A lot of planning and decision-making goes into a wedding and creating the registry is one of those things that demands these two things from the engaged couple. Most think that creating a registry is as simple as walking into a store and selecting a few items that tickle their fancy; but in reality, this is not the case.

The registry is more than just a wedding wish list. It’s a way of beginning a new life as a married couple, by thinking about your needs and wants as a pair. It also makes things easier for your guests who want to wish you a lifetime of happiness. By letting them know what you want or need, they’ll be getting you something that will aid you in building your newly married life and your home together. It also eliminates the possibility of duplicate items, or items that you don’t necessarily need or even want.

So how does a couple begin to register for their wedding? First of all, it is important for the two of you to discuss what your needs, wants, and preferences are. What do you need for your home? What theme does it have? Do you prefer elaborate, intricate items, or things that are simpler? What colors do you prefer, and what goes well with your home? All of these come into play when choosing items to put in your registry, so it’s important that you make these decisions together, or at least have some input from each of you.

Now that you have your list in order, where are some of the best places to register? It’s good to start with the basics – places that will have almost everything that you need, or everything that is on your list. Go to Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, and/or Crate and Barrel.

Another plus is that these stores that are present all over the country, which will make it easier for your guests out of town to shop for a gift. There are also some great registries available online (which is also convenient for guests), and you might possibly find something there that you absolutely love.

You should make sure that the stores you register with can provide shipping of the items. This will be very helpful for guests who can’t attend the wedding, but would still like to send a wedding gift. When it comes to when you should register, it’s recommended that couples register at least 4-6 months before the actual wedding date. This will give enough time for the guests to shop and for the couples to update their registry as gifts come in and they fine-tune their selections.

Don’t be afraid to register – and register with as many stores as you can. There is no limit to how many, or how few, stores you may want to register with. Give your guests enough options and price ranges and you’re sure to receive gifts that you will cherish for a lifetime.