I thought someone would have commented on this by now given the general sentiment about it, but I didn't find anything this morning. The article "10 Wedding Rules You Can Break" has honeymoon registries and the like as acceptable:
http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/planning-a-wedding/articles/10-wedding-rules-you-can-break.aspx?page=3I understand both sides, but I think this is a sign of the times and the changes in engagements and weddings. Couples didn't used to live together prior to marriage so they didn't have all the things needed to have their own house. Their parents paid for all aspects their wedding. Now, couples have longer engagements, live together even before getting engaged and usually pay for most, if not all, of their wedding themselves.
I personally prefer to give gifts that I know people want rather than gifts I think they want or need. Giving gifts is a huge thing for me and always has been. Registries in general used to be a big no, no matter what was on the list and I really see the new ones as an evolution in the process that falls in line with the way things happen now.
That being said, I realized several years ago that most of the things my kids just had to have that year, were obsolete by the next and I decided to start taking half of my Christmas budget and do some sort of family vacation each year. I wanted to give memories, not just crap. My kids were totally surprised the first year, but now they know we'll do something, even if it's just one or two nights at Great Wolf Lodge and they look forward to it more than anything wrapped under the tree.
How is asking for a Kitchenaid mixer any different than asking for a snorkeling excursion on your honeymoon? I would much rather give someone memories than something they don't need and I like the concept of giving money for something specific rather than just in general. Sure, I could give them $100 in a card, but it isn't as personal as contributing to something specific you know they want to do.
Yes, I realize that you aren't paying for that exact item, but I think the people who do it right, use it for that and I know many couples who send a picture of themselves doing that thing with the thank you card. I also like the fact that you can contribute small amounts. Some people register for a lot of expensive things and it can be tricky to find something within your budget to give, but with the untraditional registries, you can contribute towards something without having to pay for the entire thing. I don't like the idea of losing a percentage, but as with all things, this is new and will change with time and perhaps someone will come up with a way to make money without taking it away from the couple.
I personally don't plan to do this, but I don't have a problem with anyone who does and I think they are going to become more and more accepted as time goes by.