My husband is a good sport. He never once complained when I dragged him through Macy's, registry scan gun in hand, asking his opinion on toasters and tableware, bedding and bath towels. And even though he was probably thinking it, he never voiced a suggestion that we skip the fine china and choose items that we might actually use more than once a year instead.
In fact, in the end there were only two items on our registry that he had strong opinions about. Steak knives and a fancy new blender to make margaritas with.
But today, experts say, more and more grooms are taking interest in their wedding registries and voicing their opinions on the suggested gifts. They want more, they say, than the boring old household items traditionally selected for wedding gifts.
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"During this year’s wedding season, MyRegistry.com saw a lot of registries with items like power tools, camping and fishing gear, and golf equipment," says Nancy Lee, President of MyRegistry.com. "Barbeque grills and accessories are always a big hit. We also see a rise in items from sports memorabilia shops."
(Okay, I can totally see power tools. After all, every household needs a good old cordless drill. But sports memorabilia? Really guys?)
Of course, it makes sense if you think about it. After all, in the old days newlyweds were often leaving their parents' homes for the first time and feathering their new nests from scratch. These days, many couples have either owned or rented their residence for years before deciding to settle down and tie the knot. Or maybe they have leftover kitchenware from their first marriages.
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Either way, they've already got a toaster and don't need another.
And so they're choosing to register for what they do need--or want--instead. A new comic book over a set of coasters, for example. And they don't believe they should apologize for being untraditional.
"If a couple needs a lawn mower for their new home more than they need a stand mixer, then by all means, they should register for that mower, and they do," says Lee.
My husband may not have asked for much. But he loves the heck out of that blender he picked out and uses it all the time. (Whereas, I have to admit, that beautiful china has been gathering dust on the shelves.) Luckily, I get to reap the benefits of his number one wedding gift as well--with perfectly blended strawberry margaritas.
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