A hope chest is a collection of items a woman needs when entering a marriage and new household. Even though there are wedding showers and registries, there is an added benefit to a woman collecting items in advance. With the fluctuation of the economy, there is no telling how much money and resources a woman might have when she is ready to marry. A hope chest can be a huge help at the beginning of a marriage if money is tight.

If you are all ready married, invest in a hope chest to keep romantic valuables and keepsakes, such as the bride’s wedding gown, your wedding champagne glasses, photo albums, memorabilia that has special meaning for you both, and trinkets from your dates.

Things to put in a hope chest:
Towels/washcloths
Tablecloths
Dishes
Money
Home decorations such as clocks or paintings
Blankets/sheets
Cookware
Baby clothes/blankets
Books on home repair/gardening/cooking
Sewing supplies
Rugs/doormats
Curtains/window dressings
Shower curtains
Bath sets