Friday, May 29, 2009

I'm now searchable!

BlogSearch.png

See that little "search this blog" box? It's to the left under "my bloggings" above "links." There you go, you've got it! :) So... now instead of searching by the labels I give my posts, you can search me for anything your little heart desires. For the search above I typed in "flowers" and got those results. For a photographer I sure do talk about flowers a lot, huh? (wink)

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Wedding Tip #23 - What to bring to meet your florist

Kaleen Bridal Bouquet

So you're getting ready to meet your florist. What should you bring with you?

• Types of flowers that you like and will want to include
• Color samples (fabric from your dress, bridesmaids dresses, or table linens would be perfect)
• Theme samples (invites, photos, and objects like favors that you want to include)
• Candles? Sample/sketch of what you'd like to use and where if they are mixed with flowers
• Budget - have an idea of what you plan to spent on flowers. This is usually 3-8% of your total budget.

IDEAS! Go magazine crazy! (Or try google image search) Tear out bouquets and arrangements you like! Make notes on if you like this entire bouquet or just the flowers/colors used. Also - take a look at your florist's website or sample books and let her know what arrangements are your style.

NUMBERS. Where and how many floral items do you need? Here is a checklist guide:

Kaleen flower girl bakset

______ Bridal bouquet
______ Groom's boutonnier
______ groomsman boutonnieres
______ dad/other boutonnieres (other could include readers, god parents etc)
______ bridesmaid bouquets
______ mom/other bouquets/corsages (other could include readers, god parents etc)
______ flower girl basket & ring bearer boutonnier
______ flowers for grandparents
______ Pew/aisle decorations
______ flower petals for aisle
______ alter/huppah/ceremony arrangements (alter decorations are usually left in the church)
______ flower garlands
______ wreaths
______ cocktail table & bar decorations (low vases)
______ table centerpieces (Tall? short? mix?)
______ head table(s) centerpiece(s)
______ cake table (you can use your bridesmaids bouquet OR petals for this too)
______ restroom decorations
______ extra toss bouquet?

You will also want to think about details such as when the flowers should be delivered, and what should be sent where. For example bride/bridesmaid flowers should be sent to where the ladies are getting ready. Corsages/boutonnieres usually go to the church. When you have your timeline together you will want to get a copy to your florist. You want your flowers on time - but not too early so they stay looking fresh!

Flower information including: seasonal flowers & descriptions including longest lasting: http://www.yourwedding101.com/wedding-flowers/seasonal-flowers.aspx

Kaleen Bridesmaid Flowers

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Wedding Tip #22 - Great Photos take TIME

Last weekend I shot a wedding where I was given enough time to get all the shots I wanted. YAY! Sometimes, to achieve this, photographers shoot portraits the day after the wedding. However, then you need to get your hair and make-up done again. So... what are the other options? You could do portraits before the wedding, but some couples don't want to see each other until the bride walks down the aisle. (Kaleen and Matt felt this way) So... what did we do? We shot during their cocktail hour. To accomplish this we needed to take slightly more than an hour - and we needed to be very efficient with group portraits. The portraits at this weeding took about an hour and 15 minutes. We did the group shots first (about 25 mins) and then just Kaleen and Matt (about 45 mins) - this time includes all walking/location changes. My stopwatch started at the first attempt to gather people and went until they walked down the stairs - ready to be introduced.

The "Wedding Portrait"
logo_DSC0137.jpg

logo_DSC0034.jpg

This is a classic, must-have shot. Even if it's not your style you should have one looking-at-the-camera traditional portrait. Do it for Mom, do it for Grandma... but do it! With the 2nd photo shown we added a twist! While I don't think cocktails should be in every photo, I love this toasting shot. And so did they... they finally got to have some of those drinks they'd been handed!

The "Walking Away"
Kaleen and Matt Bridge

logo_DSC0004.jpg

This photo is a great way to end the album. (Yes, a good photographer has to think of everything, including the final album, on wedding day) Most weddings have a last dance, but it doesn't look any different than the first dance. (Except maybe more of her hair has come loose) Sometimes there is a "get away" with a special car, sparklers, or other fun event. But, most of the time, there are just a lot of hugs and goodbyes. So, what goes last in the album? This shot!

The "Drama Kiss"
Kaleen and Matt Stariway

Kaleen and Matt Drama Kiss
(two above) Stairways = drama. Enough said. Ok, Black & White tends to also up the drama factor!

(directly above) This is my favorite shot! And, it's usually the one most couples give me the weirdest look when I ask them to do it! He worries he might drop her. She says it's a weird angle for her back... but isn't it worth it! Usually I say if it feels uncomfortable don't do it because you'll look weird. This is the exception to the rule. I think every couple needs a shot like this! Then again, I'm an incredibility girly hopeless romantic.

The "Portrait Kiss"
Kaleen and Matt Kiss
Did I mention I like kissing photos? The portrait kiss is always nice. Also, for those out there who are a little camera shy - I think this is actually a little easier. You get to look at each other. You get to kiss. I can shoot with a long lens and give you a little space! And, it's a nice break from that smile that's getting frozen on your face. I always ask my couples to kiss again, and again, and again...

The "Environment"
Kaleen and Matt Doorway

logo_DSC0167.jpg
Ok, let's talk about taking advantage of your venue. Are there cool spots in your chosen location? Take photos there! Be sure to set aside time to shoot there too, in additional to outdoors! Also, in case of the dreaded 4 letter "R" word (ahem, rain) it's a good idea to have some indoor spots you love for your photos.

The location of Kaleen and Matt's wedding, and all portraits here were taken at Glen Manor House, Portsmouth, RI.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Who's a big photo nerd? This girl!

My friends Kaleen and Matt got married yesterday. I photographed Kaleen getting ready, but had my friend Simi come along to do the 2nd shooting for the ceremony and then tag in for the reception so I could party. It was one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever been too - Kaleen and Matt were too cute for words and they chose the most amazing location!

When I got to Kaleen's dad's house she told me that she hadn't really slept much, and gotten up at 4am too excited for her big day to sleep. Ok, here's the part that makes me a big photo nerd. Even though I was out at the after party until 1am ... I was awake at 7am. I couldn't fall back asleep. Why? Because I was too excited to look at the photos! I had that "these photos are going to be awesome" feeling and I couldn't wait to pop them up on my laptop and take a look.

Here's the first peak, more to follow :)

Kaleen and Matt

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Camera Questions

So I get asked (all the time!) about upgrading cameras... even from my mortgage broker ;)

jonathan: hi katie ring. not sure if you remember me. i did your loan for your new house
10:55 AM hope that is going well for you
me: yes, i remember
you left BOA, right?
how are you?
jonathan: yeah
i am really well
i live in mexico
me: good to hear
jonathan: so i had a camera question
if maybe you could lend some advice
10:56 AM me: sure
what's up?
jonathan: so i bought a canon, powershot, sx10is
but i feel i am limited by it
10:57 AM like, it takes great pictures
but i can do better
it was good to learn on i suppose
but i want something better
any suggestions
10:58 AM me: Well, the biggest leap is from a point and shoot to a digital SLR
an SLR still have automatic settings, but also semi-automatic and manual settings
10:59 AM jonathan: so slr is the way to go huh
me: interchangeable lenses are also important because the quality of the photos is only as good as the glass they were shot through
jonathan: exactly. and with the one i have now, i cant get an aftermarket lense on there
11:00 AM me: You can buy used on ebay... I am acutally about to list a Nikon D200
jonathan: really?
me: yep
another favorite camera of mine is the fuji S2 pro
it's only 6 mega pixel but the color and quality is amazing
11:01 AM you could probably pick up one of those very cheaply
jonathan: i have some great pic opportunities in mexico
me: I bet!
jonathan: i just want to take professional looking pics.
11:02 AM me: well it's part camera, but it's also part learning how to use that camera well
jonathan: i have the creativity, and rough knowledge of shooting
me: well I am teaching an online landscape photo class ;)
jonathan: i saw that
i just checked out your site actually, a few weeks ago
11:03 AM you take awesome pics
me: Do you mind if I copy our gchat (it would just say jonathan) into my blog? I love to add real convos with camera advice!
jonathan: oh go ahead, for sure
11:07 AM me: thanks

This has got to be the most common question I get asked by friends & family. What I said to Jon is what I say all the time. It's both about the quality of the camera AND the skill of the photographer. So if you're looking to take better pictures you should both upgrade your equipment and take a photo class. If you're just looking for a nice camera, a good rule of thumb is to go with something with a name you know! Nikon, Cannon, Olympus... all good stuff! Go into the store and try it out! How does it feel in your hands? Do you like how big it is, do you like where the buttons are? Is it intuitive or will you need to spend hours reading the manual?
Another good link about why to buy an SLR:
http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-buy-a-dslr-camera

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Article about my current show "Status Update"

(re-posted from: http://newhavenindependent.org/archives/2009/05/facebook_art.php)

New Art Exhibit Faces Facebook

by Allan Appel | May 15, 2009 2:29 PM | | Comments (3)

nhihaskins%20010.JPG

nhihaskins%20010.JPG
Matt Held couldn’t give his oil paintings away except to people who might use the stretchers for firewood. Then came a virtual art bazaar named Facebook.

In November he started a Facebook group. It’s called, “I’ll have my Facebook portrait painted by Matt Held.”

Now he has 3,300 virtual friends, his paintings are selling, plus 150 people electronically clamoring for his Facebook’s “status update.”

“I mean,” he said, with contented irony, “is it a form of a stalking?”

nhihaskins%20004.JPG

nhihaskins%20004.JPG
Held’s story, along with his art and that of a dozen colleagues who use the emerging social networking technologies to make and to disseminate their work, is on display in Status Update, a fascinating new exhibition curated by Debbie Hesse and Donna Ruff under the auspices of the Arts Council.

It is mounted, appropriately enough, at Haskins Laboratories. The scientific think tank at 300 George Street wants to know if the new technologies are an assist to literacy or are retarding it. The show is on view on the 9th floor, until Aug. 1.

Nothing’s retarding Matt Held. After he painted his wife’s portrait based on her Facebook representation, the response was so great, he’s had to limit himself to painting 200 portraits. Real ones, but based on Facebook offerings, which could be the real person, or not. His work is being seen, and around the world, he said, instantly, by his “friends” from Jerusalem to the Congo.

“All the gallery system,” he said, “including the receptionists who used to throw my slides in the trash, all that now is bypassed and bulldozed.”

nhihaskins%20002.JPG

nhihaskins%20002.JPG
In addition to “Steve,” the eponymous picture at the top, one of the lucky people whose portrait Held has painted is fellow New York-based artist An Xiao. Her work, “Nothing to Tweet Home About (Self Portrait in Postcards)” poses the question: What does a very old medium, like writing on a postcard, have in common with the newest, Twitter?

Xiao’s candid answer: “The easier the communication device, the more trivial the message being sent.”

Thus she is sending dozens of postcards to the Haskins Laboratories throughout the run of the show, and she is Twittering away about their status as well. Several postcards on display have these messages; “I’m so addicted to Subway sandwiches. My gosh!” and “Can’t tell you how sleepy I am.”

During a panel discussion about the status of “status updating,” and the other technologies, Xiao and Haskins Laboratories chief Phil Rubin both said that whereas in other gatherings people are asked to turn off their cell phones, the audience of some 50 were asked not only to keep theirs on but to Twitter away.

Xiao is a serious conceptual artist. She, like Cat Balco, another of the participants, who teaches painting at the University of Hartford, doesn’t have the answers. Xiao wants to find out if the aggregate of the postcards and the Twitters will add up to a genuine portrait of herself.

Balco’s old-fashioned oils on canvas, like this one titled “Skin,” were included in the show, according to Hesse, because her subject, a kind of metaphorical take on the neural networking patterns happening inside the brain, is a mirror of the social networking that has seized the art world in the last six months or so.

“I think,” she said, “we are hardwired to create and to connect.”

nhihaskins%20007.JPG

nhihaskins%20007.JPG
Yet she is also something of a critic of Internet-based art. “When I paint, I don’t know the result. I’m discovering, I’m learning. I genuinely feel that when I work with the paint, I’m coming up with structures, ideas that aid me in understanding myself and the world. The Net-based art can be just the execution or implementation of a pre-existing idea.”

For a more in-your-face, or at least in-your-screen, satire of the phenomenon, click on the play arrow to view Jeremiah Teipen’s video “Social Networking.”

nhihaskins%20008.JPG

nhihaskins%20008.JPG
It’s a faux social networking page where the ID image is the first 1,000 people who came up on a Google search.

Rachel Perry Welty (on the left with fellow Net artist Katie Ring) updated her Facebook status via her iPhone every 60 seconds for about 16 hours on March 11, 2009. That amounted to 550 updates along with a photo for each update.

nhihaskins%20006.JPG

nhihaskins%20006.JPG
“My aim,” she said, “was to give a completely comprehensive answer to the Facebook prompt, ‘What are you doing right now?”

She got hundreds of requests seeking her as a friend. “I don’t think what I was doing was very fascinating - her messages, like Xiao’s were fairly quotidian, or shall we say boring? — “but people appeared,” said Welty, “to be confirmed that they were like me.”

Welty’s previous work includes a video performance based on all the wrong numbers or messages she received over a four-year period. “I do this karaoke based on them,” she said, “lip-synching the messages and I found it difficult, but also poignant.”

nhihaskins%20001.JPG

nhihaskins%20001.JPG
Xiao, along with artist/panelist Sharon Butler of Eastern Connecticut State University, suggested that the best Twitterers were indeed people who saw the medium as an outlet for performance. “I mean when you stand in front of 300 people,” said Xiao, “how long can you tell them what you ate, that you’re sleepy, and so on?”

“Artists are innovators,” said Butler, “but as in all genres, some is good, some is not, but much of it is thought provoking. How much is resonant and will last for the ages? Who knows?”

nhihaskins%20005.JPG

nhihaskins%20005.JPG
This guy does. Len Zimmerman, neither artist nor professor but interested visitor and member of the public, said, “Look, I find this all interesting, but I don’t Facebook or Twitter. I just read the newspaper. I think there should be more real, human faces, like this, in person, not Facebook people but actual people facing and talking to each other.”

Other artists not mentioned above who are exhibiting include: Kevin Van Aelst (his T-shirt images are behind Butler above), Greg Garvey, Heather D. Freeman, Keith Johnson, and the curators themselves Hesse and Ruff.

Oh, where did the curators find the artists in the show? “I got them all,” said Hesse, “through Facebook.”

Regular viewing hours at Haskins are 10 p.m. to 4 p.m

_______________________________

Arts Council of Greater New Haven: http://www.newhavenarts.org

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

New Website Text

Check out the new text for my bio & investment section of my website:

IMG_8237.jpg

Who is Katie?
Katie Ring is a photographer and educator in greater Boston. She has
over five years of experience photographing weddings and portraits.
She keeps her style fresh by photographing fine art projects such as
“status update” and “fairgrounds.” Katie is formally trained in both
fine art and photojournalism and her style is a blend of the two. This
makes for one of a kind photographs! As a self proclaimed Blog &
Facebook addict; she is also a lover of tea and the color pink. She
can often be found on her porch aka “summer office” watching the boats
in Salem harbor.

Investment
Wedding photography begins at $1800 for a 4 hour wedding session.
Always included are: engagement session, planning meeting(s), edited
and optimized photographs, Pictage photo website, and print/album
credit. Katie is a wedding expert, just check out her blog! Since
every wedding is different, Katie builds custom photography coverage
for you. Why start at 4 hours? Because it’s better to have a great
photographer for a few hours than an amateur all day long! Schedule a
consultation with Katie (free!) and she will create a quote for your
unique needs and budget. Destination and all-inclusive coverage is
$2800 - $4000+

A la carte portrait sessions begin at $200. From bump to baby,
maternity photo collections capture it all! Starting at $500 for 3 (1
hr) sessions.

Because Katie strives to give each client the specialized attention
they deserve, limited wedding bookings are available. Some products
include: albums, brag books, guest books, prints, digital negatives,
photo canvases, slide shows (on DVD or with projector rental), and
easy ordering for friends and family including individual photo
downloads!

A note from Katie: "I feel truly lucky to enjoy my work as much as I
do. I love photography and working with my clients is often like
spending time with friends. Whether I am photographing your wedding
day or your children my goal is to create photographs that represent
your treasured memories and heirlooms. I love my own wedding photos,
and I am thrilled to have the honor of creating the special reminders
of memories that stay with you after the moments have passed."
-Katie Ring

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Check Boxes are cool

So today I learned I could add check boxes after each post. You can now rate my blog posts! Choose from "funny", "interesting", "cool", "helpful", "katie rocks" or "thumbs down." Do you have an idea for another option? Let me know and I might just add it.

Wedding Tip #21 - Knowing and negotiating the "rules"

I know, you might be thinking...rules? What rules? Who would make rules for MY wedding! Unfortunately, in most cases you will be bound by the rules of the ceremony or reception site. It's best for you, and your photographer, to know them as soon as possible. This way you'll be able to ask for exceptions if necessary or plan alternatives. You'll also want to prepare your vendors who may need to alter their usual plans.

To view sample church guidelines (somewhat strict) click the images below
Ceremony PhotoGuidlines2Ceremony Photo Guidlines1


Common restrictions:

• No flash photography
Some officiants just won't budge! In this case I usually ask if I can shoot with flash for at least the processional and recessional. Then I will shoot with a tripod and no flash for the ceremony - but it's a good idea to have some post-ceremony time scheduled in the church so we can re-pose a few shots.

• No aisle runners or flower petals
Our church wouldn't let us have an aisle runner because it was an insurance liability. We couldn't use real flower petals as a runner because they might stain the carpet. Our answer? Ordering fake petals. You can find them (and the real ones) here: www.petalgarden.com

• No candles or sparklers
A fun outdoor photo opp can be to have guest hold sparklers. However, most parks and many estates won't allow this. Before ordering a huge supply check to see if it's OK. Also, many indoor locations won't let you use candles unless you you then in a glass container that is taller than the height of the flame. Looking for candles & votives? Check this site out: www.candle4less.com They already have great prices, but if you type coupon code "Katie" you'll get another 15% off!

• Other Decoration limitations
Just ask your ceremony site where they do (and do not) permit you to add decorations. Also keep in mind that it is proper church etiquette to leave behind at least some of the floral arrangements for the parishioners to enjoy at Sunday mass.

• Throwing Rice/Birdseed
Rice is bad for the birds! They eat it and then it expands in their little tummies. So even if it's allowed I wouldn't recommend it! Some locations just don't like the mess created, in this case bubbles are a great alternative. I got mine here: www.orientaltrading.com

• Wedding Planners/ Coordinators
Many churches and reception sites have their own coordinators. In this case if you've hired a planner they will need to defer to the site planner. The best way to make this run smoothly is to have them in contact before the wedding.

• Restricted Areas
Many times photographers aren't allowed in the sanctuary/alter. I like to be unobtrusive so I never go that close. My favorite places to shoot from are kneeling down in the center aisle, from the back of the church or balcony, and from either side aisle. I do not walk in from of seated guests - instead I go around the back to get to the different aisle.

This weekend I had an outdoor wedding wedding where the Rabbi asked that I stay at the back of the chairs. I was not permitted to come down the aisles or sides! I thought this was a bit extreme, but it is most importantly what my bride & groom want. And they do not want me arguing with their Rabbi! Luckily I had a long lens and was able to shoot from my designated area. After the ceremony the Rabbi thanked for for being so respectful.

Stonehurst Wedding
(Too bad my favorite angle would have been this!)

Stonehurst Wedding 2
(What I ended up with was nice too - if I do say so myself. However, I would have liked to be given the freedom to capture both angles during the ceremony. The light from the front was beautiful!)

This is by no means a full list, if you have a question, ask! The saying that's "it is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission" isn't worth the risk on your wedding day!

WHY all the rules?

There are several reasons these rules exist. Some are just due to insurance liability. Other rules are because a past couple (or vendor) pushed too hard and caused a problem or damage. Most of the rules in a religious ceremony are in place to keep the focus on the couple and the religious sacrament rather than have guests distracted. I do have to say though, I feel that sometimes officiants take this too far. It's too bad that sometimes the focus is so much on the rules that the couple can't get what the really want. If a couple feels the same away about me not moving I'll do what they want - they're the boss! ;) My advice? Be sure you know all the rules before you choose locations and officiants!

UPDATE: After writing this post my friend Abby learned that the church she & Chris planned on using DIDN'T ALLOW PHOTOGRAPHY! "Photography is prohibited without express permission from the officiant." However, the church hasn't provided an officiant meeting yet! Here's the deal. Churches, Temples, and any location are well within their rights to make their own rules. However, I believe they should be up front about them, not tell the couple that can "do whatever they want" and then put things like no photos in the fine print. Read your contracts thoroughly!

Monday, May 4, 2009

I'm teaching a Workshop in Landscape Photography

Take my class @ http://www.photoinstitute.net/landscape-photo.html

portlandhead.jpg
(Above © Katie Ring, Portland, ME)

The Landscape Photography Workshop

In the Landscape Photography Workshop attendees will be introduced to the basic of taking photographs of our surroundings, whether urban or rural. Through a series of technical and visual lectures and assignments photographers will develop a strong foundation and understanding of how to frame, the specific equipment needed.

This is a “foundation” level workshop. It will focus on teaching basic to advanced camera functions, composition, basic file editing. From Ansel Adams to Minor White and the B&W style to the colorist such as Stephen Shore and William Eggleston students will be introduced to some of the masters of the landscape photography tradition.

Please note that this is a "shooting" workshop. Participants will be expected to take photographs every week to fulfill the weekly assignment. PhotoInstitute.net designed the workshop to accommodate shooting time during the week-end, time to edit and delivery of photographs created for a specific assignment by 10AM on the day of Critique.

C
ome join this outstanding workshop on Landscape Photography. It is opened to anyone with a minimum level of photography skills*. Meeting, Lectures and Critiques take place in our Virtual Classroom. The focus is on improving your Photographic skills and not to just listen to long lecture. Therefore participants will have to shoot on a weekly basis. Please be aware that planning and shooting may require a minimum of two hours (2) a week, however shooting may and should take place on a specific week-end.

book_pppEvery participants in this Workshop will receive an 8"x10" coffee table book! That's right! This book will be produced from the various weekly assignments. A selection of images from each participants in the Landscape Photography Workshop will be included.

If a participant decide to not include his/her photographs in the Coffee Table Book, for this workshop he/she will still receive the book. Note: PhotoInstitute.net will independently select an Image for the cover and will place photographs in the order our designer feels is the most pleasing.

Workshop ScheduleWorkshop meets in Our Virtual Classroom twice a week for four weeks. Workshop is split into four Lectures and four Critiques. The Coffee Table book will be shipped within 4 weeks after the last day of the workshop.

(Below © Katie Ring, Baxter State Park, ME)
Sunrise Canoe

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Wedding Tip #20 - What to know BEFORE you register

china
(above: our china, "white pearl" from crate & barrel)

Registering for gifts is like an all expense paid shopping spree! You are given a scan gun with few quick clicks and a beeps and you've picked out your new living room. Yes, this is super fun! However, like all things wedding it can actually be a bit overwhelming too. There is too much cool stuff to just go into store without some preparation. If you register for too much you might looks greedy or not get the things you REALLY want. If you register for too little your guests may not have enough choices and feel frustrated. So, I decided to blog about registering and hopefully make it easy for you and your spouse-to-be!

1) Assess your assets. What do you and your fiance have? Did one of you just buy new bedroom furniture or sheets? If so, save that section of the store until last and really scrutinize before you scan! Figure out what you need most. Don't have any pots and pans... or are you using the ones your parents get for THEIR wedding? Get yourself straight to the kitchen department!

2) Shop online before you hit the stores. Many, MANY guests prefer online shopping for weddings. This way they can click and send it straight to you! So, before you go into the stores and scan away take a look at their websites. (Bed Bath and Beyond has a GREAT site with bride planning tools) Also, since you should only register at 2-4 places you'll want to choose different types of stores with different price points.

3) Alternative is in! This is not your parents wedding registry. Anthony and I had a target registry and registered for a wii, camping supplies, and a digital photo frame! Lucky for us it is not totally acceptable to register for toys! Honeymoon registries are also becoming increasingly popular. These types of registries are especially great if you're already living on your own and have many of the household things you need.

4) Avoid the traps! There are a million cool appliances, but do you really need a forman grill, panini maker, and a grill pan? Avoid registering for many items that do the same thing! Also, avoid the over priced items. Do you really need a $50 spatula? At specialty kitchen stores you will find lots of cool items, but unless you really love it, you might just want to get your own and save registry items for things you want but might not splurge on for yourselves.

5) Remember what your guests will have to spend. Some cash-strapped guests may only be able to afford a $25 gift while others will want to splurge and spend $200+ on your gift. So, be sure you have items on all of your registries at several price points. If you are having engagement parties and showers guests will be looking for several gifts. You can't have too many little items. Love those Asian-inspired soup spoons? Who cares that they're only $1.99 each, someone will buy you a set and the matching bowls! Some guests prefer buying a set of little gifts to one big-ticket present.

6) Colors, styles, patterns & trends. Sure the lime green bowl is awesome, so is the red platter. However, if you are going to use all of these items in your kitchen/dining room remember that they'll need to look good together...don't forget here today gone tomorrow! Trendy looks are fun for accent pieces but for the things you'll have for years to come you may want to consider classic timeless pieces. Simple white bone china will always be in style and you can add decorative chargers, bold salad plates and colorful linens to change the look.

7) Go home and edit! After your scanning spree head home and hit the 'net. Take another look at your registry. Take out the items that you are less in love with and double check that you don't already own similar items. While you want to give your guests enough choice you should also make sure the things you really want won't get lost in a sea of needless extras.

8) Quantity - make sure you register for enough items! You will break a few plates and wine glasses. We all do. So, if you're hoping to have a set for 10, get 12 just in case!

9) Entertaining & your style: Are you the dinner party type or the nachos & sports game type? If you love to host wine and cheese parties stock up on glassware and cocktail plates. If you prefer relaxing in front of the TV for the big game register for chip and dip sets and come cool beer mugs.

10) ... and lastly WHERE?

Registries we used:
www.Target.com
www.CrateandBarrel.com
www.BedBathandBeyond.com
www.HoneyFund.com (Honeymoon registry - add whatever you want not connected to a resort)

Other registeries I like:
Pottery Barn
REI
Tiffany & Co.
Restoration Hardware
I Do Foundation (Set up a registry to donate to your favorite charity)


Kitchen
(above: our new kitchen. Some of our gifts you can see are: the fruit bowl, kitchen towels, tea kettle, knife set, utensil holder, teapots...)

UPDATE. For more registry tips see this post: Registering Part 2