Creating a registry can be a bit overwhelming, but also a lot of fun. After all, who doesn’t like creating a wish list of gifts for others to purchase for you!

In considering your registry, keep in mind these quick tips:

• Stick to a couple of stores. Choosing a national department store or chain with lots of locations will make it easier for your guests to purchase your items at a store in their hometown or online.
• Consider the make-up of your registry. Your registry list will be accessed for engagement gifts, bridal showers and your actual wedding presents. Keeping this range of party types in mind, it will be helpful for your friends and family if you choose stores that offer items that are low-, medium-, and high-end. This way, guests have gifts in a variety of price ranges to choose from.
• It is advised that you complete your registry four to six months before your wedding. This will ensure guests have plenty of time to purchase gifts before your wedding day.
• Register for plenty of items. I was in Williams-Sonoma the other day creating my registry and the woman helping mentioned that people’s number one complaint is that the couple doesn’t register for enough. No need to go crazy, but be sure there are plenty of options.
• Along these lines, although you may have no idea what you’d use high-quality pans for today, you may appreciate having them in the future. It’s impossible to completely know, but worth considering how your life and needs will change in the coming years. It might help to ask your mother, aunts, older friends, mentors, etc. who have been there and have ideas and suggestions of what they are glad they registered for and maybe what they wished they would have included.

Have fun with the process and know that most registries are flexible and can be changed on-line; it’s not set in stone. And, even if you register for something, get it as a gift and change your mind, most stores will allow you to exchange or return it.

pretty wall of plates from Nestled In on flickr