Online Gift Registration: Get the Facts

Picture this: You and your spouse-to-be are snuggled up in front of the computer, browsing through a vast online array of merchandise, clicking on every gadget and gizmo that catches your eye, and, voila, you're all done registering for your wedding. Welcome to the world of online gift registries.

Now that gift registration has gone online, registering for your shower or wedding has become easier than ever. Gone are the Saturdays spent wearily wandering around the china department searching for a pleasing pattern. Now you can browse patterns online. Gone are the worries about registering at too many stores to keep track of. With an online registry, you can register at your favorite stores, and all of your choices will be programmed into one main account. Another perk: Your online registry service will record which guests buy you what and when, and they'll even send you email as the items are bought, so you can get a jump start on writing those thank-you notes. Your out-of-town guests will love your online registry, too: They'll be able to buy you the things you want no matter where they live.