A bridal registry is a service offered by department stores to newlywed couples. This is a system that allows a couple to manage and keep track of the purchase of gifts for their wedding.

A Chicago-founded department store pioneered the institution and offered bridal registries as a service for newlywed couples. Since then, the concept has turned into a popular service of many department stores. This service is also offered by large house-improvement warehouses.

The bridal registry begins with a list of items from the store that the couple wishes to receive. This list is then provided to their wedding guests.

There are different methods and ways of implementing this service that allow participating stores to provide the couples wish list to their guests and to assure effective management of the wedding gifts. Some registries track more details than others.

Each participating department store updates its list as a gift is purchased and the item is then removed from the couples wish list. This prevents the problem of a single gift being repeatedly bought by several guests.

Bridal registries can be greatly efficient for the couple to be married. It is also convenient for guests who usually have a difficult time making a decision about what to buy for the newlyweds.

Bridal registries, though popular, are not always well-received. Some people perceive them as a modern practice that is done in bad taste. This is especially true when it comes to older traditional guests. Soliciting gifts negates the traditional notions on gift-giving that many people still value so dearly. The use of bridal registries also does away with the traditional gift giving concepts such as "being thankful for whatever you receive" and the surprise element that many still enjoy. Moreover, many people view bridal registries as a type of competition because prices of the presents are known. This also has led to the more controversial practice of couples asking guests to give money instead of presents.