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How to get your favorite things without losing your mind

At some point between \"Will you marry me?\" and \"You may kiss the bride,\" a happy couple must devote some time to the gift registry, which will help fill the shelves and drawers of their new home. But the first time a couple walks into a store to register for their wedding gifts can be overwhelming. Myriad appliances, gadgets, pots, dishes and sheets seem to loom large, and the choices are dizzying.
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December 14, 2007

At some point between “Will you marry me?” and “You may kiss the bride,” a happy couple must devote some time to the gift registry, which will help fill the shelves and drawers of their new home.

But the first time a couple walks into a store to register for their wedding gifts can be overwhelming. Myriad appliances, gadgets, pots, dishes and sheets seem to loom large, and the choices are dizzying.

When the bride’s eye spots a cream-colored coffee serving set, she has no idea if it’s a good brand or if it will fit on the top of the buffet. She just knows it’s really pretty and that she can’t live without it.

She calls to her fiancé to ask his opinion and finds that he has left for points unknown — and he has the scanning gun. When she finally tracks him down, she finds that the registry now contains 12 beer glasses, a creme brule torch, a lava lamp and a leopard-print sheet set.

Make a plan or prepare for some tears (and no one wants to see the groom cry). A little advance planning is all you need before you set foot in the store or sit down in front of the computer. Sharing expectations with each other is crucial, and getting advice from family and friends can help provide you with a realistic idea of what you’ll need as you begin your life together.

When to Register

Most couples register six to eight months before the wedding (while most brides unofficially register at the age of 7). Some prefer to register before their engagement party, while others sign up just prior to a bridal shower. Those hoping for cash, checks or gift cards might prolong registering — or skip it altogether.

Once you register, make sure to check and update your lists periodically; getting baking pans from Linens ‘N’ Things means you probably can remove the ones you registered for at Bloomingdales. Also, some stores carry seasonal items (Crate & Barrel is renowned for its constantly shifting stock), so the napkins you put on the list in December might be gone by March.

What You Want

Almost all stores offer some sort of checklist of must-not-forget items. You can also print out similar lists from a wedding Web site like TheKnot.com or weddingchannel.com.

From there, go through what you already own. Just because the checklist says you need an iron doesn’t mean you have to replace the one you are using now if you love it. On the flip side, this is the time when you will be able to upgrade.

Next, consider your new digs. If there is no room for the margarita maker on your counter, will it fit on a shelf in the cabinet? What colors are the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen? If the appliances are chrome, will the yellow towels you want work?

Another great tip is to talk to parents, grandparents, friends and co-workers to see what they recommend. If your uncle is a whiz in the kitchen, ask what brands and types of pots and pans to select. If your grandmother has everyday dishes that have been around since “I Love Lucy” was in first-run episodes, you might want to look up the company and see if they’re still in business today.

And don’t feel you need to pick what is “traditional.” If music and movies are more your passion than Merlot, why not put some DVDs or an iPod on the list?

Also, some department stores now sell Judaica. But if you don’t find what you want, spread the word that you need a Havdalah set, mezuzot or a menorah.

Where to Register

A standard wedding registry usually breaks down into six categories, according to

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