With all the new technology and cool gadgets, is there room for chinaware on your wedding registry? Is anyone still gifting it? This answer may vary for everyone. Maybe you’re a couple that loves to entertain with dinner parties or polished picnics, or maybe you’ve always dreamed of displaying a china set in your first dining room just like your parents and grandparents. However, with the uprise in tiny houses and minimalist lifestyles, chinaware may seem like an unnecessary gift for you and your spouse. Let’s take a look!
For those who like history…
- Chinaware dates all the way back to 1600-1046 BCE
- The Chinese considered this high-end ware when they noticed the glazed ceramics turn into porcelain
- Once wedding registries were created in 1926, chinaware was arguably the most popular item for the future Mr. and Mrs. to host dinner parties and hosted events
- Wedding china was often was often an heirloom passed down through the family
The 4 Basic Types of Chinaware
- Floral – A classic style featuring flowers. An option for everyone since this can be a subtle floral print around the edge or an allover pattern to grab everyones attention.
- Geometric – These dishes often have strong patterns and geometric lines. Perfect for the more modern and contemporary couple.
- Banded – Typically ivory or white, this is perfect for those minimalist at heart.
- Patterned – If you’re looking to make a statement, this style is the most bold and eye-catching. These patterns can be anything from prints depicting your favorite landscapes to polka dots and bold stripes.
What’s Typically Included?
- Dinner plate – usually flat and round, about 9 to 11 inches in diameter
- Salad plate – usually flat and round, but a bit smaller than your dinner plate at about 7 to 9 inches in diameter
- Bread & butter plate – usually flat and round, about 6 to 8 inches in diameter
- Tea cup – comes in many different styles and shapes, typically about 2 to 3 inches in height
- Saucer – flat and round with indentation for the cup
Our favorite places to register…
Our favorite brands…
Deciding on what type of chinaware to choose or even to choose it is totally up to you and your spouse. Think about your style, the usability of it, where you might put it, and if it has room on your registry, just to name a few. Maybe this is a tradition in your family and it holds more in your heart than just place settings on a table. Maybe you didn’t know much about it until you came across this piece. Either way, I’m hoping you feel more informed and less stress when tackling one more decision for your wedding.
