How to Create a Dream Wedding Registry By Jake Dot

Whether you've dreamed about your wedding from the time you were a little girl or if you never gave marriage a second thought until recently getting swept off your feet, wedding planning can seem like a daunting prospect. The process is equal parts unbridled fun and unbelievable stress mixed with a to-do list longer than Princess Diana's bridal train. While picking out dresses, cakes, flowers and bridesmaid's gifts can be fun, trying to put together a coherent wedding registry often is not. Trying to sort out what you want from what you need as well as anticipate what people will actually be willing to buy for you can be a nightmare. After all, who hasn't seen a bewildered bride to be in the middle of a department store with a bar code scanner in her hand looking completely lost and overwhelmed? Don't worry - you don't have to be that girl. The good news is that with today's technology it's easier than ever to put together a list that not only works for you but that works for your friends and family, too. Here's how.

• Register as soon as you get engaged. It may seem strange to register when you've barely set a date. However, keep in mind that there will be engagement parties, showers, brunches and any number of other pre-wedding celebrations and a registry is great for those who'd like to purchase a gift for these occasions.
• Think about your lifestyle. If you'd rather camp than cook, it doesn't make sense to register for a full kitchen's worth of pots and pans. However, even if you don't entertain much now, consider that you might somewhere along the line. In that case, it might be good to have a nice gravy boat on hand.
• Make some lists. Make a list of what you and your fiance already have so you can figure out you want and need. Talk about things like how formal or casual you want your serving items and dinnerware to be, as well as what types of colors or patterns you both like.
• Keep those who will buy for you in mind. The easier it is for people to buy items from your list, the better. Make sure brick and mortar locations are near guests or that guests can order online if necessary.
• Have two to four registries. Speaking of going online, websites such as Fine Brand Sales offer online registries that are a snap to create as well as shop from. Having two to four registries, especially if not all of them are online, gives guests plenty of options to choose from so they can find what works best for them.
• Divide and conquer, together. Putting together a registry is a lot easier if you divide up the task. For instance, one of you can choose kitchenware while the other can choose the electronics. That way, there will be items on the registry both of you will enjoy.
• Be careful with seasonal or clearance items. You might find a flatware style you love, but if it's on clearance, it might be gone by the time guest’s show up to buy it. The same goes for seasonal items. You may fall in love with a particular tablecloth but if it's specific to say, autumn, it'll be long gone by the time guests shop for your wedding next summer.
• Print out your list and check it twice. Once you've completed your registry, print it out and read it through to make sure it's correct. It's easier to spot mistakes when you're looking at a hard copy.

About the Author: Jake Dot is a wedding planner and contributing writer who enjoys helping couples plan the perfect wedding.

Online Article Marketing Specialist.