Should Couples Still Include Fine China on Their Wedding Registries?

Traditionally, registering for fine china was considered the standard for engaged couples; selecting a pattern and adding enough place settings for an entire extended family to your pre-nuptial gift list was completely commonplace. In the last two decades or so, however, it became far more typical to request simpler, more casual dishware that could be used for everyday dining and entertaining alike. Now, formal hosting at home is back on the rise, and like any good trend, fine china has returned—with modern improvements, of course. These days, nothing is standard and couples are choosing to do what they want, and that's especially true when crafting a wedding registry. 

“We live in a modern world where sentimentality has made way for no china registry at all. It’s now trend versus traditional registries,” says etiquette expert Lisa Grott. As couples create their modern wedding registries, the inclusion of fine china tends to be a toss-up: Some pairs absolutely include a selection of beautiful, delicate dinnerware pieces while others skip the tradition and request other items that suit their home and lifestyle best.

If you’re wondering if fine china deserves a spot on your wedding registry, we asked Grotts to weigh in. Here, she shares tips to help you decide if this classic gift is right for you and modern tips for adding these place settings to your list should you decide to go for it.

Consider Your Needs

Couples are drawn to china for "entertaining, usage, uniformity, and sentimentality passed on from one generation to another,” says Grotts. What you require out of a set of dishes will help you determine if you should register for fine china. Not much of a host? A durable, attractive set of daily dishes may be all you need. If, however, you love to throw parties, host holiday dinners, or have a beautiful dining room piece for displaying, you may want a special set. 

Start an Heirloom Collection

Originally, porcelain and bone became popular materials for china because they’re both durable and luxurious. Passing sets down through generations was not only a common necessity but a heartfelt practice. If you like the idea of having a special family heirloom to use throughout your marriage and share with your future children, registering for fine china isn't a bad idea.

Take a Mix-and-Match Approach

Many couples are choosing to play with expectations when it comes to fine china and going for something that feels creative and unique. “A nice alternative is to purchase your own white bone china and mix and match pieces from your registry, including vintage pieces. It also makes for great conversation at dinner parties,” says Grotts. Instead of adding a full set of pieces to your registry, you might choose to only request dinner plates, salad plates, and mugs. That way, the white china serves as a consistent backdrop to dishes that you may want to change over time and you don't have to store a full collection of pieces. 

Think About Upgrading What You Already

Many couples live together before getting engaged, so the two of you may have already combined your kitchenware and invested in a new set of everyday dishes. If you already have dinnerware that you use daily and like, it could be nice to add fine china to your registry. While you likely won't reach for it every single day, it'll be an exciting upgrade to the collection of pieces you already own.

Be Selective 

The best part about creating a registry is the ability to customize your set. Ditch the cups and saucers (unless you want them) and request the kinds of dishes you’ll actually use. Similarly, don't be compelled to choose just one pattern. If you love the idea of a floral or patterned plate but don't want to commit to a full set, consider building something somewhat custom: You could request all-white dinner plates but ask for patterned salad plates and soup bowls.

Choose the Right Number of Settings 

If you do decide to register for fine china, consider how many place settings you actually want (and have room to store). “The general etiquette is eight to 12 place settings with equal quantities of crystal and flatware. I like ordering nine because the number symbolizes longevity and eternality. If you break one, you can still have a party for eight!” says Grotts.