Gift Registry Alternatives

Traditional gift registries are a great way to let wedding guests know what you want and need. However, in today’s society, many couples have already set up home and do not need typical household items. This is where gift registry alternatives can come in very handy.

Honeymoon Helpers
Every bride and groom deserves time away after their wedding. However, not every bride and groom can afford a traditional week long honeymoon. Brides and grooms can set up a honeymoon fund where guests can contribute to the honeymoon. You can work closely with your travel agent to set up an account. Before you know it, you will have enough money to enjoy that honeymoon you have longed for.

Cash Alternative
Perhaps you are in need of cash, more than you are in need of traditional gifts or a honeymoon. There are sites on the web that allow you to set up a fund where family and friends can deposit money directly into an account. You can then use the money for your personal needs, such as paying bills or paying for some needed home repairs.

Helping Others
Another great alternative to the traditional gift registry is a charity registry. The bride and groom can suggest that the guests make a charitable donation to a non-profit agency in the couple’s name. There are a variety of different charities that the couple can choose from. This is great for couples that already have everything they need. Many agencies have a tracking system and can let the wedding couple know they have received a donation in their honor.

Big Ticket Items
Couples can also choose to register at a sporting goods store, home improvement store or furniture store. This will help guests know that the wedding couple is in need of less traditional items and it will help to steer them in the right direction. Again, if you are picking a big ticket item, the idea is that guests can all go in on one item to help make the purchase.

When registering for non-traditional gift registries, it is important that you pick only one. Therefore, guests will all be contributing to the same cause. If you choose several big ticket items, chances are you will end up with money in each account, but not enough to completely purchase one item.

Gift registries can be a great way to let your wedding guests know exactly what you want and need on your wedding day. In today’s society, it is ok to think out of the box and register for non-traditional gifts. If you truly don’t need another pot and pan, but would really like a honeymoon, then alternative gift registries are the way to go. Just be sure to limit your alternative registry to one.

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