Once upon a time, engaged couples eagerly registered for toasters and stemware and fancy china so they could set up house. But nowadays, with many couples cohabitating before marriage and/or waiting longer to tie the knot, traditional wedding registries just aren’t as appealing as they once were.
My fiancé and I already have two toaster ovens, several sets of towels, and more IKEA wineglasses than we’ll ever need. That’s why we opted for a honeymoon registry through TravelersJoy.com where we can collect memories instead of pepper mills and coffeemakers. A friend used the site a few years ago when she and her new hubby honeymooned on a Mediterranean cruise. Guests contributed to on-shore excursions, airfare, or on-board cocktails, among other goodies, which I thought was a pretty cool concept.
Of course, we realize that a few of our relatives are more comfortable walking into a department store and talking to a registry consultant versus shopping online so we picked out a few items (including new luggage for the honeymoon) in a mini-Macy’s registry, too.
Here’s a look at some alternatives to traditional wedding registries:
1. Honeymoon Registries
Instead of registering comforters and cooking gadgets, honeymoon registries let couples list their dream honeymoon experiences from African safaris to secluded beach getaways so that guests can pay for whichever item fits their fancy (or budget). Traveler’s Joy is mentioned above, but TheBigDay.com, HoneymoonWish.com, HoneyLuna.com, and TheHoneymoon.com are a few other options. Transaction fees vary, so be sure to check the fine print before you sign up.
2. Gift Card Registries
Sure, it’s not as personal as registering for actual items, but gift card registries make a lot of sense for couples who are planning to relocate shortly after the wedding so they can pick out items once they get settled. Gift card registries or wish lists include CardAvenue.com and CardHub.com.
3. Cash Registries
Some people think asking wedding guests for cash is tacky, but if you and your SO are saving up for a house or simple trying to get out of debt, it could make a lot of sense. Several credit unions like the Hughes Federal Credit Union and Mountain American Credit Union offer something called a MatriMoney Wedding Registry where the money goes directly into your account instead of you depositing a stack of checks or cash.
4. Charity Registries
Philanthropically minded couples might consider a charity registry where guests donate money to charities you’ve chosen in lieu of gifts. Wedding Channel offers a charity registry, as does CharityGiftCertificates.org. You can also register with the I Do Foundation and have a portion of purchases from a traditional registry sent to the charity of your choice at no cost to you or your guests.
5. Compilation Registries
If you do want to register for housewares or kitchen gadgets, but can’t decide where to register, then consider websites like GiftRegistry360.com and MyGiftList.com that allow users to add items from all over the web and manage them in one place. OurWishingWell.com lets couples register for a combination of tangible goods and goals like paying for a honeymoon or a down payment.
