Hello internet!

 

Yes. I am aware it is Thursday, but up until about 2 hours ago I thought today was Wednesday – so you get your wedding fill a day late :) Today I am going to be sharing with you some unconventional ideas for wedding registries.

According to most survey’s about 70% of engaged couples are already living together. And since most people are also getting married later in life they don’t need the typical gifts to fill their house like registries used to consist of (like the shiny Kitchen Aid mixer – it’s ok, you can still register for this we won’t tell). So a lot of couples are not sure what to register for. Well I have some helpful ideas today to inspire you!

 

1. You can register for your HONEYMOON.
Can’t afford that resort vacation you want? Simply sign up on http://www.thehoneymoon.com/ and people can contribute toward your trip. They can pay for a night at your hotel, a meal out, travel expenses, and even activities to do while you are there. It also is a great way for people to see what they are contributing for and not as awkward as asking for cash.

2. You can register for a down payment on a house.
http://www.downpaymentdreams.com/ is a website that lets people give cash that let’s you collect your down payment towards your first home. And you can use it right away or take it and keep saving so you can’t put more down towards your first home.

3. You can forgo the registry where you are on the receiving end, and instead have guests donate to a specific charity.
Many couples are now having their wedding give back some by creating a donation registry. Websites like https://www.idofoundation.org/ give you the opportunity to pick a charity of your choice and direct your guests to donate there in lieu of a gift. It’s a great way to help others in need.

 

4. Love homemade items?
You can also register on Etsy now (www.etsy.com) for unique handmade items for your home!

 

5. Prefer to do the shopping yourself? Or want money to spend on dinner out?
At http://www.cardavenue.com/ you can register for gift cards to your favorite stores. They have hundreds of stores and you can also set the amount you would like, and what priority that store is on your list. Another tasteful way to ask for cash instead of a gift.

 

6. What about if you have several items you would like to register for but they are all at different stores?
Instead of creating 5 or 6 or 15 different registries use a website like http://www.myregistry.com/ where you can add things from any website onto one universal list. Or register at www.amazon.com where they have practically anything you could ask for or need.

7. Still don’t see an idea you like? How about registering for Dinner out? Art for your home? A car? Your favorite wine? Or even cooking lessons?
https://weddingrepublic.com/ is a website where you can register for ANYTHING. You create the item you would like and guests can contribute a part, or purchase the whole thing and then you receive the “gift certificate” for that item. It’s another way to receive cash without just asking for it straight out. To see a sample registry or how it works visit https://weddingrepublic.com/sample. This also helps you include some larger dollar items that one guest may not be able to afford on their own because they can contribute to just a portion of the whole amount.

8. Want something even more unique?
How about asking the guests to bring you a book or movie they love instead of a gift. This can build up your library, provide hours of entertainment, and is very meaningful. The only problem with this is that you can end up with duplicates – so try and get gift receipts included!

 

I hope this was helpful! Remember registries are simply a way to guide your guests in the gift buying process and helps you to fill your new home, go on the honeymoon of a lifetime, or donate to a good cause. Whatever you choose your guests will love to shower you with as you celebrate your new life together.

We are back with a new featured vendor next week! We took a short break due to Valentine’s Day and all the snow storms, but next week you will get to see another wedding professional and what they can contribute to your wedding in the New River Valley!