What If We Already Have All the Housewares We Need?
These days, you can register for almost anything you like -- sofas, fine wine, electronics, art -- since home-improvement centers, sporting-goods stores, and other unexpected places have begun to offer such services for engaged couples. While it's still taboo to ask for money directly, financial registries try to make this less awkward; for example, couples can now register for stocks via a website such as GiftsofStock.com, or for their honeymoon through a travel agency or an online service such as TheHoneymoon.com. Saving up for a house? Some banks have programs that let brides and grooms establish a special account to which guests can give money earmarked for a down payment. And couples who would like to raise cash for their favorite charity may register with the IDo Foundation (which sends guests' contributions to whichever organizations the couple chooses) or directly with the charity. If you select one of these alternatives, keep in mind that there will be guests who would prefer to purchase more conventional gifts for you. So it's best to set up a registry with at least one traditional store.