Wedding registries are a good way for guests to have an idea of what gifts a couple wants and needs, but they can also create problems for the couple as they try to figure out what gifts to register for. Since people are waiting longer to get married now, this means that you often have much of what you need already by the time you tie the knot. If you already have furniture, dishes, clothing, etc. then how do you know what to ask for?
- Upgraded gear
An easy way around the dilemma of figuring out what to register for is simply looking at what you already have. Maybe you have a set of dishes or towels, but are they high quality or leftover from college? Getting updated versions of what you already have is definitely a better option than asking for something you don’t need or want. So request better towels, dishes, or sheet sets in order to give your guests a wide range of options to choose from. Bonus? Your high-quality upgrades will hold up much better than your worn college holdovers. - Prepare for entertaining
While you are looking at what you already have, examine the number of things you have. If you only have four place-settings, consider that once you are married you may need to be ready to entertain family or even have one of your own. Ask for larger dish sets or furnishings for a guest room. Having the ability to entertain will be good as you continue on in married life. - Match your items
If you and your partner have your own things, then you have to decide how to combine the styles of two different people. This becomes an even tougher problem if both of you have been living in your own fully-stocked spaces for an extended period of time. In this case, it may be easier to ask for matching sets of home decorations rather than try to mesh together what you already have. - Charitable donations
An easy alternative to a wedding registry if you can’t think of anything to register for is charitable donations. Most charities would be more than happy to accept wedding donations and it will give your guests a way of giving to you without burdening you with things you don’t need. - Fund your life
If you can’t think of any items you want to register for, you could ask for funding to go towards your honeymoon or even a down payment on a house. Consider this option carefully, as some will not like being asked for simple cash gifts. But this option could provide you with money to settle down together or have that romantic honeymoon you’ve always dreamed of. Many crowdfunding websites today provide good ways of giving guests a place to give the money as well. Plus, these sites allow you to include information about exactly how the money will be spent right there on the page.
