Quoting RetreadBride from another post (didn't want to hijack that one!):
" ... I told everyone who asked about a registry to just please come. Some folks will not show up to a wedding without a gift....and I ended up with a closetful of white elephants. "
I go back and forth on this, the dilemma of the registry. FI does not want to register (we're combining two complete households); he prefers contributions to a local charity which delivers meals and groceries to people with critical illnesses. I do not want to register either, but RetreadBride has given me reason to reconsider. I am seriously afraid of the chili pepper lamp!
I wonder if we tell guests who inquire about a registry if there is a polite way to add something about a contribution to the charity to Retread's "... just come please." I have seen several posts on other boards slamming this idea (politely and not-so-politely).
What do YOU think? (1) Is it rude to mention charitable contributions to those who inquire about a registry? (2) If it is okay, what phrasing do you recommend?