MAIN Entertaining Wedding Bridal Registries

With all that brides have to do in planning their big day — this, finally, is the fun part! ...and the best news is that signing up with a bridal registry has never been easier.

Today, many of the top gift registries are now fully "wired". This means that all brides have to do is complete a free sign-up form, pick the gifts they want, and let wedding guests do the rest.

The result? A wedding gift is bought and paid for online in minutes - and avoids most of the hassle of duplicate gifts and returns. Many services even provide gift wrapping at no extra charge.

(Note to buyers: even the most well-known stores drop the ball occasionally, so the experts advise allowing enough time before the wedding date to ensure against any last-minute glitches or possible returns.)

What to registor for...

Keep your list to practical proportions like housekeeping items, dishes and cookware, but think about adding a few over-the-top items as well. Pick out at least one or two items that you've always wanted, or something makes you feel special. Why not? Hey! It's you're wedding day!

Bridal registry etiquette

Just remember not to include your registry information with your wedding invitation (considered tacky, at best). Simply tell all those people who are closest to you (or anyone who asks) where you are registered and let them spread the word.

Bridal registries online

Elsewhere around the Web, check out top resources and how to's for getting the best out of online gift buying services, along with direct links to popular department store bridal and specialty gift registries.

More good news? You'll have at least one more wedding detail checked off your list ...

Top Ten Registry Do's and Don'ts - Expert guide from The Knot, with planning advice, what not to register for, guidelines on price ranges, and related tips.

Bridal Registry Etiquette - From The Big Day.com, with advice on when to register, choosing gifts, making the announcement, with a related feature on different ways to create your gift list.

Brides.com - Registry - A guide featuring how to register, ideas on what to register for incuding essential must-haves, and a list of the top online bridal registeries with related resources.

Wedding Planning & Registry Checklists - Guide to help with decision making in creating your registry with a list of items under categories such as table & cookware, outdoor & recreation, bath & bedroom and home furnishings.

Most Popular Wedding Registries Online

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