Tips for creating a wedding register

Cutlery

Tip sheet
1. Choose sterling settings for formal occasions, stainless steel for everyday.

2. A 5-piece flatware setting includes a dinner fork, knife, salad fork, tablespoon, and teaspoon.

3. Hostess sets generally have either four or five pieces that include a large serving spoon, pierced serving spoon, sugar spoon, butter knife, and cold meat fork.

Lingo you need to know
STERLING: Flatware made of at least 92.5% pure silver.

SILVER PLATE: A dishwasher-safe, less-expensive alternative to sterling that will probably last nearly as long. A layer of 100% silver coats another metal, usually nickel or brass.

STAINLESS STEEL: Everyday flatware that doesn't rust, tarnish, chip, or wear out. The best grades are 18/8 and 18/10.

VERMEIL OR GOLD ELECTROPLATE: Decorative, thin layers of gold applied to sterling (aka vermeil), a metal alloy, or stainless steel (gold electroplate).

What to look for
There are four basic flatware patterns:
- Plain is a simple, rounded flatware pattern that can be paired with any china

- A floral pattern can be ornate with a lot of embellishment and detail, or a delicate design etched onto the handles.

- Banded flatware features an etched band around the edges of its handles.

- Angular is basic, streamlined flatware designed for modern tables.

Basic
Stainless flatware - 8 to 12 sets
Silver or silver-plate flatware - 8 to 12 sets

Optional
2 butter knives
1 large ladle
1 small ladle
1 sugar spoon
1 salad serving set (large fork and spoon)
1 or 2 large serving forks
1 cake server
Serving spoons

For Gourmets
12 oyster forks
12 lemon forks
12 iced teaspoons
12 cream/soup spoons
12 fruit spoons
12 demitasse spoons

Tip: Register for the same number of flatware sets as you do china place settings.