Bridal Expo Wedding Registry

Now that you are engaged it's time to decide where you want to register for
your wedding. Though you might have a specific store in mind, there are 10
factors you need to consider before you and your partner select your
registry store(s). After you read these 10 factors, you will find 5 critical tips
that will help you get the most from your wedding registry.

1. Product Choices - Does the store provide you plenty of options that meet
you and you partner's style for your new life together? Does the store offer all
your needs for your new home or have just a few departments?
2. Return Policy - Does the store have an easy return policy if you receive
two of one item or something that just doesn't meet your style? Are receipts
required?
3. Online Access - Does the store allow you to access you registry online
and make changes from the comfort of your home?
4. Registry Completion Program - Does the store have a registry
completion program that allows you to complete your registry after you
wedding with a discount?
5. Advice - Does the store have knowledgeable, helpful staff that can assist
you with your registry choices? Do they have good associates that can
assist your guests when they visit the stores? Do you feel you are being
pushed to one manufacturer, or are the associates really listening to your
wants and needs?
6. Distribution - Does the store have locations throughout the country for
your guests? Do they offer easy access to your registry online for your
guests?
7. Seasonal Choices - Does the store have products available year round or
do they constantly bring in seasonal items? This is important if you have a
long engagement and items become hard to find or discontinued.
8. Discontinued Notices - Does the store provide you discontinued notices
if an item on your registry is not longer available? Do they provide this service
years after your wedding?
9. Shipping Costs - How much does the store charge for shipping online or
direct from the store?
10. Gift Wrapping - Does the store offer gift wrapping for free or do they
charge for the service? Is it available online and at the store level?

Five additional tips you can't miss!

Now you know how to pick the right store for your wedding registry, so let's
get more from your wedding registry. Read through all five of these tips,
especially the last since it will save you the most amount of money!

1. Start your registry online. Most stores allow you to start a wedding
registry online and you should. The advantage is to get your contact and
shipping information out of the way and in their system. Don't even bother to
add any products on your list. Just open a registry so that when you go to
the store in person, you can immediately show them your registry number
and start shopping for your registry. Make more use of your valuable time
and use the list below to start your registry online right now.

Amazon.com
BedBathandBeyond.com
CrateandBarrel.com
Macy's.com

2. Attend a wedding registry event. Several stores want to wine and dine
you, and why shouldn't they? Your registry alone will earn them hundreds of
dollars so grab your partner and get free advice, some good food and maybe
even a free gift. Crate and Barrel has some great events right now. Call your
local store for details.

3. Capitalize on wedding registry rebates. Sometimes manufacturer's
offer rebates if you add products to your wedding registry. For example, in
2008 Cuisenart offered up to $50.00 if you registered for their mixer.

Bloomingdale's Registry Freebies

4. Read The Wedding Registry Bonus Programs. Read all the program
details of where you decide to register. For example, Macy's has a Bridal
Bonus Program where you can get free bonus gifts from specific vendors and
a free wedding website. Bloomingdale's offers a goodie bag with a free bridal
magazine and coupons. There are so many bonus programs it is worthwhile
to read and take advantage of all the freebies.

5. Save 20% On EVERY Registry Gift. That's right! You and your
guest can save 20% off every registry item at Bed Bath and Beyond. This
merchandiser creates newspaper ads, direct marketing pieces and email
campaigns with 20% off single item coupons. You can use these coupons
even if they have expired. So start collecting and handing these coupons
out to your friends and family. Don't forget to save some for your registration
completion.

BONUS - Want a quick and easy way to get a bundle of these coupons?
eBay.com is a great resource for these coupons. Join eBay.com today and
always save 20% off on your registry for you and your guests!