Let's face it, men just don't like shopping! It's not their forte. You can't blame them, but when you're engaged and you're planning for your future you want your husband-to-be's input. After all it's the start of BOTH of your lives together. So how can you encourage him to help you choose the items on your registry? Here are some great tips on how to bring out the shopper in your groom:

• Firstly, ask for his help. Although this sounds obvious, it is important that each person knows what is required from him (or her) in every step and every decision in your future together. Selecting items for your home requires both practical and decorative skills, a combination which can usually be found when combining the desires of two different people.
  

• Don't expect him to be overly excited about everything that catches your eye. Show interest and consider carefully any input you receive from him.
  

• Make sure he realises that registries aren't just about china and pretty patterns. He may actually have fun choosing kitchen appliances and gadgets. Remember he is going to be receiving these gifts too.
  

• The greatest way to get him involved in choosing your registry is to make use of an online service. It will be far easier for him to participate if he is sitting in front of a computer surrounded by the comforts of home instead of wandering around a shopping mall amidst crowds for hours upon hours.
  

• Do some research first, go through the registry products on your own and select your top two choices for things such as china patterns and glassware. It will help to speed things up if you know which options you like already and he does not have to wade through every option. Choose a few and discuss these.
  

• Encourage him to give full input on the things that interest him, such as appliances and braai's. There may be other things that he knows more about than you; accept his choice on these items.
  

• Browse through the categories first, add a few tools or a nice coffee machine. Once you're having fun move on to the more generic home-ware items.
  

• If you can't agree on an item then move on. Often once you've had a look at other items the choice will become obvious. When you come back to it later it will probably be easier to reach a decision.
  

• Plan for your future. A Kenwood Chef might seem overkill for just two people, but what is your future plan? The blender, mixer, beater and other features will come in handy should you decide to take up baking or have to prepare meals for a large family. There are many items for which you will need to think ahead when selecting sizes and quantities.
  

• Add lots of the smaller items such as spatulas, wooden spoons, oven gloves etc. Some guests will not have lots to spend and others will add extras to make their gift something special.
  

• Here's a big PRO of working online: Don't try to do everything in one go, if you're getting tired or hungry, stop and take a break. Even finish the next day. Don't let choosing your registry become a tedious task.
  

• Encourage equal input in all areas of the registry. Try not to dominate decisions and don't be dominated especially where items are important to you.

A registry can be likened to a familiar endeavour. When selecting a place to live you'll search until you find one that suits you both. Similarly every item on the registry will be a gift to both of you and must add to both of your lives. Whether gifts facilitate cooking, eating, entertaining, exercising, home décor, personal comfort or simply “getting by�, the items you select on your registry should enhance your life together and build your house into a home.