I inherited most of a set of china from my great-grandmother. I had planned on registering at a department store for a coordinating pattern to complete the set, but Great-grandma's china pattern is nothing like what is popular today, so there's not much hope of getting something that comes close. It is possible, however, to still find the pattern on sites like replacements.com, so I could fill out my set by stalking it online. (possibly with the help of generous wedding guests)
My wedding is 15 months away, and I'm already getting "Where are you registered for china?" questions from the little old ladies at church. If internet-savvy people were asking, I'd tell them the story, and provide links to the replacements sites on our wedding web site. These church friends are clearly looking forward to buying my china, though. But I don't want them to buy me something I don't love, though of course I'll love whatever they give because it comes from them.
[My future husband likes Great-grandma's china, and understands the family significance.]