Honeymoon Registries?

[barkley]

i've never felt obligated to buy something just because someone registered for it-i will sometimes use them as a guideline for their tastes and needs, but if item's are'nt convenient for me to get (as in a distant store) or in the price range i'm comfortable with i get something else. i've also never been in a situation where family members have compared notes on how much was given/spent.

if someone wants to register thats fine-but i hope it's never with the expectation that the guests can ONLY select from those items.

 

[arminnie]

In the olden days (40 years ago) gift registries were really only used to convey the bride's choice of china, silver (sterling), and crystal. A few people added linen choices.

There was no such thing as registering at Crate & Barrel or Target (I don't think they had been invented yet). Some people bought off the registry and some didn't. I never felt compelled to use a registry.

A teaspoon (sterling) or a single plate were popular wedding gifts. People rarely gave a whole place setting. A shower gift theme like "kitchen" or "lingerie" or "cookbook" might be suggested but rarely was off the registry.

I know that sounds pretty cheap by the standards of today's brides. Many of these brides were former debutantes from wealthy families and were definitely playing by the etiquette rules of the day. Many a couple started out with 12 place settings of their silver and china, but hardly a pot to cook in.