When registering at a store, you may want to choose one that has branches in areas where the majority of your friends and relatives live. Because many stores use computers, gifts can be bought at any one of their locations, and most fine china and department stores offer free bridal registry.

Because it's not considered 'proper' to include registry information on a wedding invitation, you'll have to ask the bride or groom's family where the couple is registered.

Even though you will receive most of your gifts before the wedding, some may be given at the reception. It is a good idea to set aside a table specifically for these gifts and have someone in your wedding party monitor them.

It's not only customary to give gifts to the wedding party, it's a very considerate gesture for those who are assisting you on your big day. Being in a wedding is a big responsibility, especially for the maid of honor and best man, who have a number of outside duties as well.

Chances are, you will receive at least one wedding gift you will want to return. To do so, keep the tag on the gift or the box in which it arrived and most stores will readily exchange the item.

When the engagement is broken, the couple is expected to return any wedding presents they may have received. Even monogrammed gifts should be returned.

Bride's bouquets are available in many styles. Three of the most common varieties are colonial, arm and cascade. A hand-tied arm bouquet requires only a spray of long-stemmed flowers; the stems are then tied with a single wide ribbon.

It's traditional for the bride and groom to exchange gifts on the day of the wedding. Jewelry is the most popular choice for the bride, but other items may be given, including porcelain figurines, a music box, or a book of poems.