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Registry Basics
By Megan Mercer
Last Update: October 16, 2005

Registering for gifts is a very important part of the wedding planning process. Guests want you to register so that they will know exactly what to buy - they want to buy what you want! 

When Should You Register?
You should register at least couple of months before any pre-wedding showers or parties or about six months before your wedding day. Of course you may not have that much time, so try to register as soon as possible!  Your guests are nice enough to buy you a gift so be courteous and give them plenty of time to find the right one!

Registering can be a very time consuming process with many important, long lasting decisions to be made!  You will want to have plenty of time to scope out different stores, find the perfect china pattern and update/change your registry, without feeling rushed. 

Don't try to tackle more than one store in a day. Actually you may have to make several different trips to the same store to get your registry just right and see all they have to offer. 

Where Should You Register?
The average bride and groom register in two to three different stores. This gives your guests the opportunity to choose their favorite among the stores you have selected.  If most of your guests live in your area you could register at a local specialty shop, however it is important to register at national stores for out-of-town guests.

Select a store that has a variety of quality products in every department, i.e. don't use a store in which you love their bathroom accessories, but hate everything else.  Also make sure that the store has an acceptable return/exchange policy, friendly sales staff, and in general, is easy to work with. 

Find stores with gift registry in your area
in our local services directory!

What Should You Register For?
Most brides register for items in the following categories:

Generally, you should register for items in the home department of the store. However, with the trend for registering moving away from traditional department/specialty stores and more toward the "one-stop-shop" national chains, couples are asking for more than just dishes and linens nowadays.  Especially if you or your fiancé are already well established and don't need all of the traditional fare, think about adding some of these popular alternatives to your registry...

How Long Will The Store Keep Your Registry?
Generally, stores keep the registry for one year after your wedding. This way you may still receive gifts for holidays, birthdays and your first anniversary.