I was listen to an NPR story about wedding registries and at first didn’t think twice about it. Then they started talking about gift registries and how people paid for their weddings or honeymoons. There was even a comment at the end about kids now registering for their birthday parties. That got me to thinking…
I’ve been to several weddings, and don’t remember how often the invitations said "Registered at Macy’s/Nordstrom’s/Target/XYZ". I also don’t remember how many said "No gifts". But I’m now thinking that the point of inviting people (hopefully friends and family) to a wedding SHOULD be to share a wonderful experience – NOT to stock their (new, and overpriced) home.
Of all of those receptions I’ve been to, I don’t think I’ve ever brought a gift. Maybe I’m cheap, or maybe I just like to give my friendship. And the idea of a KID having a registry is pretty disgusting to me. I’d rather friends or family have a gathering of those people who are close to them and just want their company.
If I ever get married, I hope my wife will understand my feelings. I also hope that we’ll have spent more than a couple of hours as a couple with each of the invitees.