Years ago, brides would simply pick out a china pattern and that's where it ended. The rest of the wedding gifts were pretty much pot luck. Lucky for brides of this day and age, a couple can now register for just about every desired gift for the beginning of their new lives together.

Though this new system is a dream come true, it can be quite daunting. There are so many stores to choose from and so many selections at each of the stores available. The best way to combat this is to have strong idea of what you are looking for before you even enter the store. Make up your minds to focus on those preliminary ideas to avoid getting distracted when you are in the store and surrounded by hundreds of choices. Don't be afraid to register for a more expensive item. Several people may wish to go in on a gift together.

The registering process will make gift giving a lot easier for your guests and returning duplicates much easier for you. Many stores will provide cards for you which state where you are registered. However, it is considered poor form to enclose registry cards in with your invitations. The best ways to pass along the information concerning your registry are word of mouth (most guests will ask) and giving your registry cards to whomever is throwing your shower for you. It is not considered poor form to enclose these in the shower invitations.

Prepare your trigger finger and have fun!

For more information on planning your own wedding, or for more articles advice and resources, check out one of our websites www.enchantedaffairs.com, easyweddingsolutions.com or onlineweddingplanninghelp.com

Jen Davis, Owner, Enchanted Affairs Wedding Planning http://www.enchantedaffairs.com