Choosing your crystal stemware can be a cloudy area for some. If you have registered with a store already, but have not yet chosen your stemware, browse their website to see what choices you have. Select and write down which patterns appeal to you and your fiancé and then place them into categories such as ‘REALLY LOVE’ and ‘POSSIBILITIES’

Caroline Bishop, one of the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Kingsmills in London, Ontario says that "often brides arrive with a crystal pattern in mind and will find that the choice doesn’t suit the china pattern she has her heart set on and will change her mind". The first decision you need to make is to determine whether or not you Lead Crystal, Crystal Glass or Tempered Glass stemware?

Lead Crystal is the most expensive of the three types of stemware, but keep in mind that if children are in your future, Lead Crystal will be an heirloom passed down from generation to generation. Lead Crystal has over 25% red oxide lead for clarity and strength. The lead will not leach out of the glass. Lead Crystal is hand-blown, often with etched or engraved patterns, it takes more time to produce and it is quality stemware thus the reason why it is more expensive.

Crystal Glass has less than 24% red oxide lead, is easier to cut and is also a strong glass but doesn’t possess the fine, eye-catching brilliance and clarity, which Lead Crystal provides.

Tempered Glass stemware does have nice patterns, but has even less clarity than the Crystal Glass and Lead Crystal. Although it is a strong glass, heat resistant and better able to take shocks due to the process of being chemically treated.

Depending on the manufacturer and their patterns, some crystal stemware has 12 to 15 pieces, while others may have 6 pieces including champagne flute glasses, red wine glasses, white wine glasses, highball/tumblers, old-fashioned and liquor glasses. Some patterns offer highball/tumblers in 9oz, 12oz and 16oz sized glasses, while old-fashioned glasses can be had in 5oz, 9oz, and 12oz glass sizes. Some crystal patterns include brandy snifters and champagne/sherbet glasses which are versatile for other uses such as shrimp cocktail and desserts. The iced-tea glass is making a strong comeback as it has other uses including parfait-type desserts as well as for pop and milk for younger guests making them feel just as special as the grown-ups.

Depending on the pattern, often other pieces can be included and added at a later date or even registered under giftware. These crystal pieces include vases, salt and pepper shakers, plates, platters, footed cake plates, celery dishes, sandwich trays, covered butter dishes and condiment bowls.

So whether the choice is clear or not, learn as much as you can about stemware before choosing and discuss your options, lifestyle and price ranges with the Bridal Registry Consultant. Once that is achieved your choice of stemware will become crystal clear.