By Carleton Varney- Special to the Palm Beach Daily News

It’s June, and that means it’s wedding time. And if attending a nuptial celebration is in your future, here are a few tips on gifting the happy couple.

Many people preparing to walk down the aisle also are readying a new home and most likely have registered in shops or online. Select what has been registered and you will never go wrong. Who wants to burden the happy couple with the chore of returning a wedding gift? Registries also take the guesswork out the equation if you don’t know the couple’s tastes as well as you might like.

If the couple is registered, a place setting of silver flatware is always an appropriate gift. And for anyone planning to register, I’ve always liked the pattern Hampton from Tiffany & Co. Even if you’re not getting married, it’s fun to go and look at all the silver patterns at Tiffany for a little adventure.

A choice from a registry may be a guaranteed to please, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only choice — especially when you’re pressed for time or you find slim pickings left on the registry. Picture frames may sound ho hum but they are a great choice, since they are always used and always appreciated. I find the simpler the better when selecting a style. I've found it's hard to go wrong with a frame by Addison Ross, a British firm that makes the the best going.

There are lots of enamel-trimmed frame choices — from pink to aqua to white — so it might be nice to select one to complement the couple’s wedding color scheme, as a remembrance of the special day. Of course, Addison Ross produces frames of natural woods and silver etched as well. I personally love the new enameled and scalloped serving trays, which are available in so many pretty colors (even bright tangerine).

Linens are always a wedding gift of choice. Placemats and napkins are an easy option when you don’t know the size of the table size in the couple’s home. And since formal dining rooms seem to be on the wane, placemats and napkin sets seem even a smarter choice. I like checkered napkins and placemats. Again, keep an eye on that wedding registry.

Palm Beach is a great place for wedding-gift shopping. At her eponymous shop at Worth Avenue, Mary Mahoney has earned her reputation as a top-of-the-town shopping destination for china, linens and everything else you need to set a perfect table.

Also not to be overlooked is Hive, Sara McCann’s “you’re-sure-to-find-everything” home and fashion empire in West Palm Beach at Palm Street and South Dixie Highway, immediately south of the Norton Museum’s west parking lot. The shops of Hive — and there are more than one — are always filled with gifts that have been hand-selected with great style. I hear next season Hive will be opening a luncheteria and bakery, and I look forward to that.

The knowledgeable staff at Hive and Mary Mahoney are happy to offer any advice about their products and services.

Meanwhile, I’ll raise a champagne flute filled with best wishes and congratulations to all the brides and grooms out there – and to those who are hunting for the perfect gift.