Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Loose ends

Well...surprise, surprise, it's snowing again...who saw that coming?

I have a couple of random things today. First, a hearty congratulations to Aaron and his lovely bride Sarah on their upcoming wedding. I believe that the big day is this Friday! I still remember their first date...and I guess it speaks to how long I have been blogging that I have been around for their entire relationship so far (well, the portion of it that he has chosen to share;-)). So, congratulations to them both and best wishes for a great wedding and a great marriage.

Second, I have to give a shout out to this post from Billy...the two pictures at the end actually made me laugh audibly at my desk. I think it is the hat...

Third, I have had a bunch of questions about wedding planning, and I am kind of embarrassed to say that I don't really feel like I have much to do. Part of it is that I don't waste time on non-sensical details (um...the centerpieces should match the invitations and the bridesmaids dresses? I apologize for not being able to summon up even one ounce of concern...) And another part is that I am using basically all of the same vendors (caterer, florist, DJ, photographer...) that Smoking Hot Roommate and Big Sis both used the last two years.

I may not register...is that bad of me? We really don't need anything...we have very nice dishes and glasses and silverware and linens and all of the stuff you should register for. I don't have formal china which a) doesn't really bother me, and b) isn't enough stuff to make it worth registering. In addition, I am not exactly getting married in the easiest or cheapest place to get to, so I feel like just traveling to be there is present enough from most people.

So, I am thinking that we should include a note in the invitation telling people that we really don't want them to give us gifts. Anyone have any thoughts on this? I could also go the charity route...either ask people to give to a charity of our choice instead, or a charity of their own choice...not sure how I feel about that.

I guess that is enough for now;-)

13 comments:

laurwilk said...

Well, I think I've voiced my opinion on the topic before. I think it's very classy of you to think about not registering because you don't really need things. Class act is your middle name.

However, as you know, I think the charity route is a great way to go. And I think you should give guests a variety of charities. 'Register' with non-profits as opposed to Crate and Barrel! I mean, at least way their gifts are tax deductible! The wedding gift that gives back. I think that sounds good all the way around! (P.S. The kids in Cambodia need some love! Hahaha.)

Accidentally Me said...

"Class Act"...eh? Hmm...since I am still without an actual middle name, maybe that will do...

Anonymous said...

Although I felt the same way as you did (I didn't want our guests -- especially those traveling to get to our wedding -- to give gifts) but the fact of the matter is that guests WANT to give gifts.

Although you could include a note about the charity giving option, you should still register for stuff that you like (not necessarily need) otherwise, those opting to not go the charity route (most, I assume) may get you stuff that doesn't suit your taste.

Just my two cents because I've been there AND bought the t-shirt.

Hall's Kitchen said...

I think you have to post *some* type of registry. If you don't need or want to go the Pottery Barn/W-S/Crate route, I think charity is an excellent idea. Like it or not, people will want, or feel obligated to, get you something, and if you don't give them any guidance, you will wind up with a bunch of random stuff you may not want!

I suggest inviting them to donate to a charity important to them in your name, suggesting a few charities that mean something to you, or even maybe a contribution to a scholarship fund for Munchkin? Or something that helps kids in similar situations who might not have a willing sister and an incredibly generous 'adopted' family?

Anyway, just my thoughts! Even if you don't need anything from a traditional registry, people will still want to celebrate the happy occasion with a token of some sort...you might as well channel their good intentions towards a well deserving charity!

Ally said...

I love the idea of not registering--but if you don't somehow address the fact that you're not registering b/c you don't want gifts, you're going to end up with tons of random things you don't want/need. I'm just not sure how you get that word out since it's not appropriate to address gifts in the invitation or save the date...hmm..

One thing that will help is if you don't have any showers.

Ally said...

--oh maybe a note in the invitation is ok since you're saying no gifts.

Rachel H. said...

I'm not sure...I have no help. I'm done with wedding planning and don't want to think about it! :(

Our Happy Married Life... said...

okay so you've officially made me feel bad that I've already got three showers planned (bridesmaids/aunts idea) AND I'm registered at three places. (knot.com advice)...My fiance and I live together and we have decent stuff but even if we have it, I registered for it brand new. Most of the bigger kitchen stuff is hand me downs and I figure this is the only time we'll get all brand new stuff. You may not NEED it but don't you sort of WANT it? I didn't originally want china but my fiance really wanted to register for it which was cute.

But, I agree with the others, people WILL still buy you stuff so you might as well put a few things on the registry so you don't end up with a bunch of stuff you don't want!

What color are your bridesmaids wearing? Where are you going on your honeymoon?

Lori S-C said...

Your presence is your present... no gifts please...

Then if they ask about donating something, you can tell them such places as: Boston Public library, Habitat for humanity, food bank, Children's Hospital or whatever is special to you.

Anonymous said...

I think it's fine not to register and go by way of a charity - you coudl name a few of your fav's or else let people choose and have them donate in your name..I think that's very cool of you to think of...

Woolly said...

I have gone to weddings where the bride and groom do not want gifts... and normally on the invitation they would write "best wishes only" I think that is code for "no gift"
a lot of people I know are like this. they just want people to come and have a good time and share the day with them.

Anonymous said...

You sound like me when I was planning MY wedding. :) That makes for a non-bridezilla-style, very stress-free experience.

Aaron said...

Friday WAS the big day.

And with all the rich people you know, you should be asking for gifts!! :P