Wedding registries offer couples a welcome respite from the tedious details of planning the big day. After all, there's nothing more fun than creating a wish list of gifts. So, what are they choosing?

From the kitchen to the garage, there are options for every room of the house. Cookware tops many registry lists, including Macy's, according to Sylvia Booker of Macy's Bridal Registry.

But since grooms often participate in the selections, those lists have expanded to include nontraditional choices.

At J.C. Penney, grooms have picked items to help entertain guests, such as wine refrigerators or the Margarator (for making margaritas), said spokeswoman Kate Parkhouse.

In addition, couples are expanding registries to include items that can be used throughout the home, such as crystal at B.D. Jeffries.

"The beauty, elegance and appeal of William Yeoward crystal is what makes it one of the most popular gift selections," said Emily Holland, the store's bridal consultant.

With 79 percent of grooms helping to select items at Target's Club Wedd, registry lists are evolving, said spokesman Joshua Thomas. "Because of this, Target is seeing an increase in couples registering for electronics and adventure gear."

Similarly, Home Depot's wedding registries reflect the groom's influence.

"A newly married couple is setting up their home and needs the basics for their tool box for everyday projects around the house," said Jean Niemi, senior manager of corporate communications.

Whether couples ask for cookware or the latest power tools, they're finding that their wedding registry choices are virtually unlimited. Here is a sampling of what many are choosing at some local wedding registries.

MACY'S: Cookware, bath towels, china, kitchen hardware, digital picture frames

J.C. PENNEY: Bath towels, Coffeemakers by cooks, KitchenAid Artisan stand mixers, cutlery, 13-peice hard anodized cookware set by cooks

HOME DEPOT: Husky three-peice adjustable wrench sets, Stanley three-piece pliers sets, Fiskars PowerGear hedge shears, RIDGID 12-gallon, 5 peak HP wet/dry vacs, Toro super blower vac

B.D. JEFFRIES: William Yeoward crystal, Arte Italica dinnerware, Napa Home & Garden's rattan line, Deborah Rhodes linens and placemats, High Country Arts' antler-handled flatware and steak knives

TARGET: Furio five-peice TV tray table sets, Chefmate nonstick five-piece bakeware sets, Furio Blue Flare glassware 12-piece sets, Eddie Bauer Alpental sport dome four-person tents, Rival oval programmable stainless steel Crock-Pots (5.5 qt.)