Tips on how to create, manage wedding registry

Today's wedding registries encompass more than china patterns and stemware.

Nancy Moreton, owner of Weddings by Nancy in Cape Girardeau and a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants, says many couples already have the household basics and are registering for more unusual gifts, like games, barbecue equipment, vacuum cleaners and picture frames.

"Dishes and silverware are something that brides are always going to register for, but registries now have really expanded," she says. "I think younger couples who are getting married don't have fine china or dishes or silverware yet, but older couples register for more fun-type things like entertainment."

In lieu of gifts, some couples even request donations to their favorite charity or contributions to their honeymoon, says Moreton, though she rarely sees this in Southeast Missouri.

Whatever your needs, Moreton says couples should register in at least three stores: a department store where you can register for just about everything and at a wide variety of prices, like Macy's; an online option like Bed Bath & Beyond or Crate and Barrel; and a specialty gift store.

"When you get to four and five stores, it becomes a lot of work for the couple to manage the registry," says Moreton. "Every couple at least needs to have one store that is physically in the town where you live."

Moreton also suggests viewing your registry as a wish list of everything you'd like, not just the things you think you'll actually receive. In fact, says Moreton, bridal trade publications advise registering for at least twice as many items as you have guests invited. If you have 200 guests, register for at least 400 items.

"Go ahead and put it on the registry, even if you think you're not going to get it or that no one's going to buy it," says Moreton. "You never know. Make it a wish list. Just go out there and see if you might get it."

If you don't get everything, you can save the registry for Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries.

"Most stores let you finish out the registry after the wedding, and you can get a discount on things that were not purchased. A lot of people don't realize that," says Moreton.