Amazon.com
The Goods: Sure, you can find colored glassware and china, but make sure you don't miss the most-wanteds. Music? Check. Books? Dig in. Food and wine? Yup, that too.
Locations: Searching for a storefront? No point -- this is strictly an online retailer.
Registry Tools: Registry and
planning checklists; email registry to friends and family; thank-you list manager.
Extras: Customer reviews on all items; free announcement cards.
The Fine Print: Free Super Saver shipping deal on particular orders of at least $25; gift wrap charges range from $3.99 to $5.99 per item; receive a refund or gift certificate for new items returned directly to Amazon within 30 days. Keep in mind that returns to third-party sellers may be handled differently.
Bed Bath & Beyond
The Goods: The name pretty much sums it all up. Add on the shower curtains and duvet covers, as well as a blender and a vacuum.
Locations: Nationwide stores as well as online. Phone orders also accepted.
Registry Tools: Create your personal wedding website; guest list manager; budget calculator; task manager.
Extras: Bridal brochure and enclosure cards; free gifts from certain brands when you add items to their registry; refer a friend and receive a $25 referral award good toward any in-store purchase of $50 or more; completion program includes discount once in-store and once online for three months after wedding.
The Fine Print: Complimentary gift wrap for in-store purchases; online shipping fees start at $5.99. .
Bloomingdale's
The Goods: Luxury organic towels and tableware? Stock up. Designer shoes, handbags and even that Juicy Couture swimsuit. (Plan ahead; the honeymoon awaits!)
Locations: Nationwide and online. Phone orders are accepted.
Registry Tools: Thank-you card manager; personal wedding website.
Extras: The New Rules of the Registry catalog; enclosure cards; seasonal vendor gifts and exclusives; free gifts from several brands; completion program: 10 percent for six months after wedding date; personal registry consultant appointments available; updated registry within 24 hours.
The Fine Print: Complimentary gift wrap for most purchases; shipping starts at $6; credit on returns.
Crate & Barrel
The Goods: You can find everything from
pots and pans to bedding and bar carts. This is the place for picking up the living room couch, plus an ottoman to match; heck, add on the apple corer and mango pitter while you're at it.
Locations: Nationwide and online. Phone orders are accepted.
Registry Tools: Announcement cards; guest book feature; save-the-date email.
Extras: The One & Only registry guide, which includes an online resource guidebook; completion program involves 10 percent off for six months in-store, online or over the phone; registry is updated within 15 minutes of purchase.
The Fine Print: Make returns or exchanges for one year after your wedding date; flat rate shipping fee of $4.95; gift wrap $5.50 per box.
JCPenney
The Goods: Window treatments, rugs, china and flatware. Dreaming of a king-size bed in the near future? Score a box spring, headboard and mattress too.
Locations: Name the state, you'll find a store near you. Online and phone orders too.
Registry Tools: Planning checklist; guest list manager and budget calculator; personal wedding website.
Extras: Enclosure cards; free sitting and an 8" x 10" engagement photo; $80 off a deluxe gown-preservation package; returns and exchanges on everything are welcome at store locations; complimentary wedding organizer; consultants on the phone seven days a week; immediate registry update.
The Fine Print: Free shipping on purchases of $49 or more; recent changes to their return policy mean you're eligible for a full refund with or without a receipt for as long as you both shall live!
Kohl's
The Goods: Coffeemakers and cutlery to swimsuits and candlesticks. Looking for some well-known designers? Look no more. Even Vera Wang has landed her lines nationwide.
Locations: Nationwide and online. Phone orders also accepted.
Registry Tools: Email registry; registry checklist; bridal shower info and ideas.
Extras: Kohl's Wedding Wishes registry guide; score free gifts from several brands; completion program includes 15 percent off items left on your registry.
The Fine Print: Shipping starts at $5.95; items can be returned or exchanged with a gift receipt in-store.
Macy's
The Goods: This is not just a miracle on 34th Street. Seriously, this superstore has more products than any registering to-be-weds could possibly ask for. Find mixing bowls and baking pans, luggage, and digital cameras.
Locations: Nationwide and online. Phone orders are accepted.
Registry Tools: Personal wedding web page; thank-you card manager; enclosure cards; registry checklist.
Extras: Star Rewards program; donate to a charity of choice; completion program: 10 percent for 90 days after wedding.
The Fine Print: Shipping fees start at $5.95; $6 gift wrapping charge; receive credit on an existing gift card or store merchandise credit within one year of purchase on gifts.
Neiman Marcus
The Goods: This is just the spot for those with slightly finer taste. You'll find items such as black crystal chandeliers and Egyptian cotton blankets, as well as exclusive, trendy lines from a variety of designer boutiques.
Locations: Nationwide in major cities and online. Phone orders are also accepted.
Registry Tools: Post messages to your guests on your Neiman Marcus registry page; experienced sales associates on call.
Extras: Receive a bridal registry catalog; gift wrap services available.
The Fine Print: Returns can be exchanged for a Neiman Marcus gift card within one year after your wedding date; standard shipping charges start at $6 per package.
Pottery Barn
The Goods: This classic has yet to let us down, so why not make it one of your registry spots? Get colorful geometric rugs, barware, bright settees and fun entertaining pieces.
Locations: Nationwide and online. Phone orders are accepted.
Registry Tools: Thank-you note manager; email registry to friends and family.
Extras: 10 percent discount on items left on your registry for up to six months after your date; registry updated within 48 hours and remains active until a year after your event.
The Fine Print: Gifts can be returned for a merchandise voucher or exchanged for 90 days after the wedding date or purchase date, whichever occurs later; gift wrap fee: $5.50; returns not accepted on any personalized or monogrammed items, special orders, or final sales; shipping fees start at $4.95.
Target
The Goods: Bull's-eye! There's no striking out with this selection of cool gardening gear, kitchen appliances, love seats and electronics. Need some tennis rackets? Go on and throw those onto the list as well.
Locations: Nationwide and online. Phone orders are accepted.
Registry Tools: Registry checklist; Club Wedd Catalog.
Extras: Free shipping might be available on certain items in the store.
The Fine Print: Gifts can be returned or exchanged within 90 days with a receipt, gift receipt or gift purchase log; gift wrap on most items is $5.99; your registry stays active for 90 days after your wedding date.
Restoration Hardware
The Goods: Couches to consoles. Need a few options for hardware? This is the place.
Locations: Nationwide and online. Phone orders also accepted.
Registry Tools: Thank-you note manager.
Extras: Registry folio and announcement cards; 10 percent completion program one time for 12 months post-event; registry updated immediately.
The Fine Print: Shipping fees start at $4.95; gift wrap starts at $5.95; store credit for returns or exchanges.
Williams-Sonoma
The Goods: Beginners? After registering at Williams-Sonoma, you should prepare to turn into gourmets in the kitchen.
Locations: Nationwide and online. Phone orders accepted.
Registry Tools: Checklist manager; enclosure cards; thank-you note manager.
Extras: Complimentary registry guide; private consultations; completion program includes 10 percent discount on all items, even those not on registry, for up to six months after your wedding date; gift when you register for a certain amount of items; the registry updates within 24 hours if purchased online, or 48 hours if purchased in-store.
The Fine Print: Merchandise credit or exchange for returns with receipt; gift wrap fee is $5.95; personalized and monogrammed items can't be returned and orders can't be canceled once made; shipping fees begin at $5.50.
-- Elena Donovan Mauer