzles for unplugged nights in
• A cozy throw for Netflix marathons
• Matching robes or slippers 

Step 6: Timing Is Everything

Create your registry early—ideally as soon as you announce your engagement or before sending out save-the-dates. Guests will appreciate having options if they want to send a gift early (especially for engagement parties or showers).

Update it periodically. Once you’ve received some items, check off duplicates, add seasonal items, or include a few “restock” options.

And remember: you don’t have to do it all at once. Your registry can evolve as you plan your big day. Maybe you spotted a super cute holiday set you could see yourself using year after year. That’s a great start to holiday décor! Go ahead and add it to the list.

Step 7: Let Your Gift Registry Reflect You Two

At the end of the day, your registry should tell your story. Maybe it’s a pair of cocktail coupes because you bonded over old fashioneds, or a stand mixer since one of you is secretly a star baker. Add some camping gear for your next adventure or a donation link to your favorite cause.

There’s no one-size-fits-all registry. The best ones blend practicality, personality, and a little bit of indulgence. The most important part of this Pittsburgh wedding registry guide is to help you select items that really feel like you (not just things Pinterest told you to add).

Wrapping It Up

A thoughtful registry isn’t just a shopping list (or an add-it-all situation), it’s a glimpse into your future together. And just like your engagement photos, it should feel like you: stylish, intentional, and full of joy.

If you’re still in the engagement planning stage, consider documenting this exciting chapter the way Kaitlin and Dave did with a session that captures your unique energy and love story. Their Hollywood-glam shoot at Con Alma, with its moody jazz-bar lighting and downtown sparkle, is proof that modern Pittsburgh couples can mix timeless romance with bold personality.

Want engagement photos that feel like your favorite night out?

Let’s connect to start planning your session—and then go build that registry that’s as stylish as your love story.