Registry 101: Travel

We've reached the final installment in the Registry series - Travel.

Travel

TheBigDay Travel 

A romantic dinner and scuba diving lessons are among the honeymoon "experiences" for which you can register. This honeymoon planning company charges a service fee that ranges up to 9 percent, which is deducted from guests' contributions. (Rates depend on how much you book.)

The Honeymoon 

Register for anything from drinks by the pool to hotel accommodations, and the fees for this service are charged directly to gift buyers (the bigger the gift, the lower the fee.) The site also offers destination guides.

HoneyLuna  

In business since 1995, the site can either book your honeymoon or allow you to register for excursions like snorkeling or horseback riding for existing travel plans. You can also put airfare and hotel costs on the registry and break them down into increments guests can purchase as gifts.

Marriott 

Register for fun stuff like rounds of golf or spa services, and purchased gifts are accrued onto one card that you can take with you for the big trip. The card is redeemable at any of the 2,700 Marriott hotels and resorts across nine brands. If you don't use all your points on your honeymoon, they are redeemable for future trips.

Sandals 

Book a vacation at any one of Sandals or Beaches 12 all-inclusive resorts and then register your honeymoon so guests can help defray the cost—and you can truly relax and enjoy your time together. Their resorts are located on Antigua, the Bahamas, Jamaica and St. Lucia.

Starwood 

Starwood, which owns Sheraton, Westin and W, among others, lets couples register for "Honey Money" gift certificates that are good for 24 months from the date of purchase.

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Registry 101: Recreation

It's time for a little bit of fun on the registry list - Recreation

Recreation

Backcountry Gear  

Register for tents, backpacks and even "Ruffwear" gear for your dog at this no-frills destination. Everything on the site is fair game—just be sure to register in the gift section rather than in the wish list.

Campmor 

This New Jersey merchant has a well-stocked Web site and offers great prices on everything from hiking socks to kayaks. Complete your registry and send an e-mail announcement to family and friends.

REI  

Whether you're a triathlete or you just want to stock up for the ski season, REI is an outdoorsman's (and outdoorswoman's) dream come true. You can choose your outdoor clothing and equipment online, over the phone or in one of the REI stores.

The Sharper Image 

Register for outdoor gear like bikes, scooters and skates as well as their always-unusual assortment of gadgets. Best sellers include air purifiers, navigational systems and the R2-D2 Interactive Droid. Everything on the Web site is available for your registry.

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Registry 101: Mass Merchants

The registry search has taken us to some familiar places, like these Mass Merchants.

Mass Merchants

Amazon.com  

Thought Amazon.com was just about books? Think again. This online giant offers everything from power tools to cookware available for your registry. Check out the online registry guides for inspiration.

Target  

Club Wedd offers online and in-store access to Target's well-priced and very well-designed merchandise. Choose anything from kitchen essentials to bed linens. Popular registry items include TV trays, grocery bag holders and pizza pans.

Wal-Mart  

Stretch your guests' dollars by registering with this discount giant, where you can select anything from a flat-screen TV to a soap dish. An online wedding-planning guide is available.

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Registry 101: Kitchenware

It's time for Kitchenware in our Registry series.

Kitchenware

Chefs Catalog 

Register for bakeware, tabletop items, cutlery and more from this online and catalog-only business. Choose from more than 20 well-known brands. Registry features include a 10-percent completion program and the capacity to e-mail personalized event announcements to all guests.

Chefs Corner 

Launched in 2006, the site focuses on the kitchen everything from large appliances to cookbooks but also features items like mailboxes and outdoor furniture. The site allows you to e-mail your registry to guests.

Cooking.com 

This e-tailer sells more than 50,000 different items for your kitchen, including cutlery, cookbooks and tableware. The site offers 10 percent off unpurchased registry items for up to six months after the wedding.

The Pampered Chef  

Register for The Pampered Chef's assortment of multifunctional tools for cooking and entertaining. Need some help? You can choose to have a registry consultant contact you via phone or e-mail for assistance. With every purchase made from your registry you will earn rewards points worth up to $200 of free products redeemable for three months after your wedding.

Premier Gourmet 

This merchant goes the extra yard by offering free gifts with some registry items and a gift card equal to 10 percent of all purchases made from your registry. Register for kitchen tools, gourmet food, coffee and more.

Sur La Table 

You can register online, in person or over the phone at this seller of upscale housewares. More than 60 brands of cookware are available. Don't forget to check out their assortment of coffee beans and accessories, like their selection of milk frothers.

Tupperware 

The party has moved online. Outfit your entire kitchen with their range of high-quality cookware, knives and gadgets like a julienne peeler or salad spinner. Create your registry online and e-mail guests about your selections.

Williams-Sonoma  

This housewares giant offers a thank-you-note manager and 10-percent completion discount. They also offer periodic "The Store Is Yours" events, which allow you to make your registry selections before the store opens.

Zabar's 

Zabar's has great prices on an inventive and comprehensive selection of cookware, housewares and food. This New York City institution currently offers its registry in store and over the phone and plans to soon launch an online version. Free gift wrapping is available for registry purchases, and store personnel will open the doors early and stay late for couples.

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Registry 101: Home Decor and Furniture

The registry series continues with Home Decor and Furniture.

Home Decor and Furniture

Bed Bath & Beyond 

The name says it all. Avoid the crowds and register online for everything you need for your bedroom and bathroom. "Beyond" items range from wall hangings to MP3 accessories. Check out their free Bridal Toolkit feature, which allows you to do everything from inputting your wedding-related appointments to completing the seating chart.

CB2 

A spin-off of Crate & Barrel, CB2 offers a specifically modern assortment of products, including contemporary tableware and furniture. Register for anything on the site and check out their funky area rugs and bed linens to create a hip living space. The site also features a "spread the news" function that sends guests a notice of your upcoming event and provides a link to your registry.

Crate and Barrel 

Register online or in stores for items including table linens, glassware and even contemporary furniture. Registry features include free announcement cards and a completion program offering a one-time 10-percent coupon for unpurchased registry items.

Finnstyle  

This Minneapolis-based retailer sells modern furniture, tableware, jewelry and more inspired by classic modern designs from Finland. They offer a partial-payment option that allows several guests to contribute toward the same gift.

HomeClick 

This site offers thousands of items to register for, from tableware to fireplaces. Their completion program offers a one-time 10-percent discount on unpurchased items for one year after your wedding date. They also offer free shipping and no sales tax for items shipped anywhere (excluding New Jersey).

Le Magasin  

Owner Didier Milleriot specializes in tableware and linens from France and will print custom descriptions and photographs of registry items for you to give to your guests. Register in person at this Chicago-based retailer or over the phone, and the registry is posted online for your guests.

Linens 'N Things  

This home-furnishings retailer offers a 20-percent completion program for 90 days, free registry announcement cards and online sign-up as well as in-store scanning. Plus, you can include a personalized note on your registry informing guests of your decor preferences.

Moss 

Register for dishes, furniture and more in Moss's signature modern industrial designs. You'll receive a gift notification as soon as a purchase is made, and you can decide when you'd like items shipped to you.

Pottery Barn  

At housewares staple, you can register for anything from towels to tableware in their signature classic American styles. Pottery Barn offers an online thank-you-note manager and 10 percent off most unpurchased registry items for up to one year after the wedding.

Relish  

Based in Portland, Ore., this shop carries modern home and personal accessories from emerging and classic designers worldwide. Register in person or via e-mail. The owners will order any item from the catalogs of any of their manufacturers for you to add to your registry.

Restoration Hardware  

Restoration Hardware, a purveyor of modern and retro housewares and furnishings, offers a completion program, along with complimentary announcement cards and a thank-you-note manager.

Retromodern  

This Atlanta-based retailer specializes in radical modern and contemporary designs from the 20th century along with designs from the present. Register online for funky tabletop items, bathroom accessories, lighting and more from designers including Alessi, Herman Miller and Knoll.

Tiffany & Co. 

Although primarily known for its jewelry, this exclusive retailer offers a host of great tabletop items for $100 or less. Registry items can also include Tiffany china patterns, sterling-silver picture frames and crystal barware.

Uncommongoods 

Choose from a fun, quirky and colorful selection of household items including handmade soaps, decorative plates and one-of-a-kind jewelry. Register for anything on the site.

Unica Home 

Register online for an impressive selection of modern items for all aspects of the home. Unusual items include scented chew toys for your dog and an artsy piggy bank. Alert friends to your registry via e-mail; announcement cards are also available.

Velocity 

This Seattle-based design store offers a mix of contemporary designs and classic staples. Everything on the site is available for the registry, including their popular selection of original artwork.

Vivre  

This site offers an eclectic mix of fashionable, contemporary itemsóeverything from glam cocktail rings to affordable napkin rings. Items are created by well-known brands as well as artisans not found elsewhere. Register for anything on the site; home-decor items include furniture, lighting and vases.

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Registry 101: Home Improvement

This segment of the series is focused on Home Improvement registries.

Home Improvement

Lowe's  

Looking for a place to register for air conditioners, patio furniture and ceiling fans? Everything on Lowe's expansive Web site is fair game for your registry. The site also allows couples to e-mail their registries to guests.

Home Depot is no longer doing gift registries

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Registry 101: Food and Wine

How to register for Food and Wine from Brides.com

Food and Wine

67 Wine 

Register for wine, spirits and glassware via e-mail with this NYC-based merchant and it will quickly be uploaded online for your guests. Note that spirits cannot be shipped out of New York State, and wine cannot be shipped to several states (call or e-mail for details).

The Gourmet Chocolate of the Month Club  

Register by phone for monthly chocolate and other food programs and get e-mail announcements for guests. Each month features a different company's chocolates. Recent selections include Chocolate Potpourri Truffles and Toffee and Charlie's Chocolate Covered Ganaches and Caramel Turtles. Yum!

Italian Wine Merchants  

Celebrity chef Mario Batali co-owns this NYC-based wine shop, which offers an extensive online selection of wines from around the world, ranging in price from $8 a bottle to more than $2,000—all available for your registry. When you register, the shop will pair you with an in-house sommelier, who will help you make your selections either over the phone or in person. The shop will also create a Web page your guests can access for purchases.

Morrell 

This knowledgeable New York City–based wine merchant carries a huge selection of wine and accessories. Check out the Top Picks section of their Web site for some of their favorite bottles—including several for less than $10. One caveat: Bottles cannot be shipped to a handful of states, but Morrell can make arrangements to ship to nearby locations.

Wally's 

Register online or in the store for wine, gourmet food, glassware and wine accessories from the store that Zagat's has called the No. 1 wine shop in LA. Their wine specialists are available to make suggestions and help you pick wine and liquor from a variety of price ranges.

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Registry 101: Financial

The Financial stop in the series of Registry information from Brides.com

Financial

Education Registry 

Launched in August 2006, the site allows you and your betrothed to create a personalized Web page detailing the cost of your education—either a completed degree or upcoming schooling. Guests then visit the site and make pledges for certain dollar amounts, which they are then expected to give on their wedding day.

Gifts of Stock 

This company sponsors Dividend Reinvestment Plans, or DRIPs, which allow those with at least one share of stock to increase their holdings by letting guests make additional purchases through the company without going through a stockbroker.

Registerstock.com  

This site lets you and your guests buy any stock normally available on the market. Not sure what's for you? For inspiration, the site helpfully lists the top five stock gift purchases for the month.

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Registry 101: Eco-Friendly

The Eco-installment of the Registry series from Brides.com

Eco-Friendly

Branch  

This online-only store offers high-design, sustainable products for every room in your home. You can register online for everything from organic cotton throw pillows to colorful bamboo bowls, and the store will combine orders to reduce shipping costs for your guests.

Gaiam 

Gaiam's products promote a healthy mind, body and spirit as well as environment and registry items can include anything from housewares to clothing to gift items like yoga mats. Their free online photo album feature allows you to upload personal photos onto your registry.

Global Exchange Fair Trade Online Store  

This international human-rights organization is dedicated to promoting environmental, political and social-justice causes and operates a fair-trade online retailer that sells the work of artisans from around the world.

Greenfeet  

Register online for a wide selection of hip items typically made from recyclable materials or renewable resources. The site includes everything from towels to appliances to jewelry all available for your registry.

GreenSage 

Fill out an online form to register with this site, which features eco-friendly linens, glassware and more. Their organic bedding is especially popular. Other items include bamboo flooring, air purification systems and yoga towels.

Vivaterra 

This San Francisco based e-tailer sells stylish, modern items including furniture (all sustainable or reclaimed), home decor and even eco-friendly clothing. Nearly every item on the site is available for your registry.

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Registry 101: Department Stores

Another installment in the series on registries from Brides.com

Department Stores

Barneys New York  

Register in any one of their chic stores and your list is quickly made available online for your guests. While couples can register for anything in the store, they mostly focus on items in the store's Chelsea Passage home section, which features upscale formal china from J.L. Coquet, Bernardaud, Haviland, Puiforcat, Hermès and Raynaud. In addition to flatware, glassware and handmade pottery are also available.

Bloomingdale's  

The registry at Bloomingdale's offers a gift with its registry package that includes special discounts throughout the store, personal one-on-one service from a registry consultant and a six-month multiple-use completion discount. Gift givers also receive complimentary gift wrapping with registry purchases in stores or online.

Carson Pirie Scott  

This department store is truly one-stop shopping for couples and offers everything from fine china to appliances to collectibles. Online registries can also list shower dates, and the store can provide you with announcement cards. Receive free "royalty gifts" when you register with select premium vendors.

Dillard's  

Register online for everything from formal china to kitchen appliances at the store known for its stylish, affordable merchandise. Dillard's offers a completion program that takes 20 percent off most registry items for 60 days after the wedding.

Gump's  

The San Francisco–based retailer offers a 10-percent completion program, and you can register online, over the phone, via e-mail or in person. Check out their gift notification program, which allows you to receive your gifts following the wedding and easily make returns and exchanges.

JCPenney  

The retailer gives couples a free wedding planner-organizer, and there are no shipping charges for gifts sent to JCPenney stores for pickup. Register for anything from table and bath linens to fitness equipment to margarita makers. The site categorizes gifts by price too: less than $50, $50 to $100 and more than $100.

Kohl's  

Kohl's Bridal Aisle Gift Registry Completion Program offers a 15-percent discount, and guest notification is available. Register for anything from standard sheets and towels to fun accessories like a candle warmer or wall art. Feeling practical? Even cleaning products can be added to a registry.

Macy's  

The nationwide department store chain offers a bridal rewards program that allows you to earn 10-percent rewards on eligible personal purchases you make with your Macy's credit card and 5-percent rewards for every eligible gift purchase off your registry. After your wedding you will receive a Macy's gift card for the total amount of your rewards.

Neiman Marcus  

The luxury-goods retailer offers the InCircle bridal rewards program and offers a 20-month interest-free credit card that allows you to complete your registry. Select anything from Christofle flatware to Baccarat vases to Tumi luggage.

Sears  

Register online or in stores for everything from Craftsman tools to Weber grill accessories to Kenmore appliances like a washer-dryer. Most items are available online, but some require guests to visit a store. Guests can also purchase Sears gift cards in place of specific gifts.

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Registry 101: China and Dinnerware

Part two of the Registry series from Brides.com

China and Dinnerware

Ceramica 

Register online for their striking selection of colorful ceramic tableware crafted in Italy and Ceramica will send an e-mail announcement to all your guests. You can also register for their Italian kitchen accessories and accent pieces like lamps and clocks.

Fortunoff 

Create a registry with Fortunoff and you save 10 percent on wedding bands and some attendants' gifts you purchase at one of their stores, which specialize in jewelry and upscale items for the home.

Michael C. Fina  

Specializing in wedding and engagement rings and china, Michael C. Fina lets you register in person, online or over the phone. Couples qualify for free gifts depending on the amount of gifts purchased. Up to one year after your wedding date, enjoy a 15-percent discount on a purchase worth 50 percent or more of the remaining value of your registry.

Replacements, Ltd. 

This retailer of old, discontinued and new china has encyclopedic knowledge of china patterns, and they come in especially handy if you need to replace pieces or add to your service.

Simon Pearce  

Register online for their large selection of classic and contemporary hand-blown glass and handmade pottery items. Registrants receive a welcoming gift and a romantic getaway including a complimentary meal for two at a Simon Pearce restaurant and a night's stay at a select bed-and-breakfast. A completion program entitles registrants to a onetime 10-percent savings on items remaining on their registry after their event. Simon Pearce offers complimentary replacement of glass or pottery designs purchased from registries damaged within 12 months of the registrants' event date.  Updated 9/17/08

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