Always thought one of the best things about a wedding gift registry was to avoid several people each buying the same item that the couple then has to exchange for something else. Typically online you can tell which item has already been 'taken' so you avoid buying a duplicate. I agree as others have said, if nothing is within your price range, then you use the registry as more of a guide for the style of things they are looking for. I have never interpreted a registry as the only acceptable list of gifts, but more of suggestions of things they like (or don't already have).