A couple should have a wedding list or wedding registry that reflects their own personal tastes and that the suited to their needs.

Having a registry avoids receiving duplicate presents. It also avoids receiving presents that you don’t like or don’t need.

You should have a wide range of options in your wedding registry. For this you can choose to have the registry in one to three stores. Having the registry in more than three stores can get confusing for your guests.

To let the wedding guests know in which stores you have registered spread the word through your family and close friends. It is considered bad etiquette to indicate where you are registering in the invitations.

One final advantage of having a wedding registry is that it makes it easier for you to thank your guests for their gifts. Most stores will allow you to have a list of your guests and what they each gave you. Having that list makes it easier when you have to write thank you notes.

Where should I place my registry?

You should the store(s) where you’ll place your registry after choosing the items you want to have in your wedding list. The obvious choice for registering is a superstore or department store, if you are planning on a traditional list, mostly made of tableware and linens. Your guests will probably be familiar with this store, and will be able to find it near them or on the internet.

An alternative to this are specialty stores. This can be really an alternative if you already have all you need for you home and would rather concentrate your list on pleasure items, such as items for your hobbies or maybe even your honeymoon. Eventually you can choose to have a list on a department store as well as a list on a specialty store and therefore give your wedding guests a wider range of options. A final option is to ask for donations to charity. One site that makes this easier is www.justgive.org, as they have wedding charity registries.

When should I create the registry?

You should create the registry right before before you mail or deliver the invitations. This way, when your guests ask you if you have a registry, you have an answer for them right away and don’t have to get back to them.

What should I have in my registry?

Traditionally wedding lists are made of items for the new home, namely linens and tableware. However, there is no reason why you cannot be original and choose other type of items, maybe art, something for your hobbies or your honeymoon. Another option is to ask for donations to charity. One site that makes this easier is www.justgive.org, as they have wedding charity registries.

If you are going for a traditional approach, here is a list of itens you might consider adding.

• Formal Tableware
• Dinner plates
  Salad/dessert plates
  Bread-and-butter plates
  Cups
  Saucer
  9-inch accent plate
  Rim soup bowl
  Soup bowls
  Medium-size platter
  Vegetable bowl
  Gravy boat
  Sugar bowl and creamer
  

• Casual tableware
• Dinner plates
  Salad/dessert plates
  Soup/cereal bowls
  Mugs
  

• Glassware
• Goblets
  Iced-beverage glasses
  All-purpose wineglasses
  Champagne flutes
  Double-old-fashioned glasses+
  Martini glasses
  Martini pitchers
  Iced tea pitcher
  Margarita glasses
  Margarita pitcher
  

• Flatware
• Dinner forks
  Dinner knifes
  Soup spoons
  Salad/dessert forks
  Salad server
  Cake server
  Gravy ladle
  Steak knives
  
  

• Table Linens
• 2 tablecloths
  8 to 12 placemats
  8 to 12 napkins
  8 to 12 napkin rings
  

• Kitchen Appliances and Accessories / Cookware / Cutlery
• Blender
  Coffeemaker
  Coffee bean/spice grinder
  Electric can opener
  Food processor
  Hand mixer
  Microwave
  Toaster or toaster oven
  Mixing bowls
  10-inch frying pan or skillet
  Grill pan or griddle
  Two-quart and three-quart saucepans
  Six-quart stockpot
  Roasting pan
  8-inch chef's knife
  Bread knife
  Paring knife
  Utility knife
  Sharpening steel
  Pair of kitchen shears
  8 to 12 steak knives
  Knife block
  Garlic press
  Spatulas
  Wooden spoons
  Whisk
  Cheese grater
  Instant-read meat thermometer
  Oven mitts
  Bottle opener
  Corkscrew
  Glass or plastic containers for leftovers
  Measuring cups and spoons
  Dish towels
  Salad spinner
  Rice cooker
  

• Bedroom Linens (master bedroom and guest room)
• Two or more sets of sheets including flat and fitted sheets
  Two or more sets of pillowcases
  Comforter or duvet
  Bed skirt
  Pillows
  Accent pillows
  Blankets
  Mattress cover
  

• Bathroom Linens and Accessories
• Hand towels
  Face towels
  Bath towels
  Washcloths
  Shower curtain
  Bath mats
  Soap dish
  Toothbrush holder
  Toilet cover
  Trash Can
  

• Invitations
• Invitations Models
• Favors