One of the most exciting things for newlyweds is setting up their home. Gift registries make it easy for the bride and groom to prioritize their taste and their needs as they collaborate on their love nest.

From monogrammed bath towels to wine glasses to throw pillows, the registry options are virtually endless. Sure many modern couples already live together and have an established household, but even they may need or want some new items like matching dinner plates or some fun things like his and her exercise equipment.

Registries are especially useful for young couples and those who don’t have a lot of money to spend on household items. After paying for their wedding, many husband and wife duos don’t have large budgets for essentials like a vacuum or extras like bread makers and specialty grills.

Getting started

Most registries are easy to create and even easier to update and maintain. Lots of major retailers from department stores to discount stores to specialty boutiques offer registries via online databases. Couples choose items they like, scan the merchandise into the database and watch as their wish list shapes up.

The bride and groom can go online to check to see what things have been purchased, add additional items and even request color changes or quantity changes.

There are many benefits to online registries. Guests can access the list easily and couples can review and update the list from home, work or in-store. Brides and grooms love the organizational aspects too. Their wish list is in one systematic place making it simple for them to track their gifts. And in case the couple needs to return an item, the registry is like an automatic gift receipt.

Room by Room

Before you go to the store to register, inventory your current household to see what items you already have, what you need and want you want to upgrade.

When considering what items to add to your registry, it’s easiest to plan room by room. A good place to start is the kitchen. Consider appliances large and small from microwaves to can openers; ponder dishware—do you want formal, casual or chip-resistant? Also think about silverware, serving utensils, measuring cups and bake ware. Lastly, don’t overlook the basic essentials like cutting boards, measuring cups, pot holders and dish towels.

Onto the next room—the bathroom. Is there a color scheme? If so, have a pattern or color sample on hand for matching purposes. If color is not a big factor, keep things simple with whites, naturals or a solid dark color like black or navy blue. Register for several kinds of towels (fingertip, bath and hand) and washcloths. Quantity is important when it comes to towels since no newlywed wants to do laundry every day because of a limited supply of towels. This is the time to select coordinating accessories like bathmats, shower curtains and soap dishes, cups, toothbrush holders and even trash cans.

Move from room to room in a systematic way. Does each room have a theme like a color or a design style, Victorian for example? Cover the basics of each room and then move on to consider accessories. A dining room may need a table and chairs but it’s also begging for napkins, goblets and candlesticks.

Register for your Lifestyle

Registries are so enjoyable because they are so all-inclusive. You can stock up on the basics and the fun stuff for every room in the house. But consider your lifestyle. Are you an on-the-go couple with little time for entertaining? Or are you home bodies who love a night in front of the TV? Do you relax by the pool or release tension at the gym? Are you a gourmet chef in the making? Or are your best skills in the garden? Use your registry to reflect your needs and wants.

Don’t worry about registering for traditional items like china or monogrammed towels. Branch out, get creative and have fun. Look for his and her items like gym memberships, coordinating travel gear or cooking classes. All these things are unconventional, yet very practical.

Timeline

Most couples register for gifts about six months before the big day. If you create a registry earlier, you may end up with discontinued items on your list. Besides, most guests don’t start shopping for a gift until they’re invited to a wedding shower or the wedding itself.

After you register, make frequent updates to the list. Once a week, check your selections to be sure they’re still available and consider adding additional items once others are purchased. Above all, be sure to have variety in your choices. Give guests many gift ideas in a wide range of prices from small kitchen items like spatulas and cutting boards to bath accessories from shower curtains to towels. For non-traditional items like grilling sets, register for a few big ticket items like a BBQ and then include smaller, less expensive accessories such as grill thermometers or grilling mitts.

Some couples decide to register at a few stores. That can be a good idea because many guests don’t always have access to the one store you’ve selected. In recent years, it’s been popular to register with two stores: first, a large or mid-sized department store for household items such as bedding or cutlery. The second registry is with a discount store that has lots of household knickknacks like lamps, coffee mugs, alarm clocks and coasters.

Registry Etiquette

Don’t ask for money—it’s an etiquette no-no. Guests who want to give you a cash gift will do so on their own. They don’t need a reminder. It’s also taboo for the bride or the groom to announcing where you’re registered. After all, it seems like you’re asking, or worse demanding gifts. Don’t include registry info in an invitation. Instead, have a family friend or a member of the bridal party inform guests.

Once you receive gifts, start sending out thank you notes. Send notes right away so you won’t forget to thank anyone. Remember this is your chance to express your gratitude for your guest’s thoughtfulness.