So many choices, so many styles, so many pieces. We'll help you make sense of all of the selections so that you can register for the flatware you truly want and need.

The fundamentals of flatware are easy:

First, know your materials.

• Sterling silver flatware will become heirloom pieces that you'll hand down to your grandchildren, and they will hand down to theirs. Sterling silver (92.5% pure silver) lasts forever and is dishwasher safe. The more you use it, the less care it will take. Don't be afraid of scratches. Over time they will form a "patina," that soft glow you can only get with sterling silver! Make your sterling flatware the centerpiece of your bridal registry. Sterling is the item that your family and closest friends will want to give you, because it lasts forever.
• Stainless steel is for casual dining. Twenty-first century stainless steel comes in hundreds and hundreds of designs, so have fun choosing your casual flatware set from the huge selection of designs that Michael C. Fina offers. You'll want to pick a good grade of stainless (at least 18/8) for your daily dining needs. Be sure to select a style that's comfortable as well as attractive. You'll be holding it everyday!

Don't feel trapped into matching your sterling flatware to your china pattern. You will likely own other dinnerware sets, but you will always have your family sterling. It is something you'll use with every china set you own. Select the silver pattern you truly love, not just because it "matches" the best.

Register for your place settings by following the expert guidance of Michael C. Fina bridal registry consultants. Most brides place 12 to 14 settings on their registries. Each setting consists of 5 pieces (dinner knife and fork, salad fork, tablespoon, and teaspoon). Note that the butter spreader, which sits on the bread & butter plate, is not included in the setting, and should be registered for separately. You'll need 12 butter spreaders. Also, don't forget your serving utensils. You will want 2 serving forks, 2 serving spoons, 1 pierced serving spoon (to drain wet vegetables) a butter serving knife that goes in the main butter dish, a gravy ladle and a pie/cake server. If you prefer, some of these serving pieces can be in a different or coordinating pattern to add interest to your table.