Is it impolite to not register for wedding presents?

Not impolite, but people may take this the wrong way, like you're asking for cash or gift cards or something. A wedding is just one of those events where, while it's not required, most people feel somewhat obligated to gift the newlywed couple. If you are older or have been married before, your friends and family may already understand this and not worry too much about it. If you are concerned, I would register for little things here and there, or as swbarnes2 suggested, register for things that go through a lot of ware and tare, like towels, sheets, blankets, dish towels, pot holders, etc. Regardless of your wishes, people WILL be provoked to get you a little something, so you may as well get what you want/need!

Congrats and good luck :)

No, it's perfectly polite to not register. In fact, some people, myself included, consider registries to be impolite (afterall, you're putting together a gimme list).

When people ask where you are registered, just let them know you won't be registering. You may add that you don't need anything or that you just want to celebrate your new marriage with them.

That's how we handled it and it went just fine. Most people who wanted to get us something gave cash.

How refreshing to see a question like this instead of the usual "How can I extort money from our guests without looking tacky?" type inquiries featuring such atrocities as the dollar dance, the wishing well, the honeymoon registry, the money satchel, etc. etc. etc. ad nauseum.

If you do not register, as some have noted, some people will just send or give you money. You cannot stop them from doing this, but if anyone asks where you are registered, you should smile and tell them that you have everything you need and want only their presence on your special day. If you say this sincerely with a smile, it will do wonders. :)

There is absolutely nothing wrong with not registering! If you have everything you need, just tell people that if/when they ask; otherwise don't even bring it up. If anyone wants to bring a gift, they will either give cash or something they believe you will want and enjoy, not something you already need and have. Otherwise, just enjoy the day with your friends and family.

Personally I think it's rude to register. Obviously it's a normal thing in the US, but not in Australia. Most people would be pretty offended at being given a list that restricts what they are meant to buy people.

Just don't mention gifts at all and if someone asks just tell them that you don't need anything but thankyou of thinking of you.

"people will want to know where we are registered. How do I handle this?"...Tell them that their love and friendship is gift enough!

tell them gift cards for restaurants are always good, that you may be too busy to cook sometimes

I'd ask for cash or store credit instead.