Registry 102: Let's talk shopping: Retailers unveiled

Restoration Hardware. Restoration Hardware's line -- Hardware & Utility, Bed & Bath, Accessories, Lighting, and Windows & Floors -- is available for the bride-to-be in the retailer's Wedding & Gift Registry. The nostalgic feel that gives Restoration Hardware its distinct flavor extends to its decidedly low-tech registry program. There's no computer kiosk and no barcode wands. Couples coming into a store to register work with a registry consultant the old-fashioned way, with pen and paper. The registry is then input into the computer system to make it available at stores nationwide. They also get a folio that includes registry tips, 25 complimentary announcement cards and a copy of the catalog.

Target. The Target Club Wedd® registry offers a vast array of traditional and unique items for today’s brides, grooms and gift-givers, making it easy to find the perfect gift for the perfect match. From traditional registry items to the more untraditional The Club Wedd registry also offers access to exclusive Target design partners including Isaac Mizrahi, Thomas O’Brien, Rachel Ashwell, Michael Graves, Victoria Hagan and Sean Conway.

I just love the illustrations! They look a lot like the illustrations done by Suejean Rim for Daily Candy. Does anyone have any idea who does the Target ads?

Bloomingdale's. This is not your grandmother’s bridal registry. Bloomingdale’s is turning the registry process on its head with “The New Rules of the Registry”. The revamped registry speaks to the modern woman with practical and stylish tips and ideas, delivered in a witty, down-to-earth tone. The picture above is rule #13, “Good China is hard to break, get it now and put it to the test at breakfast, lunch and dinner”. This registry is totally modern and madly stylish. "Toast the good life everday"! Register at Bloomingdale's and receive a pair of Christofle Crystal Flutes as a gift.

(l to r) Fortunoff. Fortunoff is The Source for the biggest selection of the best brands and styles at the best values every day. When you register you qualify for 10% off the purchase of your wedding bands. They offer you 10% off the purchase of your attendants' gifts. Plus you can also find the perfect thank you for your wedding guests with 10% off your wedding favors as well. In addition, Take 10% off the purchase of anything remaining on your registry for up to 6 months after your wedding. JC Penney's. The retailer boasts a three-channel model that includes more than 1,000 stores as well as catalogs full of products for brides to register and the Internet. JCPenney has pretty much everything you need to live happily ever after, from a free wedding planner and web site to benefits your guests will love. Take a look at the Wedding Registry Magazine a nd peek into the incredible selection of brands, styles and colors that will make your house a home.

Crate and Barrel. Look for pricier statement pieces elsewhere and concentrate on the practical here: Staxx stoneware coffee mugs designed to occupy less space inside cabinets ($4.95 each), as well as Acacia wood trays (from $29.95), handblown cheese domes ($32.95) and microwave-safe tajines ($29.95) ideal for a mellow housewarming party.

Williams - Sonoma. If you want to outfit your dream kitchen, come here for Calphalon ONE and All-Clad pots and pans and professional prep tools. Also look for Spode transferware and Alhambra tableware. This is where I’m registering!

(l to r) Bed Bath & Beyond. Go Straight to the Miele Antares vacuums ($479). Pricey but worth it! Marriott Honeymoon Gift registry – "a new toaster would be nice, but not as nice as a few nights in paradise or breakfast in bed for newlyweds".

(l to r) Gump’s San Francisco. Gumps offers a complete registry service featuring top quality china, silver, crystal and linen, as well as distinctive decorative accents and other home furnishings. Your personal registry, whether created in the store or online will make it easy for your friends and family to select the "perfect" gift from wherever they live. Macy's. With a fresh new look and ad campaign that is spirited, young and playful, the Registry@Macy's is teamed with WeddingChannel. With all the services provided by WeddingChannel, you can plan your wedding, view more than 20,000 bridal gowns, get advice on etiquette, create a free Wedding Web site, search a local directory for great bridal resources and much, much, more. If you’re in New York, do yourself and favor and visit the flagship Herald Square store. The bridal and gift registry department at this fabled location summons all the regality the wedding event can evoke. The department is marked by a long, gleaming wood table, at which registry consultants work with brides and grooms; mood music; and artfully displayed wedding gifts, from All-Clad cookware to sterling-silver frames and plush towels.

Neiman Marcus. When you trust your wedding registry to Neiman Marcus, you’ll discover what generations of brides have—the world’s finest gift selection, a welcoming environment, and the legendary personal service.

Pottery Barn. Sublime, extreme domesticity awaits nesting shoppers at Pottery Barn, where bedspreads are fluffy and bright, rugs are lush and spotless, and knives always find their way into the right kitchen drawer. Couples can begin a registry and add to an existing one in any of the stores or online; they can also add to their registry over the phone. Product selection for in-store registries are added to the list by using a handheld scanner, after the process is explained by one of the many sales associates on hand to help. A list of what types of items are common on registries is supplied with the packet that is given to those registering. Also included in the packet are cards that can be used to notify friends of family of the couple's registry (these can also be ordered online), as well as a booklet thoroughly explaining how the registry works and offering information about and illustrations of the different types of products.