Along with the actual planning of your wedding one of the most exciting things about getting engaged is that you get to make a bridal registry of all the things you want in your new home at your favorite retailer. A bridal and gift registry is the smartest way for clever brides to avoid getting multiple blenders and gifts better left in the store.

The most common kind of bridal registries are the Macy’s bridal registry, the Wal-Mart bridal registry and the Target Bridal registry. There are even some places, such as Target, which now also offer an online bridal registry. This convenient list of everything you need in a new home makes it easy for guests to buy you the perfect gift. There are a few things however that you should keep in mind to ensure that you follow proper bridal registry etiquette.

Remember that this “wish list” of things that you are putting together should take into account your circle of family and friends. It would be a big faux pas to go out and fill your list up with five hundred dollar Swarovski crystal glasses and plates if you know that no one amongst your family or friends will be able to afford to give you any. Make sure your list has something in every price range so that even Aunt Suzie who lives on a fixed income but still wants to give you a gift can feel happy that she is buying you something that you want.

Keep in mind that the bridal registry is a suggestion only and those who want to buy you something that is not on your list should not be made to feel bad if they do so. Sometimes some people simply cannot afford the gifts that are placed on the bridal registry or strongly feel opposed to the whole concept of a bridal gift registry and choose to buy you what they feel is right – so be it if they do.

Also remember that a bridal registry is for gifts and not a cash-grab. A recent and highly unpopular trend is to simply state that the couple wants money. This should never be done. It is impolite and puts people who cannot afford a large sum of cash on the spot. A bridal and gift registry should always be fair to the guests with only a few fantasy items thrown in for any family or friends who are feeling extra generous.