Engaged...Now What?

Published: September 12, 2012 

Follow a few wedding registry tips and give wedding well-wishers plenty of gifting options.

Are you one of the thousands of couples who just got engaged? This is the time for you and your soon-to-be to get everything you ever wanted -- whether you're starting from scratch, upgrading, expanding or replacing. Turn a whole bunch of mismatched mine and yours into a lifetime of ours.

"When it comes to registering, relax, take your time and have fun," recommends Audrey Stavish, a Bridal and Gift Registry expert at Bed Bath & Beyond. "Most brides update their registries online and go into the stores many times. There aren't any rules that you must follow. Choose items that are right for you and your soon-to-be. Go through the registry process together and have fun!"

Here are some additional tips to make wedding planning a breeze:

Plan Ahead: Start a bridal registry as soon as you say "yes." That way guests will have lots of options for engagement gifts and showers. Periodically update your registry by adding more products if you need to, even after the wedding. Be kind to procrastinators.

Do the Math: Experts advise registering for 2-3 items times the number of guests you plan to have. Close friends and family will rely on your registry for special events leading up to the wedding -- such as engagement parties, bridal showers, and holidays! Your guests will appreciate having lots of choices when they shop for you. Be sure to refresh your list regularly as gifts get purchased.

Register Now, Because You Won't Buy it Later: You may think you will ... but you won't. Now is the time to let others get you the stuff you'd never buy yourself. Your friends and family might even get together to purchase a higher priced "group gift."

Dream Big: Register for gifts in a range of prices and categories. This will give guests and group givers lots of options to choose from. Remember the Rule of Three: When it comes to setting your table, if you choose bold patterns for your china and flatware, pick a more simple style of glassware. Prefer intricate stemware? Pair it with simpler patterns of china and flatware. So, it's bold/bold/simple or simple/simple/bold.

Visit a Store: It's in YOUR best interest to visit a store and schedule an appointment with an expert consultant who can help you with your gift selections and share great tips like "The Rule of Three," what cookware you will need to prepare your favorite dish, what knife to use when and much more. When making your selections, it's important to touch the towels, heft the flatware, see everything in person!

C'mon Back: Most couples don't make all their selections in a single spree. Plan on making multiple visits.

Once you've set up your registry, take advantage of Bed Bath & Beyond's Bridal Toolkit®, the complimentary wedding planning tools available at bedbathandbeyond.com, including your own Personal Wedding Web site, budgeter, task manager, guest list manager, gift tracker and even a seating arranger. This way, all of your information can be stored in one convenient place.

Congratulations and best wishes on your engagement. Now get registering and let the gift-giving begin.

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