Sometimes you buy it yourself…I was catching up on some reading of Bride’s Magazine, checking out the trends, and came across an article about getting married at an older age.  I had to laugh when I read. “At some point, you just suck it up and buy the La Cruset yourself.”  I’m not really sure I would have splurged to buy the brand name cast iron pot, but I sure did buy the TJ Maxx cast iron pot for myself. Not to mention, I also bought the silverware, cups, every day dishes and towels for myself.  I find that a lot of people are getting married at an older age and they already have the traditional items most couples register for.  I don’t know if it is because we are enjoying our career, freedom and independence a little too much or if it takes a little longer time to find the right person. I was married in my early-thirties and YES…it took me a little longer to find Mr. Right!!  When you get married later on in life you buy all the household items like pots, pans, dish towels, food processor, blender – you know…most of the things you register for and get as gifts.

I recently had a bride tell me that she lives with her husband-to-be and asked what is the nice way to ask guests for money for a honeymoon.  This becomes a tricky thing…you don’t want to be greedy and have guests think all you want is money…but money would be an easier gift.  (I still have Macy’s gift cards from my wedding that took place a few years ago!)

Ideas for “registering” for money instead of traditional household items:

– Hint around to family that money would be a great gift idea since you two wanted to plan a nice honeymoon or save up for something special.

– Find a few household items and register for those to make it easier on guests who don’t want to give you money.  I’m sure your would like a matching set of bath towels or a new set of dishes without chips on them would look nice in the kitchen cabinet.

– Check out Honeymoon Fund for a neato website for asking for money for gifts and way for guests to see what you will use the money for. http://www.honeyfund.com/how-to-ask-for-cash

– Think outside the registry box by letting guests know you have registered at Home Depot.  Chances are guests will not buy you a shovel, but they probably will get you a gift card to Home Depot and you can use the gift card for a new washer and dryer or home improved items.

– Be honest and just let guests know you want the money.  Honesty is the best policy?  Be polite about asking for money. For example, if you are saving up for a new couch, include a card that has a picture of the couch on it and say something nice like – We are saving up for this fluffy, comfy couch so we can relax and watch movies on it once we are Mr. and Mrs.

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