Bridal registries are services offered by department stores to allow engaged couples to choose the gifts they will receive at their wedding. Couples can draft a list of items that they would like to receive from what is offered at the store. This list is provided to wedding guests so that the desired number of each gift is ordered or purchased and the guests can avoid duplication. Some methods allow several participating stores to provide the list to guests.

When a guest purchases a gift, the department store's list is restructured and the article is removed from the list of preferred items. This prevents a single gift from being unintentionally bought by several people. A bridal registry is effective both for the couple to be married and for guests who no longer need to be apprehensive over what to buy.

Department stores can be very efficient and offer an exceedingly individual experience for the bride, groom and registry buyers. Bridal registries give free of charge consultations in person, over the phone or via Internet to brides and grooms. This helps them decide on the items they want and select items according to taste and home decor planning needs.

Services may include importing items directly from the manufacturer, offering considerable cost savings for couples and visitors. If another guest has previously purchased an item, stores provide options of issuing a gift certificate or the ability to notify the guest and offer counseling in selecting a new item.

The concept of a bridal registry is at times, looked upon as offensive, predominantly by guests of older generations. It is looked upon as asking for gifts and is seen as walking all over traditional gift buying habits. Detractors also say that the element of surprise is lost and it turns gift buying into a competition, as the couple knows prices of the presents received. The use of bridal registries has increased, nonetheless, as has the controversial practice of couples asking guests to give them money instead of gifts.

In spite of these issues, bridal registries have become popular amongst modern couples, as they are practical in nature and save time spent returning unwanted gifts.