It’s a win-win situation. Most wedding guests have no idea where to start when it comes to finding the right gift for the couple. They may not know the newlywed’s colour scheme, what appliances the couple already has or what patterns of dinnerware they might like.
The answer is a bridal registry. The couple gets exactly what they want or need. And the guests know they are giving the couple something they want. Even if they choose to buy their own gift, a look at the registry provides vital information like the colours the couple likes (their china, linen and towels), their style (traditional or modern) and even what’s important to them (do they have lots of kitchen items or more decorative pieces).
Setting up a registry is simple and usually entails nothing more arduous than wandering around the store with a selection wand that registers your choices. Indeed, for most couples, this is great fun.
Register at least six months in advance. It’s a good idea to register in more than one spot. For example, you might register at a department store (Sears, The Bay), at a specialty store (Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Ashley’s) and a home improvement centre (Canadian Tire, Rona). That way your guests have plenty of choices and you get a wide range of gifts.
Choose stores that have the technology to maintain up-to-date lists. You don’t want three different people buying the same item because the list hasn’t been properly updated with each one. Some stores will ship the gift. Ask if your store will do this and if there is a charge.
Here are some tips for setting up a registry:

Make sure you have lots of items at different price points so everyone can find something. Your parents’ friends might want to buy something more expensive while less well-off, younger friends may be more conservative in their spending. Also, allow for plenty of choices for the inevitable pre-wedding showers
Some people are glad to contribute to your collection of flatware or china, but others might want their gift to stand out. Choose items that are unique – anything from hand-painted ceramics to a cordless drill
Ask the staff for advice. They have dealt with hundreds of couples and can probably suggest things you might not have thought about including. For example, s selection of really good, small kitchen tools, a set of screw drivers or drill bits, garden planters, even light fixtures
You might start your married life in a small apartment but you will probably be moving into a home in the future so plan ahead. Think about family dinners. And remember pieces do get broken and patterns are discontinued. So rather than registering for only eight of each piece of dinnerware, why not choose 10 or 12 place settings
Many couples have been living together for some time and already have much of what they need. Your wedding registry is a good time to upgrade to a really fine set of knives, a couple of special pots, even a special tool
Include one or two items you’d love to have but would never ever buy for yourself because they are simply too impractical. Have some fun with your registry and you may be delighted to find someone’s bought you your splurge
Don’t forget to check out the electronics department for items such as portable phones, a digital camera to use on your honeymoon or a DVD player  
Don’t be afraid to get quirky. Is there a piece of art – a painting or piece of sculpture – that you both love but can’t afford to spend the money on? Put it on your gift list. Sometimes these items appeal to guests because they are so unique, the giver will always be remembered