What could make a wedding anymore complete than gifts? Wedding gifts are traditional in numerous cultures. Equipment for life together, both essential and no-so-essential, lovingly bestowed on the newlyweds. More recently, wedding registries have grown in popularity and convenience. With the explosion of the Internet they have become the thoroughfare for getting newlywed friends all those shiny new whatever's they have been wanting.

Say you aren't the spoiling type and want to know what's on most wedding registries before deciding to indulge the newlyweds. "Mainly china, bed and bath items, and kitchen utensils. Traditional items for setting up the household," said Promotional Director for Belk Janette Hudson. With items ranging from $10-$100, wedding registries offer gifts for guests of nearly every budget.

Let us say you are not the most proactive about getting to the store before you head to the ceremony. Most wedding registries are available online now. Point and click, enter in a few credit card numbers and you have just purchased the newlyweds a nice new toaster. Although, it is not suggested to present a printed receipt at the reception, in lieu of a proper gift.

But everyone gets a toaster. You want to give a gift with pizzazz, something to place your small but indelible mark on this impressionable relationship. Items such as jewelry and cosmetics are often placed on wedding registries by brides. And with the ease of the electronic registries, men are letting their shopping side loose. "When the grooms get involved you'll find entries for household electronics, small televisions, and more casual china," said Hudson.

Motivations aside, the wedding registry helps couples prepare for their life together. Registries provide for an easy means of well wishing newlyweds by showering them in gifts that they have been kind enough to admit they may need or profess to want. Our daily lives are made possible by many of our household appliances, and small comforts in our bedrooms and bathrooms soothe us more often than we care to admit. Not to insinuate that your toaster will necessarily bring lasting love passion in those newlyweds, but it will help them make toast.