Please Help Chinese Getting Married

I`m getting married on my birthday next year. I have no idea what needs to be done since wedding tradition is totally different from Chinese. I`ve done some reserches but I cannot find the answer for some stupid questions such as:
- What is gift registry for?
- What is the different between ceremony and reception?
- What is the different between gift and favor?
- Who pays for bridemaid`s attire?
Appreciate your help.