With so many types of registries out there, many couples can get overwhelmed about what to register for. This section is meant for the couple that is really starting from scratch and needs help selecting what to actually register for. Your wedding registry should be filled with things you need both now and for the future. Although you may not see a need for a soup tureen now, when you finally have that big family Thanksgiving dinner at your home you will be happy to see it in your cupboard.

Take your time and browse either through the store or online. Items you are most likely to register for are as followed:

• Formal dinnerware.

• Everyday plates.

• Silverware and flatware patterns.

• Glassware.

• Pots and pans.

• Linens.

• Small appliances.

• Kitchen gadgets.

• Various household décor items.

Many couples know exactly what they are looking for, while others have no idea what to do, and some just plain hate to shop! Fortunately, for the couple that has no idea what to do, most stores have easy-to-follow registration and guidelines while registering online or at the kiosk at the store. Any store that has a comprehensive wedding registry (both in the store and online) will walk you through the process to help take away the guesswork.

Formal Dinnerware and Everyday Plates

Dinnerware usually refers to fine china, although couples also usually request a set of everyday dishes. Obviously, the china is more expensive and you may prefer to include only the china on your registry and pick up the everyday dishes yourself. Only you know what your priorities are. Theoretically, you can register for as many goodies as you want.

However, realistically, you are going to receive the most practical items (such as dishes) first and the less practical items only if every other item on your registry has been purchased. Of course, you may have family and friends who refuse to buy practical gifts. So, if you have your heart set on both sets of dishes, register for them both. Be advised that the lesser expensive items tend to be the first items purchased on the list.

There are two types of fine china: porcelain and bone. Porcelain is made from refined clay and minerals that make it nonporous, which means it cannot be stained by food. The main ingredient in bone china is bone ash. This china has an almost translucent glow. If you hold it up to light you can see through it.

Plain plates (or what you plan to use every day) also come with a few choices:

• Stoneware — like porcelain, stoneware is made from clay, but the clay used in stoneware is grainier and rougher, which makes it very durable.

• Earthenware — is also made from clay, but is less durable than stoneware and it may be stained by food.

How many place settings should we register for?

That depends on you! If you love to entertain, you will need a good number of formal place settings (10 or 12 sets). If you entertain rarely, however, you may want eight settings just for special occasions.

• Oven-to-tableware — from the name, you already know you can cook with it. Oven-to-tableware contains a little porcelain and a mixture of other clays. It is usually guaranteed to be safe and untarnished by an oven for a certain number of years.

• Plastic dinnerware — the best type of plastic dinnerware is known as melamine, which is very durable and stain resistant. If you plan on entertaining outside a lot with your family and friends (and like to picnic and travel often), melamine is a great spare set to have.

Other tableware items you will most likely want to register for include hollowware pieces. Hollowware refers to serving bowls and dishes, such as soup tureens, vegetable dishes, salt and pepper shakers, creamers, sugar bowls, etc. You should obviously try to register for hollowware items that complement your tableware items.

Glassware

Glassware is anything you drink out of or pour a drink from. Here are some of the main types of glassware you may want to consider stocking your shelves with:

• Beer glasses (or pilsners).

• Wine glasses (stemware) — typically you want to select both white and red wine glasses as they are different sizes, as well as champagne flutes.

• Wine decanters.

• Cocktail glasses — these include highballs and low-ball glasses along with specialty glasses (like snifters, martini, and shot glasses).

• Water goblets.

The main divisions for glassware are based on how they are made and decorated.

Glassware can be hand-blown or machine-made. Pieces of hand-blown glass are so fine and delicate that they are considered works of art and tend to cost more. Full-lead crystal is the highest quality glassware you can buy as it must meet standards for its lead content. Lead helps to provide sparkle to glassware and also makes crystal softer, which aids in the creation of delicate designs. Other terms you might see in the glassware section include the following:

• Pressed glass — molds are used to create raised patterns on the glass.

• Etched glass — designs are made using wax and acid.

• Cut glass — decorated by hand using a stone wheel or a machine that performs the same function.

• Lime glass — made from combinations of lime and soda. This is typically what everyday glassware is made of.

There are also other options like colored glass, milk glass (opaque), or cased glass (which looks two-toned).

Silverware/Flatware

What most people call silverware is referred to as flatware in stores (and by those in traditional circles), unless it is actually made from sterling silver. As you would expect, flatware is just about any utensil that you eat or serve food with (except chopsticks). Since you won't want to place you best china next to stainless steel utensils with plastic handles, you should consider registering for high-quality flatware.

The best flatware you can buy is made of sterling silver (hence the term silverware). Some families treat their sterling silver as an heirloom and pass it down through the generations. These days, many couples are bypassing the highest-quality silver and opting for something that is both elegant and less expensive.

There is no denying the elegance and style of sterling silver, but don't hide it away in a cupboard and use it only on special occasions. Regular use of your sterling silver will help to bring out a special glow (called patina) in the silver that is caused by small scratches.

Linens

Linens are another common registry item. Linens are all the cloth items you need in your kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. You should consider cloth napkins, tablecloths, place mats, runners, hot pads, dishtowels, sheets, pillowcases, face cloths, hand towels, and full-size bath towels. Most stores recommend that you register for three sets of bedroom linens and six to eight towels for each bathroom.

However, when registering for bedroom linens, it is best to register for only one comforter or duvet cover and then three sets of sheets to go with it if you and your fiancé are living in a one-bedroom apartment. You don't want to look like you are trying to plan the next three bedroom makeovers for your home. If you have a three-bedroom house, then different styles for different bedrooms will make more sense!

Cookware

There is a wide range of pots and pans available. If you are a gourmet cook, you probably have preferences already. Even if you are not a regular in the kitchen, chances are that you will want to do more entertaining as your family grows. Since you may be using these staples in your kitchen for years, choosing quality items is crucial.

Here are few basic types of cookware to look for:

• Aluminum — the most popular variety on the market. It spreads heat quickly and evenly; it is the lightest cookware around and it is easy to clean.

• Porcelain — this enamel-based cookware spreads heat evenly as well. The surface is easy to clean and will not stain or scratch.

• Stainless steel — not a good conductor of heat on its own, stainless steel must be alloyed with copper or aluminum in order to make effective cookware. Stainless steel will not dent, scratch, corrode, stain, or tarnish.

• Glass (or pyro ceramic) — is long lasting, easy to clean, and easy to prep food and freeze after cooking. You can typically also serve the food in the same cookware you cooked it in. However, they do break easily as opposed to metal cookware, which will typically just clang on the floor (as opposed to shattering!).

• Copper — the best conductor of heat and has been around the longest on the cooking scene. Copper helps to keep food warm if it has to sit around a while. Copper requires a little elbow grease to clean and maintain, as it has to be polished periodically. Make sure any copper cookware you buy is bonded with stainless steel, silver, or another surface as it is dangerous for food to come in direct contact with copper.

• Cast iron — Used for centuries, cast iron is known for its excellent ability to withstand high cooking temperatures and for its relatively nonstick surface. If you love making egg dishes and cornbread, this is the perfect type of pan to register for. Another item to note is that anemics tend to benefit from the use of cast-iron cookware as wear and tear on the pan can infuse small amounts of iron into food while cooking. However, individuals that suffer from too much iron in their blood could suffer negative effects from this type of cookware. So buyer beware!

• Microwaveable — since most couples are on the go, making sure you have microwavable cookware is essential. Most pyro ceramic cookware doubles as microwave and oven safe. Just be sure to check under the cookware, as usage directives will typically be etched in the bottom of the glass.

Other Items to Consider

When registering, make sure you give your guests options. You don't have to just register for all the formal stuff and everyday items. If you see a great vase or fantastic game of chess that matches the colors in your living room, add it to the list. People can get to see the fun side of you and a little more of your style that way. Go ahead and register for that flat screen HD television. A TV may be just the thing your fiancé's seven high school buddies would love to chip in together to buy for you two!