Please help with Bridal Registry ideas?

Question

Hi guys - my fiance and I have been living together for a couple of years and have most of the the things we need for the home.

We do not wish to ask our guest for money, or do the 'wishing well' thing.

I was going to not suggest anything, but as my mum pointed, out we are going to be inundated with phone calls from our guests asking us what we would like, as they would like to give us a present of sorts.

Does anyone have any innovative / not too expensive ideas?

Thanks so much everyone - I really appreciate your help with this

Answer 1

Since you state you have almost everything you need, why not have guests donate to a favorite charity in your name.

Answer 2

Even if you've been living together, there are probably still things you want/need for around the house, even if it's just to upgrade. A lot of people put outrageous things on their registries not because they expect to get them, but because a lot of places offer a "completion discount" on remaining items, so you can get 20% off of a couch or something. Target is always a good idea - there's always something you need from there!! Also, Home Depot has a registry if you want or need any of that kind of stuff. A honeymoon registry is also a good idea, or you can do a charity registry where people make a donation to your favorite charity in your name. The thing is, whether you register or not you're going to get gifts, so it may as well be stuff you would like to have instead of stuff you can't stand!

Answer 3

You can do a honeymoon registry
There are a number of ways to do this - You can sign up with a travel agency, you can sign up with a honeymoon registry company, or you can set up your own "registry" through someplace like paypal (you make your own site and only use the cart from paypal for the money exchange)

DO YOUR HOMEWORK - Don't go with a company that has been in business less than 5 years. Make sure they have a good business record (BBB). Research the company to the best of your ability.
http://www.thehoneymoon.com has been in business since 1999 and is a member of the BBB online reliability program. I have never personally worked with them though.

You could also do a "Themed Gift" reception - have all the guests bring you their favorite recipe written on an index card with their name somewhere on it and then have a recipe box at the reception for them to put it in, be sure that they know this is what you want as the gift though, nothing else required. (There are many "themes" - I only used the recipe theme as an example)

NEVER include any gift information within the invitation (even if you are asking for them to NOT give gifts) only spread that information by word of mouth (your mom, his mom, your honor attendants, or you IF ASKED).

Congrats and Good Luck

Answer 4

Since you have a house full of stuff already, you can register for things that can be consumed, like wines (only allowed to register for wine in some states though) or gourmet food items. You can also register for things that need replaced often, like washcloths, kitchen towels, and other linen items. Also, at gaiam.com you can register for earth-friendly cleaning supplies and household stuff like that. Also think about things youa nd hubby could to in leisure time together like what about some sports equipment or board games or things like that?

You're right, it would be rude to ask for money, but if people come up with the idea of gifting you money on their own, then so be it.

Etiquette states that it is also rude to register for honeymoons, "register for money" in any form (those house down payment registries, etc), or to register or ask for gift cards. And it's improper to register for gifts to charity.

But in the end, it's not you or your family's job to tell people what to give as a gift, so don't feel you HAVE to register or give any suggestion if you really don't want to.

Answer 5

I suggest going to places that are convience for most of your guests and registering for things that you could use. Everyone could always use more dish towels, maybe you want to re-dorate, or anything that you still do not have. I commend you for not wanting to ask for cash, that's so tacky. If you cannot find enough things on your registry for everyone, then they may choose to give cash, althought you didnt ask, or should they call, simply tell them a gift is not necessary and let them choose something.

Answer 6

My husband and I lived together before marriage. We were in the same situation. We did a Sears registry. We put tools, housewares, towels, sheets. All kinds of smaller things on our list. These are things everyone could always use more of. Its a chance to get things you wouldn't otherwise buy for yourselves. A large department store gives you a lot of ideas. You could anything from batteries to socks on your list the choice is yours. If you don't register you will get a lot of crystal and picture frames you wont use.

Answer 7

Most guests are going to give you money regardless....so make sure you have a place for their cards to go.

I had a hard time with our registry when we got married.....I just did one through Penney's and Target. I do like the idea of a honeymoon registry though....but I don't know how to go about doing that.

Good luck!

Answer 8

If you don't need the goodies, and you don't need the cash, have you considered a charity?
You could even include a card with your wedding invitations. Something like:
"In lieu of gifts, the couple requests that donations be made in their name to (fill in the name of the charity here)"
Or would that be too tacky?

Answer 9

How about the normal places like Bed Bath and Beyond, or Restoration Hardware.

Answer 10

I agree with trixie, you can do a honeymoon registry and I know you can get payements through paypal. Just dont put in the invitations that you accept monetary donations - a lil tacky.