Undecided Registry

pacificgalx

Hi there! My FI and I bought a new home last November. We consolidated 2 houses and it's been a huge effort consolidating all of our household items. I really don't want to do a registry just because we really don't need anymore house stuff. Is anyone here doing alternatives to a Wedding Registry for gifts? I already have family members asking if I've registered at any stores. Appreciate your feedback.

right1thistime

We combined three houses and didn't need more gadgets and gee-gaws.  All the MORE reason to do a registry.  We replaced sheets and towels.  Got a new coffee maker, etc. 
Other alternatives are Home Depot, books and music, and other hobby/interest type registries.  I personally am not a fan of honeymoon registries, but it worked for others here.   In fact, DH's brothers gifted us with excursions for our honeymoon cruise - and it was awesome.  ~Donna

JenniferC2010

I agree with PP. There are always ways to upgrade what you currently have. Would you like a higher thread count sheet set? Better towels? Newer pots and pans? Better toaster, fancy coffee maker? This is a chance to improve what you have, not just get the standard wedding gift stuff that will just clutter your space.

What about books, music or movies you've wanted? You can make your registry all about entertainment items too.

People are going to get you gifts, even if you don't register so why not at least list things that you desire instead of getting 10 crock pots?

Sue-n-Kevin

We will be consolidating two homes into one at some point before the wedding. I have every single thing I could possibly need, and in many cases, multiples!

My fiance and I are in agreement that if we do not provide wedding attendees with a list of things to buy, if they choose to supply a gift it will more than likely be money. We'd prefer this to receiving more "stuff", and plan on having a honeymoon we both are looking forward to, since it will be the first trip we can take and enjoy alone, without our kids!

It's a personal preference.

arllinma

I guess it depends on what your friends and familly will do. In my parents circles, people hardly ever give money. You get a gift.  In my ex's circles, you almost always get money. We needed to add to the registry at least twice since stuff was being bought fast! If you think that by not doing a registry you will get money, then don't bother. BUT, you don't want tons of vases and frames and crap that people buy because they want to get you a gift, not money.

I think I would try to register for some big ticket items...do you need furniture or a mountain bike or something? people might get you gift cards. I like the idea of Home Depot or Honeymoon registry too. Even camping stuff or some other interest you have? Even if the store doesn't have a registry, that could be spread by word of mouth.

We combined 2 apts, but had doubles of most everything. We tossed/donated/sold the crappy stuff, saved the better stuff. Then we upgraded a bunch of it.. We also got new bedspread and curtains and pillows and stuff. Neither of us wanted to look at old stuf that was mostly his taste or mine. We wanted to pick out stuff together. Now that I have moved in with FH, there is a bunch of great stuff I have, that I want to get rid of. We have fancy expensive dishes, but when i look at them, I think of the ex. There is stuff he has, that I look at and picture his ex using in the house. Its creepy.

right1thistime

There are people who do not believe in giving a monetary gift.  They want a real live present.   You WILL get crockpots, picture frames, candles etc. if you don't register. 

And...many stores give you a discount after the wedding for a period of time to "complete your registry".  Worth the time it takes to register- even if no one buys you any thing off of it.

embracejoy

When FH and I combined households, we ended up getting rid of a lot of old stuff (kept whoever had the nicer thing in question), and we've added to the household since that time as well.  We truly don't need anything that people would typically give as a wedding gift.

However, we are aware that people will want to give us gifts.  We're thinking of registering at Home Depot (so we can remodel the bathroom) or at REI, to update our camping gear, or get snowboards and gear for next winter, etc.  Be creative with the registries... that's the beauty of getting remarried!  We don't need the things the young first-time couples need.

pacificgalx

Thanks ladies! When I sold my house, we had to stage it so we kinda went crazy and bought a lot of new stuff (towels, hi thread count bedding (I'm a bed snob), etc) keeping in mind that it would be brought to the new home. FI also had new furniture from his apartment. Once I sold my house,  I was also able to furnish the living room and dining with furniture we picked out together. I love the idea of Home Depot , home entertainment and hobbies/sports. I'll check into these.

MikesAngie

Am I too late to chime in??  Sorry if I am, the FI and I have two registeries going, one for the things we need (for those who have to give an actual gift) and a honeymoon registery.  As with PP I thought the idea was tacky until I saw how honeyfund.com was put together.  You can list restuarants or day trips or gift baskets and that is what you will get.  So it's not outright asking for money it's another means to allow those who want to give you a gift to choose what they want.