Armed with hand-held scanners, engaged couples breeze through the aisles at Target selecting the gifts they'd like to receive.

Others sit at home and click on a favorite Web site to peruse a wide range of items.

Or they visit with wedding experts at local gift shops who can show them how to mix and match fine china and flatware patterns.

With so much to choose from, it's a wonder couples aren't totally overwhelmed.

But retailers say brides and grooms are pretty savvy -- they know what they want.

Practicality tops the list for most couples, who tend to shy away from knickknacks and doilies.

At Target, they're stocking up on the basics.

While females spend more time selecting items for bath and shower, guys tend to scan the tools and hardware.

Tableware still is a priority and brides are choosing white dishes.