Storage Space

Be realistic about the amount of space you have to store your gifts.

Stock Up

The signature little blue box is lovely, but now you can register for an actual piece of Tiffany & Co. or one of 130 other public companies. Through oneshare.com, guests can make their purchase for a $39 fee, plus the closing cost of the stock that day.

Lost and Found

If you ever break a plate, lose a fork, or just want that gravy boat you forgot to register for and can't find your pattern, Replacements LTD, replacements.com, can track down over 200,000 patterns.

Red or White?

Love vino? Register for a wine refrigerator. These cool appliances are the next best thing to having your very own wine cellar.

His-And-Hers Gifts

Add hobby-based presents to your registry that you can enjoy together as a couple such as cooking classes and mountain bikes.

Hotel Honeymoon Registries

Everyone's getting in on the game: Top hotel and resort companies—from Marriott to Four Seasons to Disney—are now offering their own registries and gift cards for honeymooners to use at their properties.

Anonymous Gift?

If a gift is delivered without a card, look for the packing slip from the store, which will have a phone number you can call and an order number that can be used to determine who sent it.

Linen Registry

Before registering for expensive bed linens, think ahead. If you plan to upgrade from a full to a queen or a queen to a king, then those ultraposh sheets you're registering for now may be relegated to the guest bed.

Registry Space

In planning your registry, make sure you will have space for all your new treasured items.

Evergreen Patterns

Avoid the risk of having that funky new pattern you've fallen in love with being retired before it's purchased for your registry. Opt for what stores call "evergreen" patterns (ones that will be around for several seasons) or wait until just before your wedding to register for these items.

Big Picture

Register for everything you need. If you choose mixing bowls and a spatula, for example, also register for the pan in which to bake the cake. Having only some of the essentials will be frustrating and expensive in the long run.

Perfect Choice

To choose among multiple retailers that offer similar goods, go with the one that offers the best prices or most perks (such as discounts when you go to complete your registry).

Nice Neutrals

Choose neutral colors like black, white, gray, brown, and tan for items that will fit in with your decor for years to come. You can always add special accessories to tailor the look.

Natural Choice

Go natural. Gaiam.com sells organic cotton sheets and woven-seagrass coffee tables, while greenfeet.com is a great resource for recycled glass dinnerware and soapstone pizza pans.

Mix and Match

For a more user-friendly china collection, pair pricey serving pieces that you can also display with less-expensive, dishwasher-safe items.