There’s nothing wrong with wanting to purchase a wedding gift for a couple that doesn’t register—we’re here to help you make the perfect choice for the bride and groom!
We’ve all been there, asking around for a couple’s registry information, double (and triple) checking RegistryFinder.com just in case, only to realize that the couple simply did not register. Not too long ago, I considered being one of those couples—if you can’t remember, read up on my final decision here. In my mind, not registering would signal to our guests that we are a.) happy for them to be present at our wedding, not to send presents; and b.) not in need of gifts, but wouldn’t mind some cash if a gift is insisted upon.
However, I quickly learned that the wedding gift is so ingrained in our traditions and etiquette that most guests want to give gifts and are confused by this decision.
Nowadays, a lot of other couples think along the same lines, and they expect their guests to follow suit sans-confusion. As I’m sure you can imagine, there is almost always confusion that leaves many guests scrambling and wondering: What the heck do I buy?
Between all of us here at RegistryFinder.com, we’ve attended, been part of, and witnessed just about every solution you can imagine—even coming up with a few ourselves in more than one instance! So, without further ado, read on for our go-to gifts for the couple that did not register.
Cash & Gift Cards
Let’s get this out of the way now: Yes, giving cash or a check to a couple that did not register is perfectly acceptable. That said, if you want to make your monetary gift a tad more personal, consider giving a gift card to a store the couple frequents. Think Target, Crate & Barrel, or their favorite restaurant!
Before we move on, just know that it is perfectly fine to do things the old-fashioned way. Consider the couple, their lives, likes, and hobbies, and pick a gift that you feel they will love and cherish. Whether that’s cash or a family heirloom, the important thing is that it’s a gift from the heart.
Experiences
Honeymoon Photographer
This gift requires a little bit of sleuthing and coordination, but the payoff is so worth it. It also works best if you’re closer with the couple and have an idea of their honeymoon plans. Get in touch with a local photographer wherever they plan their getaway and book them to snap photos of the couple while they’re out exploring, enjoying a romantic dinner, or floating the canals of Venice.
If this idea sounds like something you’re interested in, but aren’t quite sure how to tie into the honeymoon, you can grab a generic gift card with designated funds for a post-wedding photo shoot with the couple’s photographer of choice. You could always go the extra mile and save them some time by including a list of pre-vetted options in your gift.
Cooking Classes
Did you know most Sur la Table stores offer in-house cooking classes? Covering everything from kitchen basics to Korean Fried Chicken to a Dumpling Workshop, a couple that doesn’t register will find the perfect class for their interests and skill sets. Complete your gift with a nice bottle of wine they can enjoy during class and you’re set!
Couples’ Massage
A relaxing spa treatment is a great gift for any couple, but makes for a great surprise for a couple that doesn’t register. Just think—they’ve just spent their last few months planning what became the most important day of their lives. A couple’s massage is a great way for them to unwind and relax before heading back to real life. Find a top-rated spa in their area and pre-pay for their treatment and a 20 percent tip.
Housewares
Celebratory Spirits
Give the bride and groom a bottle of their favorite wine or whiskey and you can never go wrong! You can guarantee they’ll love it and use it, but if you really want to help them celebrate, buy a bottle of Champagne for them to pop on their first anniversary. Complete the gift with a portable bottle cooler and they’ll have a gift they will never forget.
Cast Iron Skillet
You never truly appreciate the value of a cast iron skillet until you use one yourself—then you wonder how you ever lived without one! A couple that doesn’t register may not realize what they’ve been missing, from ribeye to no-stick omelets.
Le Creuset Dutch Oven
The classic cookware is coveted for a reason: it’s long-lasting, masterful at slow-cooking, and since it comes in so many colors, it always makes a gorgeous statement on any dining table. A Dutch Oven is a great starting piece or addition to any Le Creuset cookware collection, and with so many colors to choose from, there’s a perfect option for any couple—even the one that doesn’t register.
Multipurpose Steamer
Who wants a steamer that can only do one thing? Even a couple that doesn’t register will appreciate the versatility this Black & Decker steam cleaner offers. With six attachments, this multipurpose appliance is perfect for getting wrinkles out of clothes, streaks off of glass, and gunk out of grout.
Subscriptions
Wine Club
Speaking of libations, consider signing up your couple for a membership to Macy’s Wine Club that’ll deliver the world’s best wines right to their doorstep. They’ll love looking forward to their upcoming varietals, and you’ll always be first on the guest list should they want to share!
Grass-Fed Cultured Cream Butter Subscription
This isn’t your average butter—this is a year-long gift that keeps on giving. Every three months, the happy couple will receive an assortment of seasonal flavored butters made in Georgia. If you play your cards right, they may even invite you over to enjoy their provisions. That is, if they’re willing to share!
Meal Delivery Subscription
Let’s face it—every new couple (even the couples that do not register) will be faced with the nightly dilemma of what’s for dinner and who’s cooking it. Make mealtime a little easier and set them up with a subscription to a meal delivery service. With options like Blue Apron, Home Chef, and Sun Basket, there’s something to fit any diet or lifestyle.
Trends Change
It’s important to remember that in today’s world, trends are changing, tradition is being forgone, and weddings are taking on unique lives of their own—and we love that! Whether you want to honor the wishes of the couple that did not register and show up to their wedding with a card in hand, or you opt to gift from our choices above, be sure to double (and triple) check RegistryFinder.com to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
