Engaged? Congratulations! You're about to start your life as a married couple, and one of the advantages of getting married is getting to register for fabulous things to feather your nest with. But like many things that sound fun at first, it can also become overwhelming.

The Internet is your best friend in managing your registry. So much can be done online that you (almost) don't even have to set foot in a store to look at china patterns. Of course, you also need to know where to start, which is where I come in.

First step: Deciding where to register.

  • These days, it seems like most couples are moving away from registering only at stores that have a lot of brick-and-mortar outposts because so many people are comfortable shopping online. It's also good if you don't know which store is convenient for most of your guests — but pretty much everyone has an Internet connection. The best places to register, in my opinion, have both physical stores (so you can see things in person) and online-accessible registries.
  • Some bigger stores that have both a physical presence and online registries are: Macy's, Crate and Barrel, Bloomingdale's, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Target, and CB2. For each, you can either go to the store and register there, and they'll set up your online registry simultaneously, or you can just set up the registry online.

To see the rest of my online registry tips, as well as linking etiquette and some warnings, just read more.

  • Want things that are only available online? You can register with Amazon, or alternatively, you can register with the website Wishpot, which lets you add products from any website on the Internet and it puts it into one registry.
  • If you decide on multiple registries, you can use MyRegistry or Wedding Channel to add gifts from tons of stores.
  • Don't want home things? You can also register for your honeymoon at HoneyFund or you can request charitable donations with JustGive.org.

Getting the Word Out:

  • Although etiquette usually dictates that people find out about registries via word of mouth, it is the 21st century, and if you're going to create a wedding website or blog, a discrete (read: not flashing) link to your online registries is OK in my book.
  • If you didn't create a wedding website or don't feel comfortable linking, rest assured that people can search The Knot for any online registry just using your name.

But Be Careful:

  • Be aware that if you register at certain stores in person (like Macy's), the prices for sale or promotion items online may be different — that is, not on sale. If you think the full price is unreasonable, then ensure the price matches online.
  • Exchange and return policies are not always the same for the online registry purchases as they are in store. Some stores even require receipts if you want to return a gift, so make sure that you read all return and exchange policies for the stores you register at.

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