I Hate Weddings...

I understand registries as a way to ensure the couple gets what the couple needs. I'd rather spend my $ on something that will fill out their kitchen or home than something that will be regifted or sit in the closet. Plus - I'd much rather buy something that will match, then buy a white toaster for a red kitchen (or something along those lines).

I think registries really came about back when people were really JUST starting out, and getting married was truly the first time you were living on your own. I agree that it gets complicated now when people marry for the first time in their 30's and have been living on their own for years and years.

[PrincessFiona]

The worst part about registries?

It's impossible give them a re-gifted item :>

Hey, Jenn...where are people supposed to get items to regift if not from events like weddings/baby showers etc?


kris

[PrincessFiona]

... but I'll definitely be registering when we have our first little one b/c I don't want my MIL just picking out random things for my kids.

And we'll all be gleefully shopping off of it because despite our outward cynicism we all want to know...and we'll want to celebrate with you

[SuzySunshine]

Thanks, Kris - we haven't decided if we're going to find out the gender or not - I'd like to (I don't like surprises) but we'll see.

This is a diaper genie - you put dirty diapers in it:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...entPage=search

I know this is old but...I don't think registries are a bad thing. Mind you...it is not required to buy off the registry. It is just a list to help your guests that want. Plus, think of it this way...if you get something off the registry you are eliminating the hassle of returning a gift either they don't like or can't use. After an event like a wedding or whatever...the less hassle the better I assume. So, you are really helping them eliminate all that extra work.

Anyway, the average wedding gift in our area is more like $275 for friends!

Good lord, where do you live?!

Sorry... missed that... we live in Milan, Italy. It's the 13th most expensive city in the world according to last year's Mercer report. The only US city to top us is NYC, so it makes sense that the average wedding gifts are about the same.

[houseelf]

ACK! We just found out that DH's sister is getting married this summer. Financially, our commitment entails a tuxedo rental for DH and possibly buying one for DS, a flower girl dress, a shower gift, a large wedding gift (only sister). This will come on the tails of a several state move and my unemployment.

The financial expectations for wedding in this country are INSANE. I loved our wedding and we spent $1,850, not including the engagement ring. Of course, we only had immediate family, but it was beautiful and intimate.

Sorry for the hijack/ramble. I'm so on the "I hate weddings" bandwagon.

Kelly

[medpedspouse]

our commitment entails a tuxedo rental for DH and possibly buying one for DS, a flower girl dress, a shower gift, a large wedding gift (only sister). This will come on the tails of a several state move and my unemployment.

Yikes! Is your DH close to his sister? I ask because I would not expect my sibling/friend to spend that kind of money knowing he and his family just moved/spouse unemployment, etc. I might understand the tuxes/dresses (for pictures) and travel to the wedding BUT the gifts? If my sibling/friend were in that position and they felt they had to get me something, I would say "wait until you are settled - your presence is gift enough." Just my 2Cs.

[MissCrabette]

I second that. I'd try to get a feel for what's expected before going all out on gifts.

[houseelf]

Actually, it is not my SIL who will expect this, it is my psychotically materialistic MIL who will gripe to no end.

Kelly

[MissCrabette]

Don't mind her. Look at the bright side: if she says something, that's one more chance for you to tell her to shove it. :>

[medpedspouse]

Ooooh - the MIL...it is all perfectly clear now. I am with MissCrabette. Where is the shove it emoticon?

I'll hijack as well. I'm a bridesmaid in a girlfriend's wedding and she's already giving me the silent treatment because I hinted that I want to wear these navy satin formal shoes I already have rather than buying the shoes she's planning on picking out and having them dyed the exact shade of our blue bridesmaid dresses. They dresses are floor-length - in the grand scheme of things does it really matter? I suppose it doesn't help that I gave her a guilt trip that I let her wear white shoes under her bridesmaid dress in my wedding when I told the girls to wear tan/nude colored shoes. Oh well, let the fun begin, I suppose.

p.s. - we have 3 weddings and 2 bachelor/bachelorette parties to attend this coming wedding season about $225 per per person for each plane ticket + hotel + tux rental/bridesmaid dress + gifts.