This is a great time to involve your fiancée. The registry isn't just about china anymore. It involves everything from linens to leaf blowers, glassware to grills and the whole spectrum in between. Believe it or not, most guys actually have fun registering - just don't turn them loose with the scanner!

It's always good to register in a couple of places to give your guests a variety of gifts from which to choose, and to allow you both to register for items you like.

Your fiancée may want to be involved in selection of household items like coffee makers, cutting boards and knives, and also may want to register for tools or lawn and garden items at Lowe's, Home Depot or other home centers. You may need some things from the home centers, too!

Keep these simple tips in mind while registering.

• Pick retailers who provide web access to the registry so out-of-town guests can still shop from your registry. Make sure the registry tracks gifts purchased (this will cut down on the number of duplicate items). See what kind of return policy they have in case you get duplicate items. Stores usually allow you to exchange for credit or for other merchandise.
• Select gifts in a variety of price ranges to allow your guest to have numerous spending options. Don't worry about having a long list or multiple registries. Your guests will appreciate the variety.
• Think about the kinds of items you need for each room, and even for the yard.
• Base your selection on your interests and hobbies, and think out of the box! If you don't need kitchen items, then maybe you need things for the deck or grill. You may need cookbooks, spices, wine racks, music CDs for entertaining, rakes, garden gloves, beach towels or sports equipment. The possibilities are endless!
• Think carefully about your selections. Don't register to fine china if you are the casual type and will never use it - pick out something else instead. If you do register for China, pick something with lasting appeal. Your China will be around for a long time!
• Go room by room. Do you need everything for the kitchen? A few key pieces? Upgrades to your existing pots and pans? Think before you register. Make a list of "must-have" items before you even go to register. This will help you get organized.
• Go ahead and write thank you notes for gifts as you receive them…but don't mail them until after the wedding. You have three months after the wedding to write all of your thank you notes.
• Don't ever put registry information in or on your wedding invitation! Your wedding shower hostess may note it on her invitations or your family and friends may spread the news, but don't put it with the wedding invitation. Not only would that be tacky, but it presumes that guests will bring you gifts.

  

Some on-line registries provide helpful articles on merging male and female design tastes and tips on what you need to know about selecting household items like lines. Check out Target's ClubWedd site for some great information.

Most stores will maintain your registry for up to a year following the wedding. This allows guests to purchase gifts after the wedding date and allows friends and family to continue to buy from the registry for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions.

Honeymoons
You can even register for your honeymoon. Several web sites allow the bride and groom to register for a particular honeymoon, and guests credit their honeymoon account with monetary gifts to offset the cost. Even if your entire honeymoon is not covered, this registry will reduce the cost of your getaway.