Buzz
As wedding season peaks, you’ll likely spend the next few months browsing through registries to find the ideal gift. While many couples opt for standard household items like linens, dishes, and flatware to start their new life together, these aren’t the only choices. Couples who’ve already established their homes often have plenty of housewares, prompting them to take a more unconventional route with their gift registries. Here are some unique options you might not have considered:
Charitable Donations
The ultimate way to say, "No more kitchen gadgets, please!" is to forgo traditional gifts and request charitable donations instead. If guests are already willing to spend money to celebrate your wedding, why not direct those funds toward a good cause? Organizations like the I Do Foundation and JustGive.org make it easy for couples to set up charity registries. Guests simply provide their credit card details and donation amount. Plus, these contributions are tax-deductible—something a fancy dinnerware set can’t offer.
If you still want to receive gifts but also wish to support a cause, there’s a middle ground. Several retailers will donate a portion of every registry purchase to a charity of your choice, blending generosity with practicality.
Your House
Instead of registering for household items you don’t yet need, why not ask for help securing a place to live? With weddings often costing as much as a down payment on a home, many couples are opting to request contributions toward a house fund rather than traditional gifts. Platforms like mydreamhomeregistry.com ("Because You Don't Need Another Blender!") let friends and family contribute money specifically for a home down payment. Once the couple finds their dream home, the funds are transferred directly to the purchase.
Already own a home but want to improve it? Registries have you covered. The same site allows couples to register for home renovations and remodeling. They can outline their plans for upgrades and receive gifts to help cover expenses like painting, carpentry, and more.
Your Honeymoon
This idea has been around for a while but remains a fantastic option. After spending a fortune on your wedding, funding a dream honeymoon can be challenging. Fortunately, the registry industry has a solution: guests can contribute to specific parts of your honeymoon. Whether it’s snorkeling or a romantic dinner, your loved ones can help make it happen. Numerous websites specialize in honeymoon registries, ensuring you can create unforgettable memories as newlyweds. [Wedding cake topper image courtesy of Flickr user pauline@weddingtreasures.]
Now it’s your turn, dear readers! What unique or unconventional wedding gifts have you received or given?
