I used to think Wedding Registries were stupid and rude begging tools. Let's just say I've changed my tune of more recent moment. :-) A registry can be a helpful resource for both the couple and their guests. Creating a registry causes the couple to think about their future life together, what their style is and how they will decorate their home. For the guests, it takes a lot of the guess work out of gift-buying/making. If not buying from the registry, a guest can at least know what the couple's tastes are, and the registries serve as a guide.
Gift registries set up in good time provide ideas for showers and group gifts as well, which seems like a good idea to me, as couples can often recieve duplicate gifts and/or less-than-desireable items. Again, I am not implying that all gifts must come from a select location, or that suprises are never pleasant; however I am coming to the conclusion that regiteries can be beneficial.
Steve and I have already started registires at the Bay, Home Outfitters and Ikea for variety. :-) It is amazing how much STUFF is out there, but we are pretty unified in what we like, so it is not overly difficult to decide what goes on and what does not. X-D

If anyone has wedding prep / shower ideas they'd like to share, please email or comment. Thank You!