Bridal Shower gifts...I don't need any housewares!

lawlaw410

Hi ladies...and possibly gents...my fiance and I have already lived in our home for 2 years now and have all of the housewares and typical bridal shower/engagement gifts we need. I don't know where to register and feel funny asking for cash. I've heard of these sites where guests can contribute to a honeymoon fund or something, but have no idea where to start. Does anyone have any ideas as to what I should do? I mean, we need sod for the yard and a new roof, and god knows I can't ask for that! Please help, I have no clue where to begin. Thanks!

-Lauren

trix1223

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_pre-wedding-parties_bridal-shower-giftsi-dont-need-housewares?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:32Discussion:4e06e7a9-1478-48e9-8ace-a388e04cbdb6Post:03c2753f-cec2-45b0-8609-e0d32579ce8f">Bridal Shower gifts...I don't need any housewares!</a>:
[QUOTE]Hi ladies...and possibly gents...my fiance and I have already lived in our home for 2 years now and have all of the housewares and typical bridal shower/engagement gifts we need. I don't know where to register and feel funny asking for cash. I've heard of these sites where guests can contribute to a honeymoon fund or something, but have no idea where to start. Does anyone have any ideas as to what I should do? I mean, we need sod for the yard and a new roof, and god knows I can't ask for that! Please help, I have no clue where to begin. Thanks! -Lauren
Posted by lawlaw410[/QUOTE]

First of all, can you please size your inner bride down.  That thing's huge!

Now....be prepared.  Honeymoon funds are pretty controversial on these boards, and you may get some heated responses.

I'll start:  I detest honeymoon registries.  I don't think that you ask people to pay for a vacation, which is what a honeymoon registry is,  no matter how coyly the registry people want to spin it.

If there is absolutely NOTHING that you care to even considering upgrading in your home:  better crockpot, fine dinnerware, new towels, then don't register.  Many people will take that as a sign that you prefer a monetary wedding gift.

Of course, it will also mean that for those who don't believe in monetary gifts, you'll be subject to their taste, and can expect some gifts that you won't care for:  a silver turtile toothpick holder or a crocheted toilet paper cover.

It also makes it difficult for a shower if someone offers to throw one for you.  Because even if you do a honeymoon fund (even though I don't think you should), a shower is traditionally for tangible gifts:  not gift cards or cash.

If it were me:  I'd look for things that you can upgrade, or that perhaps you don't actually have.  And then have the word spread via word of mouth:  "What does lawlaw want for a their wedding?"  "Well, actually, they're doing a lot of work on the house and yard, and so I know that a monetary gift would certainly be welcomed".

Oh, and did I mention that a honeymoon registry is nms?  =)

GL

quotequeen

Showers are for physical gifts.  If you don't want physical gifts, you don't have a shower.

Whippet8

Register for upgrades of things you already have, register at a store like sears (that's what we did), or just dont have a shower. Showers are meant for "showering" the bride with physical gifts.

loop0406

If you don't want to register for houseware, register for new shower set, bedroom stuff (comforter, sheets), curtains, floor mats, wall decor

WinterWonderland1218

Have you considered a "stock the bar" shower or a spa shower? Something non-traditional for which you wouldn't need to register? Plenty of people detest registries or just don't need more household schtuff, but bridal parties and friends really do love throwing a good shower, so there are lots of compromises out there. Just google "unique bridal shower ideas" and you'll get plenty of sites with shower themes. Maybe one will suit your taste!

P.S. Friends of friends actually REALLY wanted (yes, I know how crazy this is going to sound) to launch their goat farm as part of starting their lives together, so everyone bought a section of fence to house the goats--you could buy one foot, two feet, twelve feet, whatever. Totally weird and nontraditional, but it worked for them. You do whatever works for you!