Registering at less *scary* places

[musey]

Today, a friend asked FI where we were registered. When he said "Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma," said friend asked if he could buy something not from our registry/-ies, because those places were "kinda scary expensive stores." He didn't even look first to see the prices of things we'd registered for at these places.

It hadn't occurred to me that people might be put off enough by the "name" that they would go off-registry without even checking to see what was on there.

The average price tag for our registered items is between $20-50, but with plenty of stuff under $20 for ultra-budget guests. I thought I was doing everything right by providing a big range for people, but I guess just the store itself will put people off, regardless of the actual price of our registry items...?

 

[misysu2]

I think they are a little intimidating. I have never even set foot in the stores, but I know they have a very high end rep, esp. Williams Sonoma. I think they should always at least look at what's on the registry, although from my small-town background, I can relate to their hesitation.

However, it is YOUR wedding and you should register wherever you'd like. Maybe you can spread, by word of mouth or by however else you're sharing registry information, the price range of your gifts. Then people wouldn't have those reservations.

 

[Gypsy]

We''re gonna register only at Bed Bath and Beyond and my mother (who shops at Saks and Neimans all the freaking time) says, "But that''s a very expensive store. Why aren''t you register at Macy''s? "


WHAT?

I''d just register where I wanted to and put the word out that gift cards to those places instead of gifts are fine. I mean REALLY what are you supposed to do? Register ONLY at the dollar store so everyone is happy? If you can''t make everyone happy.

No store that sells GIFT CARDS is scary. Grow the heck up. Walk in, ask for a gift card in the amount you can afford and leave. I mean, for the love of god, you can''t even do that for a friend? Nice friend.

Sorry, I just think that it''s stupid. I shop at all of those stores. Williams Sonoma is pricey. So gift card. Pottery Barn is pricey (less so than WS though) gift card. And Crate and Barrel has PLATTER SETS for uner 25 bucks, if you''ve ever been in their you know that there is a good shot that there is something affordable on that registry, go to the website for the love of Pete. If you can''t afford anything. GIFT CARD.

Or you know what? Go to your bank or grocery store and buy a Visa or Matercard or Amex gift card. Buy a card and write a check!

Ok. Apparently this is a pet peeve for me.

 

[musey]

Gypsy, I''m a little bit in love with you right now.

 

[Harleigh]

I just wonder what on earth some people are thinking these days! I had the same response about BB&B as you, Gypsy, and I about fell outta my chair.

I seriously wanted to ask if I should start mailing out my 20% off coupons I get every other week and provide them for everyone as our items range from all of $3.00-$199 for an outdoor rolling cart ice chest. I am really considering letting Rusty pick whatever he wants from Home Depot and call it a day at the rate we're going with this whole registry thing. Problem is, we really don't *need* anything between the two of us!!

Sorry if I'm threadjacking, musey, but I have a question about a less scary registry I thought about doing for the same reason your friend mentioned...

I also considered registering at Target and then was planning to return whatever we don't use, get doubles of, etc... and putting the money towards household consumnables like TP, paper towels or toothpaste, for goodness sakes, but I have just recently heard from a gal at work that they have completely changed their return policies to accept no returns from registries, with or without a gift receipt, even if you received double due to their systems not updating purchases very quickly.

Anyone know anything about this?

 

[FrekeChild]

I''m going to say ditto to Gypsy''s post. I used to work at Williams Sonoma a long time ago, so I know first hand about the prices, but really-the place does have stuff thats on the cheaper side (4 dollar vegetable peeler anyone?). And really, I can''t imagine people not spending at least 20 dollars on a wedding present- I know I would, and I have NO income other than financial aid/savings, but I''d manage anyway.

Tell them to go look online instead of going into the "scary" store and see if there is something there that they can afford. And if that doesn''t work, to echo lovely Gypsy, "GIFT CARD". I mean, at least look at the prices before you start complaining about how expensive a place is. Ugh.

 

[Harleigh]

musey, you are too funny!

But hey, just think, you could get some REALLY nice stuff at the good ''ol Dollar Tree!

Maybe we could start a trend and see who can get the BEST gift from a dollar store? They could win a prize worth, oh, say, gumball machine quality???

I think I may have come up with an idea for a shower theme here, ladies!

Nah, I''m just in denial about getting my progress reports done for school tomorrow!

 

[bee*]

I''d stay at the places that you''re registered for already. We''re registering in Brown Thomas which is Ireland''s most upscale store however tons of things that are going to be on our list are small little things that don''t cost much at all. I know that some people will probably think we''re out of line when they here Brown Thomas but we''re not registering for something expensive at all.
If someone does want to get us something from somewhere else, we''re not going to mind but at least look at what we''re registered for first.

 

[violet02]

People should really look first before they decide they can''t afford anything from those stores.

We registered for a honeymoon with items from $35 to $275.00. Our wedding is a bit small though so I bet we are on the low end of that. Which is fine. Hence the price range.

 

[zoebartlett]

I''m with the others. If people looked at the registry before commenting on how pricey everything is, maybe they''d find something within their price range. If that doesn''t work, as others have mentioned, gift cards are a good way to go. The only reason that I could see someone hesitate about getting a gift card is that then, the amount they spent would be completely obvious. Maybe the person is looking for a nice gift in their price range and they don''t want the amount they spent to be on the gift itself (as it would be on a gift card).

It''s early here, so I hope my rambling made sense. BTW, we registered at Crate and Barrel (and Macy''s) and there are PLENTY of things that don''t cost an arm and a leg.

 

[QOTDR]

I don''t think Crate and Barrel is scary. Williams Sonoma maybe by reputation. I always look at a registry. If there is nothing I can afford (has never happened), or want to buy, I give cash or go off registry. Most people give money anyway. Most brides put a range of prices on their registry so I think he is just ill informed or thinks because you have a registry everything will be expensive.

 

[Sabine]

I voted "I don''t know" just because we don''t have a single one of those stores anywhere near me. I would check the registry out online, but I''m one of those people who HATES paying for shipping, especially on large items (which some wedding items tend to be), and I also hate when I can''t see a picture of what I''m buying someone and some stores don''t have pics of all their items online (Target comes to mind). And if I did go to one of those stores, since I''d never been in one of them before, if I hadn''t seen the registry first online I would probably be slightly intimidated, but that''s probably because I hate asking for help from people in stores.

 

[Cleopatra]

Wow! I haven''t posted in a long time! But I''d be happy to provide my two cents:

I live in a tiny town - no Williams Sonoma or C&B close by - booo

But I can promise that I would register at those places.

As of this moment, we are registered for the majority of our "stuff" at BB&B - and I totally agree about the COUPONS! We are also registered at Macy''s - but Macy''s somewhat annoys me - We registered for things while they were on sale, then they go off sale, then on sale again (which I think is more intimidating that WS and C&B sometimes)....am I going to have to CHECK these things when it gets closer to the wedding to see if the prices are still in the range that I wanted???! A $200 duvet cover was "ok" - but not now that it''s $360!!!!

I like places that have a price and stick to it....coupons are great, and so are sales, but i hate checking back on my "sale" items to see that the "original" price makes the item soooo not worth it. ugh....

 

[SuLi]

I don't think that the stores you've listed are scary at all. It seems to me that you've been considerate with your registery, registering for items that are budget-friendly. Personally, I don't normally shop in the places that you've registered in, but during the few times I have been in those particular stores (incidentally...for weddings), the sales associates have always been really kind and helpful. And, I'm assuming that people can simply order things online from your registry, so they don't even have to go to the store if they feel intimidated. Plus, one of my dearest friends worked at Pottery Barn throughout college and she is the least initimidating person I know (even though she is a litigator now)

.

 

[brazen_irish_hussy]

Date: 1/25/2008 2:21:30 AM
Author: Harleigh
I just wonder what on earth some people are thinking these days! I had the same response about BB&B as you, Gypsy, and I about fell outta my chair.

I seriously wanted to ask if I should start mailing out my 20% off coupons I get every other week and provide them for everyone as our items range from all of $3.00-$199 for an outdoor rolling cart ice chest. I am really considering letting Rusty pick whatever he wants from Home Depot and call it a day at the rate we''re going with this whole registry thing. Problem is, we really don''t *need* anything between the two of us!!

Sorry if I''m threadjacking, musey, but I have a question about a less scary registry I thought about doing for the same reason your friend mentioned...

I also considered registering at Target and then was planning to return whatever we don''t use, get doubles of, etc... and putting the money towards household consumnables like TP, paper towels or toothpaste, for goodness sakes, but I have just recently heard from a gal at work that they have completely changed their return policies to accept no returns from registries, with or without a gift receipt, even if you received double due to their systems not updating purchases very quickly.

Anyone know anything about this?

I have also heard about that from target. Stick with BBB. They will give you CASH for your returns so they are by far the better bet.

 

[tberube]

To assuage that issue, we are going to register at one "scary" store and one "not so scary" store. Probably Crate & Barrel and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

 

[sumbride]

Stores that would intimidate me:
Bloomingdales
Neimans
Tiffany
Gump''s


that''s about it.

Crate & Barrel was perhaps the best store on our list. They were the easiest to work with, their items were packed the best, and they were the most helpful. Plus their prices are fantastic. I didn''t really register at Pottery Barn... I just put a few pieces of furniture on the list so I could get a discount, but they were great! BB&B was good with returns but the stores are so full that it is hard to shop in store for registry purchases.

I think your friend is being silly and needs to take a minute and look at the lists.

I wish more people had bought me the $8 can opener, $10 bowls and $20 vases at Crate & Barrel instead of the $50 Wilton Armetale platters. Do you know how many of those I have now? It''s insane!

 

[tberube]

Date: 1/25/2008 2:21:30 AM
Author: Harleigh
I just wonder what on earth some people are thinking these days! I had the same response about BB&B as you, Gypsy, and I about fell outta my chair.


I seriously wanted to ask if I should start mailing out my 20% off coupons I get every other week and provide them for everyone as our items range from all of $3.00-$199 for an outdoor rolling cart ice chest. I am really considering letting Rusty pick whatever he wants from Home Depot and call it a day at the rate we''re going with this whole registry thing. Problem is, we really don''t *need* anything between the two of us!!


Sorry if I''m threadjacking, musey, but I have a question about a less scary registry I thought about doing for the same reason your friend mentioned...


I also considered registering at Target and then was planning to return whatever we don''t use, get doubles of, etc... and putting the money towards household consumnables like TP, paper towels or toothpaste, for goodness sakes, but I have just recently heard from a gal at work that they have completely changed their return policies to accept no returns from registries, with or without a gift receipt, even if you received double due to their systems not updating purchases very quickly.


Anyone know anything about this?

WHAATTTTTTT!!!! ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!!!!

 

[enbcfsobe]

Date: 1/25/2008 9:57:23 AM
Author: tberube

Date: 1/25/2008 2:21:30 AM
Author: Harleigh
I just wonder what on earth some people are thinking these days! I had the same response about BB&B as you, Gypsy, and I about fell outta my chair.


I seriously wanted to ask if I should start mailing out my 20% off coupons I get every other week and provide them for everyone as our items range from all of $3.00-$199 for an outdoor rolling cart ice chest. I am really considering letting Rusty pick whatever he wants from Home Depot and call it a day at the rate we''re going with this whole registry thing. Problem is, we really don''t *need* anything between the two of us!!


Sorry if I''m threadjacking, musey, but I have a question about a less scary registry I thought about doing for the same reason your friend mentioned...


I also considered registering at Target and then was planning to return whatever we don''t use, get doubles of, etc... and putting the money towards household consumnables like TP, paper towels or toothpaste, for goodness sakes, but I have just recently heard from a gal at work that they have completely changed their return policies to accept no returns from registries, with or without a gift receipt, even if you received double due to their systems not updating purchases very quickly.


Anyone know anything about this?

WHAATTTTTTT!!!! ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!!!!

Their return policies weren''t very good to begin with -- from what I understand, they would only let you exchange, not return, and then you could only exchange within the same department (so you couldn''t trade in the extra toaster for bedding or clothing). This is even worse.
As with everything, people need to do their homework before they complain. I would rather that someone didn''t give me a gift than complained about the options I gave them. Ridiculous.

 

[tberube]

Date: 1/25/2008 10:19:32 AM
Author: enbcfsobe

Date: 1/25/2008 9:57:23 AM

Author: tberube

Date: 1/25/2008 2:21:30 AM

Author: Harleigh

I just wonder what on earth some people are thinking these days! I had the same response about BB&B as you, Gypsy, and I about fell outta my chair.



I seriously wanted to ask if I should start mailing out my 20% off coupons I get every other week and provide them for everyone as our items range from all of $3.00-$199 for an outdoor rolling cart ice chest. I am really considering letting Rusty pick whatever he wants from Home Depot and call it a day at the rate we''re going with this whole registry thing. Problem is, we really don''t *need* anything between the two of us!!



Sorry if I''m threadjacking, musey, but I have a question about a less scary registry I thought about doing for the same reason your friend mentioned...



I also considered registering at Target and then was planning to return whatever we don''t use, get doubles of, etc... and putting the money towards household consumnables like TP, paper towels or toothpaste, for goodness sakes, but I have just recently heard from a gal at work that they have completely changed their return policies to accept no returns from registries, with or without a gift receipt, even if you received double due to their systems not updating purchases very quickly.



Anyone know anything about this?

WHAATTTTTTT!!!! ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!!!!

Their return policies weren''t very good to begin with -- from what I understand, they would only let you exchange, not return, and then you could only exchange within the same department (so you couldn''t trade in the extra toaster for bedding or clothing). This is even worse.

As with everything, people need to do their homework before they complain. I would rather that someone didn''t give me a gift than complained about the options I gave them. Ridiculous.

I completely agree, enbcfsobe. The purpose of a registry is to make it easier on the guest to find something that the bride and groom really want. Nobody HAS to buy something off a registry, either. I hate hearing guests complain about weddings - registries, food, open bar, etc, etc - some people expect way too much from the bride and groom, which is probably much of the reason that women become the famed "bridezilla." Too much pressure to do everything right and make everyone happy.

 

[Selkie]

Musey, I''m guessing your friend is young, recently out of college? I think I was pretty scared of those kinds of stores too at that age, because I never had the money or need to shop there. But now they seem like pretty standard places to register so I wouldn''t change a thing.

 

[mjso]

I am a huge fan of Williams Sonoma, if I could go in an buy the whole store I would

Although I wouldn''t change a thing, I think they are perfectly fine registries and with three different registries to choose from, people should have no problem buying something in ther budget.

The only thing I can think of that some people might have an issue with is even if they are spending the amount they want to spend, if they feel those stores are "too expensive" they might think they aren''t getting you the most "bang for the buck". Some people are huge bargain shoppers, some people are sticklers for quality, some people like buying something with a name attached, etc. So maybe, even though there is a $4.00 vegetable peeler on the list, the friend feels like he could get a "just as good" $2.00 vegetable peeler at a store he''s "more comfortable" with. Also, if this friend is male, he probably has no clue about the idea of quality kitchen items vs. cheaper but less durable items. I know my FI would have no clue what the difference between a $3.00 kitchen knife from the grocery store and a $20.00 version from WS is. Most people, I think, want to get you the best gift they can for their budget, so if the friend can only spend $20.00 he might feel like 1 mixing bowl is a crappy gift compared to something else he has in mind from somewhere else. Which, of course, really he could just go and get that, there''s no rule that he has to stick to the registry!

 

[misysu2]

Date: 1/25/2008 11:27:37 AM
Author: mjso
I am a huge fan of Williams Sonoma, if I could go in an buy the whole store I would

Although I wouldn't change a thing, I think they are perfectly fine registries and with three different registries to choose from, people should have no problem buying something in ther budget.

The only thing I can think of that some people might have an issue with is even if they are spending the amount they want to spend, if they feel those stores are 'too expensive' they might think they aren't getting you the most 'bang for the buck'. Some people are huge bargain shoppers, some people are sticklers for quality, some people like buying something with a name attached, etc. So maybe, even though there is a $4.00 vegetable peeler on the list, the friend feels like he could get a 'just as good' $2.00 vegetable peeler at a store he's 'more comfortable' with. Also, if this friend is male, he probably has no clue about the idea of quality kitchen items vs. cheaper but less durable items. I know my FI would have no clue what the difference between a $3.00 kitchen knife from the grocery store and a $20.00 version from WS is. Most people, I think, want to get you the best gift they can for their budget, so if the friend can only spend $20.00 he might feel like 1 mixing bowl is a crappy gift compared to something else he has in mind from somewhere else. Which, of course, really he could just go and get that, there's no rule that he has to stick to the registry!

This is a GREAT point. My FBIL had a Williams Sonoma registry for Christmas, and had a $40 apron on it. If it had been a wedding registry, I would've bought him a $20 apron from BB&B, then spent the remaining $20 on something else. It's just an attitude, I guess. I feel guilty spending that much money on something like that, when I could spend the same amount on something much better or more of something. You may end up getting a few SIMILAR items.

 

[Patiently_Waiting]

Date: 1/25/2008 1:38:44 AM
Author: misysu2
I think they are a little intimidating. I have never even set foot in the stores, but I know they have a very high end rep, esp. Williams Sonoma. I think they should always at least look at what''s on the registry, although from my small-town background, I can relate to their hesitation.

However, it is YOUR wedding and you should register wherever you''d like. Maybe you can spread, by word of mouth or by however else you''re sharing registry information, the price range of your gifts. Then people wouldn''t have those reservations.

I agree with misysu2 - they can be a little intimidating to some, but it is your registry. Perhaps you can let people know there is a range for everyone, even at these places.

 

[enbcfsobe]

Date: 1/25/2008 11:32:03 AM
Author: misysu2

Date: 1/25/2008 11:27:37 AM
Author: mjso
I am a huge fan of Williams Sonoma, if I could go in an buy the whole store I would

Although I wouldn''t change a thing, I think they are perfectly fine registries and with three different registries to choose from, people should have no problem buying something in ther budget.

The only thing I can think of that some people might have an issue with is even if they are spending the amount they want to spend, if they feel those stores are ''too expensive'' they might think they aren''t getting you the most ''bang for the buck''. Some people are huge bargain shoppers, some people are sticklers for quality, some people like buying something with a name attached, etc. So maybe, even though there is a $4.00 vegetable peeler on the list, the friend feels like he could get a ''just as good'' $2.00 vegetable peeler at a store he''s ''more comfortable'' with. Also, if this friend is male, he probably has no clue about the idea of quality kitchen items vs. cheaper but less durable items. I know my FI would have no clue what the difference between a $3.00 kitchen knife from the grocery store and a $20.00 version from WS is. Most people, I think, want to get you the best gift they can for their budget, so if the friend can only spend $20.00 he might feel like 1 mixing bowl is a crappy gift compared to something else he has in mind from somewhere else. Which, of course, really he could just go and get that, there''s no rule that he has to stick to the registry!

This is a GREAT point. My FBIL had a Williams Sonoma registry for Christmas, and had a $40 apron on it. If it had been a wedding registry, I would''ve bought him a $20 apron from BB&B, then spent the remaining $20 on something else. It''s just an attitude, I guess. I feel guilty spending that much money on something like that, when I could spend the same amount on something much better or more of something. You may end up getting a few SIMILAR items.

I understand this mentality -- i am the queen of bargain shopping. I don''t have a problem with people giving you gifts from outside the registry as long as they are returnable. I personally wouldn''t pick something "similar" to what is on the registry. I thought the whole point of registering for specific things was that those were the items you wanted.
I think registries are even more helpful now that so many more of the people getting married already live outside of their parents homes. I am sure that many people who register for a $4 veggie peeler at WS already have a veggie peeler in their drawer. It is probably a veggie peeler they bought from a grocery store or was an extra from grandma''s house. If they were happy with the veggie peeler they had, they wouldn''t have registered for another one! If you think that veggie peeler is overpriced, don''t buy it. If you can''t find anything else on the list in your price range, which I understand, it is on you to do some actual thinking about what the person might enjoy that is in your price range. And part of that thinking (IMHO) is making sure that the person can return the item if they (a) don''t like it or (b) already have one. How hard is that??
Sorry. Obviously a pet peeve of mine as well.

 

[musey]

Thanks for replying, everyone!

I was so frustrated to hear FI suggest we set up a registry somewhere else, mostly because I thought I had already done everything "right" by registering for a big range of prices. Like I was saying before, most of our stuff falls within the $20-50 range, with a few outlying items under $10 (utensils) or over $100 (a sheet set), and a few in the $170-300 range (pots and pans).

The kicker is that I originally only had WS and PB registries set up, then did think those two needed a less intimidating addition. Crate & Barrel was my less-intimidating addition!

Shows what I know!

Anyway, it was surprising because this friend of ours is very into cooking and home design, and spent $60 on me for my last birthday (very few of our friends even give birthday gifts), so it came way out of left field. Not that I expect him to spend that (or anything) on a wedding gift, It just made me think these stores must be WAY more intimidating than I thought!!


Thanks for easing my mind a bit

 

[misysu2]

Date: 1/25/2008 11:46:16 AM
Author: enbcfsobe

Date: 1/25/2008 11:32:03 AM
Author: misysu2

Date: 1/25/2008 11:27:37 AM
Author: mjso
I am a huge fan of Williams Sonoma, if I could go in an buy the whole store I would

Although I wouldn''t change a thing, I think they are perfectly fine registries and with three different registries to choose from, people should have no problem buying something in ther budget.

The only thing I can think of that some people might have an issue with is even if they are spending the amount they want to spend, if they feel those stores are ''too expensive'' they might think they aren''t getting you the most ''bang for the buck''. Some people are huge bargain shoppers, some people are sticklers for quality, some people like buying something with a name attached, etc. So maybe, even though there is a $4.00 vegetable peeler on the list, the friend feels like he could get a ''just as good'' $2.00 vegetable peeler at a store he''s ''more comfortable'' with. Also, if this friend is male, he probably has no clue about the idea of quality kitchen items vs. cheaper but less durable items. I know my FI would have no clue what the difference between a $3.00 kitchen knife from the grocery store and a $20.00 version from WS is. Most people, I think, want to get you the best gift they can for their budget, so if the friend can only spend $20.00 he might feel like 1 mixing bowl is a crappy gift compared to something else he has in mind from somewhere else. Which, of course, really he could just go and get that, there''s no rule that he has to stick to the registry!

This is a GREAT point. My FBIL had a Williams Sonoma registry for Christmas, and had a $40 apron on it. If it had been a wedding registry, I would''ve bought him a $20 apron from BB&B, then spent the remaining $20 on something else. It''s just an attitude, I guess. I feel guilty spending that much money on something like that, when I could spend the same amount on something much better or more of something. You may end up getting a few SIMILAR items.

I understand this mentality -- i am the queen of bargain shopping. I don''t have a problem with people giving you gifts from outside the registry as long as they are returnable. I personally wouldn''t pick something ''similar'' to what is on the registry. I thought the whole point of registering for specific things was that those were the items you wanted.
I think registries are even more helpful now that so many more of the people getting married already live outside of their parents homes. I am sure that many people who register for a $4 veggie peeler at WS already have a veggie peeler in their drawer. It is probably a veggie peeler they bought from a grocery store or was an extra from grandma''s house. If they were happy with the veggie peeler they had, they wouldn''t have registered for another one! If you think that veggie peeler is overpriced, don''t buy it. If you can''t find anything else on the list in your price range, which I understand, it is on you to do some actual thinking about what the person might enjoy that is in your price range. And part of that thinking (IMHO) is making sure that the person can return the item if they (a) don''t like it or (b) already have one. How hard is that??
Sorry. Obviously a pet peeve of mine as well.

Ooh! A veggie peeler! Thanks for reminding me of something I need to add to mine!

 

[musey]

enbcfsobe, thank you for articulating what I was thinking on the bargain-hunting front.

I have an $18 set of measuring cups on one of my registries. Do I already have measuring cups? Yes. But they're cracked and about to poop out because the low-quality materials they're made from are not meant to withstand temperature extremes (microwaving, etc.), because I bought them as a "bargain" at Target or the like. So I registered for a set of $18 measuring cups that will, hopefully, last my lifetime.

I can go out and buy a $2 measuring cup myself, thank you very much

(and I already did!)

That's how a lot of items on my registry are... things we already have, but that are already on their last leg because they weren't built to last a lifetime to begin with. I'm trying to build a kitchen in which, 40 years from now, I can still be using the cast-iron pan that so-and-so bought me for my wedding... instead of already having replaced the cheaper version that so-and-so bought me because they were bargain hunting.

If your budget is $15, don't buy me a cheaper version of something I registered for. Buy the $13 high-quality egg slicer that I'll still be using in 20 years. Yeah, it's just an egg slicer... but it's an egg slicer I genuinely want.

OR... be like Pandora, who always buys antique silver candlesticks for brides & grooms. Go hunt down your own deal. Just don't do it with a duplicate item of something I registered for!

 

[musey]

That last post sounded kinda bratty. But I think I'm thinking more from what my perspective would be as a guest, as opposed to anything I actually "expect" of guests at our wedding. I'll be more than happy to accept a $2 measuring cup as a gracious gift. But I wouldn't give one, unless it was what the couple wanted.

 

[sumbride]

Ah, Musey... it''s not bratty at all! It''s real! You spent time setting up your registry to reflect your tastes and desires. If they choose to not buy off the registry, it really shouldn''t be something "just like" something from the registry that''s "more of a bargain". This happened to me. And it should come as no surprise to anyone that the culprit was my MIL. At my shower she gave me a basket full of kitchen gadgets. NONE of them were on my registry but some of them were "versions" of things that were on my registry. It honestly looked like she had just gone to Marshalls and filled a basket with "stuff" from the bargain bins. And knowing her, that''s exactly what she did. That would have been ok, but then she gave me a running commentary DURING the shower on why she picked the things she did AFTER looking at my registry. I picked the stainless Misto olive oil sprayer. She gave me a plastic pump bottle with pictures of garlic cloves on it "because I have that one you picked and I don''t like it so I thought this was better." Ok, seriously? You''re telling me I don''t have good taste? And that you know better?? AT MY SHOWER?

Of course, this is true to form for her. And DH sold everything in that basket on ebay for pennies on the dollar, I''m sure. Talk about a BARGAIN.

Of course, I did appreciate when a guest went off registry and bought us a lovely set of French steak knives. Thing is, we already got the ones we picked out. So now we have multiple sets. I''m ok with that, but it was still a little annoying at the same time. Like, Thanks for the awesome knives, but we don''t really need them... but I like them too much to return them, so they will sit in this drawer, unused, for about 20 years until the others ones give out, and then I''ll use them. Or something like that.