Gift Card Wedding Registries?

Sure, it's 2013 - adding that registry address to your wedding website is NO different than putting a link to a Macy's registry there. Personally, I don't like gift cards and would rather have cash, but if I could direct where the gift cards came from, I might appreciate them more. Go for it!

Edit - Oh, I didn't know that the website takes a cut of the $$ - Forget it then - I hate that! Just don't do a registry at all and you'll get cash, which always fits and can always be used.

I'm not a huge fan of them, but I do realize that's just a personal choice. If that's how you want to register, go ahead. I'd be much more okay with a registry that will go towards your home and marriage than, say, a registry to help the two of you go on vacation.

However, I still say word of mouth is the way to go when it comes to registries. Hopefully, you wouldn't put your registry information on the invite or paper RSVP, so why are you putting it on an online RSVP? It's the same thing. Tell some of your friends and family members what you're doing and the information for it, and when the guests ask them or you about the registry (most will, if they intend to get you something from a registry at all), then that information can be passed along to them.

Yes, it's tacky to ask for gift cards or cash.

Register at a store for things you can always use ... towels, linens, a new bathroom set, etc. also register for some cool stuff that you would never justify buying for yourself ... waffle maker, ice cream maker, Kitchen Aid blender, serving pieces that you don't already have, upgrade your silverware, etc. Remember to choose things in a variety of prices (stuff under $25, $25-100, $100+), so that people can pick according to their budgets.

If someone calls to RSVP and asks where you're registered or what you would like, your hostess could say, "They're registered at Macy's. I'm thinking of giving them a Visa gift card, though, since they already have a lot of home things, and maybe they'll want to use it for a trip or a nice dinner out." Then the hostess should say no more, and the guests can do what they will with that information.

People will know you live out of town and that you already live together. They're going to give you what they want regardless. Some people will realize that it's practical to give you a gift card. Others will want to give you a wrapped gift regardless. Your job is to smile, say thank you, and promptly send a thank you note.

People who want to give you a wrapped gift will not give you a gift card even if you go to their home with a megaphone screaming that you prefer gift cards. So even if it was polite to ask for gift cards/cash (which it's not), it might not do you any good anyway.

Honestly, this will hit a lot of people wrong. It's also unnecessary and possibly a bad financial decision. What I mean by the latter is these cheesy websites often take a cut of the total - that's why they offer the service. And by unnecessary, I mean that many guests will give cash anyway.

My suggestion is put together a small registry, because there are always some who prefer the idea of getting you an actual gift, not money. You don't have to limit yourself to pans and sheets. Especially in the kitchen, there's always things to upgrade or even funky things you wouldn't buy yourselves, like a cappucino maker. Lamps and artwork, choosing new color schemes for your bathroom - these are all fine. Amazon is awesome for this sort of stuff.

So just put that together and expect a lot of guests to give cash. Also if you are directly asked about your preference, it isn't wrong to say you prefer cash. It's people who beg for it without being asked that make sane folks shudder.

It is common to let guests know where you are registered when you send out the wedding invitation. Many people genuinely desire to get the couple gifts that they are sure to need/want, and will take advantage of the registry to make sure that their gift is exactly what you picked out, and that no one else has already gotten you the same thing. So go ahead and register at website if that's the one thing you really need, and let people know about the registry. However, you SHOULD expect to receive physical gifts at your wedding, as there will also be quite a few people who prefer to give a gift of their own making/choosing. It is rude to tell or imply to guests that ONLY gift cards or registry gifts are welcome. ALL gifts are kind gestures from your guests and should be equally accepted and appreciated. Guests can give whatever they choose, whether it be from a registry or not. If you already have one (or two) of that same item, then keep the new one and sell or donate the old one. Or exchange it at the store for something you can use, or donate it to a charity that needs it.

Card Avenue

A friend of mine did that and they actually had a wedding shower that was supposed to be strickly from their home depot registry, its not tacky - those who are married at your wedding understand because they've been there and those who aren't married are most likely too young and understand because they don't have boat load of money either... that was my case.

Cardavenue