Your Registry: Find Your Style & Have Fun Doing It!

       One of the most exciting parts of being engaged--aside from the bling and the idea of throwing a massive party--is getting to complete your registry!

I'm going to throw good manners to the wind here and be frank with you--this is the only opportunity you will ever have in your life to walk in to a store with reckless abandon and scan to your heart's content! So, let's make sure you do it right:

#1 Browse: remember that it's not all about you. There's that guy you're marrying who probably has his own style, too. Talk about the design, style and function of the rooms in your house or apartment. Chances are, between his need for a man cave and your desire to have ruffled pillows everywhere, you can work together to find a style that suits you both. Marriage is all about compromise, people, so get used to it!

#2 If you already live together and don't feel like you need as many kitchen do-dads, then think out of the box: nowadays, you can register for honeymoon upgrades (think couples' massage or a bottle of bubbly sent to your room). You can also register for furniture, rugs, table lamps, etc. And even if someone doesn't snatch up your living room sofa as a generous gift, most stores will allow you to get a discount on what has not been purchased off your registry. It's a win-win!

#3 Pick up entertaining pieces: No doubt once you do get married, you will be hosting plenty of get-togethers, so stock up on essentials. Plenty of big, white serving platters and small cocktail plates will ease you through a housewarming party. A wine decanter and big glass pitchers for lemonade or sangria are great additions and will serve their purpose for years to come.

#4 Go Room by Room: the easiest way to complete a registry without forgetting items is to go room by room; start off in the kitchen, then move to the bathroom and then the bedroom. Also, many stores like Macy's or Bed, Bath & Beyond offer checklists, which really come in handy!

#5 Do not, I repeat, DO NOT register for the most expensive pasta fork you can find. Yes, this is the time to really get that ice cream maker and daydream about making your own confections like a Food Network darling, but no one is going to break the bank just to buy you a gift. Registry consultants will warn you against this and guide you through how to register for low, middle, and higher priced items.

#6 Don't do it all in one day: It's unrealistic to think you can do it all at once, so don't try it or trust me, you will be completely exhausted. Now is not the time to zip through every section of the store because you will undoubtedly make rash decisions. Also, stores may not physically carry every item you will want, so be prepared to do some work online as well.

#7 Go neutral: Just because I'm afraid of color, doesn't mean you have to be, too. However, keeping your accessories neutral is something many designers actually suggest. Think about it: if you can't afford to immediately renovate the green, 1970's style kitchen in your new house, wouldn't you like to look down at clean, white plates? Honestly, food looks best on a white plate anyway!

So remember: work together, take your time, and have fun!