As soon as you've registered, make sure your closest friends and family members know where you've decided to register, so they can drop not-so-subtle hints!

Your Gift Registry

Setting up a gift registry makes good sense all around. Couples receive items they really want and need, family and friends don't have to play a guessing game and the store doesn't have the hassle of exchanges or refunds for duplicate gifts. Here are some of the top tips to keep in mind when making your wish list.

DO REGISTER
If you're wondering whether or not to register, the answer is ... Do it. Your guests want to buy you gifts, and a registry saves them endless shopping time. It also ensures that you won't get things you don't want or need, or too many of the same item.

DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE
Register soon after you're engaged. As soon as the wedding date is set, start visiting stores in order to make choices. This way the registry is up and running in time for all those pre-wedding and engagement bashes. But keep in mind that many guests buy gifts right before the actual event, so it still makes sense to register even if your wedding is just two months away.

DO PREPARE AHEAD
One of the biggest mistakes couples make when registering is heading into the store unprepared. Before you begin the process, talk with your fiancé about your choices, preferences and individual needs. Go with list in hand and stick to it. Wandering aimlessly around the store until you see things you like will be a long and frustrating adventure.

DO REGISTER FOR ITEMS IN A RANGE OF PRICES
Choose items within a range of prices to fit any budget. That way all your guests can use the registry, not just rich Uncle Ted. Make sure when you register for dinnerware, for instance, that you include single wine goblets or inexpensive accessory pieces, as well as full place settings.

DON'T REGISTER FOR THINGS YOU'LL NEVER USE
What if you and your honey already have all the china you need? Consider Christmas dishes or some kind of stoneware that's completely different to add splash to your home. Or, you can register for something you really need, such as home furnishings, sporting equipment, gardening tools or luggage. Take advantage of your many options and register only for items you'll really use.

DO SPREAD THE WORD
When it comes to your registry, getting the word out is probably your toughest challenge. Experts say it's a serious breach of etiquette to list your registry on your wedding invitations. For the most part, you must rely on word of mouth. As soon as you've registered, make sure your closest friends and family members know where you've decided to register, so they can drop not-so-subtle hints! Don't assume your guests will know.

DON'T FORGET TO SAY THANKS
Be gracious -- let your guests know their gifts have arrived. Thank-you notes for gifts received before the wedding should be sent within two weeks of their arrival. Notes for gifts received on or after the wedding day should be sent within three months of your return from the honeymoon. In all notes, be sure to mention the gift by name.

Check out Alaska's top registries here before you get started.