How to Register for Non-traditional Wedding Gifts

Many first-time-engaged couples know relatively little about what is involved in planning a wedding. Oftentimes, they will go to someone who has been down that road before, and that person is more than likely a mother or grandmother even. Times have greatly changed since the days of those weddings. If you are not crazy about registering for sterling silver or fine china, then don't do it. Traditions have changed greatly, and you may be the type of person who wants to register for some non-traditional wedding gifts.

Instructions

1. Evaluate your passions. Find out where your real passions lie. If you are not into hosting dinner parties, then don't register for the traditional flatware of sterling silver or the elegance of high quality china. Register for stainless steel and mass produced pottery settings.

2. Research retail organizations that carry your passions. If you are into SCUBA diving and your new spouse wants to join you, then find some place that sells SCUBA gear. If they have a gift registry or at least a website, put it out there. Registries are nice and convenient to help your guests know where to look and what to get that you actually want and will use. Some places may not have registries, but almost everywhere you look you can get a gift certificate.

3. Talk with your local stores. Some stores may not have a formal gift registry, but if camping is your passion, your local outdoor shop may manually work up a registry for you. If it will bring them more business, they may be more than happy to go that extra mile.

4. Use the super-giant-mega-stores. These discount retail outlets are bound to have something for everyone. Although this is your day, don't be so selfish as to publish a registry that is convenient to only a few. You might expect to get a lot of what you want, but in reality, you'll end up getting a lot of what you didn't want because not everyone likes you enough to go that far out of their way.

Tips & Warnings

• Diversify your wish list. Make sure there are enough different options for different people to make it as convenient as possible for all to find something for you.

• Try to find a place that has your wants as well as some other more traditional items that you don't necessarily want. Tradition dies hard and some people will refuse your item for a more traditional offering. Make sure the store has a liberal return policy.

• Avoid recommending stores that have a nearly impossible return policy. You don't want to be stuck with items you don't want or need and to be embarrassed when the giver shows up at your yard sale with a fifty cent sticker on the toaster that they lovingly bought for you.