Ah, the wedding registry. Some people hate it, while others love it. But one thing's for sure, nearly every couple has one. Personally I think they're fantastic. Creating a registry is probably the only socially acceptable thing you can do where you tell people exactly what you want and have them purchase it for you. And besides, the majority of newlyweds rely on them to get their home stocked with essentials.

Purchasing things off of someone's registry is usually pretty simple, however setting up your own registry can be quite daunting. So to help you maneuver you way through registry dos and don'ts, we'll spotlight each of the five traditional kitchen/dining categories (dinnerware, flatware, glassware, appliances and kitchenware) and provide a bunch of extra tips too. So be sure to check it out each day this week.

To start things off, we'll look into the world of dinnerware. To see what you should add to your list,

These days there seems to be a specialized dish for everything, you can go crazy and put everything on your register, but a good rule of thumb is to put the basics on your registry and add more once things have begun to be purchased (although some people think this is a bad idea and prefer to give their guests as many options as possible).

• It's suggested that you register for at least 8 place settings, preferably 12, and a basic set of serving pieces.
• Although people traditionally register for two place settings (fancy and everyday), more couples are going for one nicer everyday set instead.
• Your formal setting should include: dinner plate, salad plate, bread & butter plate, and cup & saucer - soup bowls are usually not part of the setting, but also make a nice addition to the registry.
• Your everyday setting should include: dinner plate, salad plate, soup/cereal bowl and mug or cup & saucer.
• If you're not sure of your color scheme, register for white or ivory dishes. You can always add color to your table with linens and decor.
• If given the option, be sure to register for the "completer set" - this typically includes vegetable bowl, platters, sugar bowl and creamer, etc. This way everything will match and nothing will be left off the list.
• For your everyday place settings, make sure you select something that is safe for microwave, freezer, oven and dishwasher.
• Start with the dishes first, you may be tempted to put those cute little gravy boats on your registry first, but it's easier to find accessories to match your set, than the other way around.
• Think timeless. Although you may love the wild pattern today, is this something that will pass the test of time? Is it something you would want to pass on to future generations?
• And finally, a checklist of dinnerware you should consider adding to your registry:

  - Formal Place Settings (8 or 12 settings)
  - Casual Everyday Place Settings (8 or 12 settings)
  - Cake Plate/Stand
  - Butter Dish
  - Soup Tureen
  - Serving Trays (3-5)
  - Serving Bowls (3-5)
  - Platters (3-5)
  - Salad Bowl
  - Salt & Pepper Shakers
  - Gravy Boat & Stand
  - Teapot
  - Pitchers

Got other dinnerware registry tips or questions? Let us know below! And be sure to check back tomorrow when I hand out tips for selecting drinkware [0].