While most people setting up gift registries still visit stores to do so, online setup and management is increasingly gaining in popularity, according to a new study by lifestage media company The Knot.

According to The Knot's newly released Bridal Registry Study, part of its Market Intelligence Bridal Series that tracks the $12 billion registry industry, in-store wedding registry represents 57 percent of all gift registries, with 33 percent of couples using the Web for their initial registry setup needs -- up from 29 percent in 2008. And when it comes to managing their registry over the course of their engagement, the majority of couples (69 percent) use the Internet exclusively.

When it comes to registry influences, the Internet is the dominant media platform for 80 percent of couples, sharing the top spot with friends and family. In-store visits ranked third, accounting for 45 percent of couples, according to the study.

Two-thirds of couples (53 percent) have personal wedding Web pages, which play an increasing role in the registry process, The Knot's research found, a 13 percent increase over last year.

The top three retailers used for registries remain the same as last year, with nearly 70 percent of couples creating their primary registries with Bed Bath & Beyond, Target and Macy's. Bed Bath & Beyond leads the category with over 35 percent of couples choosing the store as their primary registry. Additionally, couples have taken the economy into consideration with their registry choices.

Kitchen, bed and bath remain the most popular categories on a couple's wedding registry (kitchen appliances/electrics, 91 percent; bakeware, 91 percent; kitchen accessories, 88 percent; cookware, 86 percent; bath items, 85 percent; and bedding, 84 percent). However, other categories continue to grow, such as electronics (30 percent in 2009 vs. 26 percent in 2008) and everyday china (69 percent in 2009 vs. 64 percent in 2008).

More than 12,500 qualified couples -- of mixed ethnicities and education and income levels -- were polled across 50 states for the survey. Wedding dates of those polled fell between January 2009 and December 2009.

For more information, visit The Knot Market Intelligence Web site at www.TheKnotInc.com/tkmi.