I'm going to a wedding. Can I use gift ideas that aren't on their registry?

I personally think cash is the best gift.

Of course you can. A gift registry is usually done by the couple to tell people what type, brand, color etc of gift they might like. It's usually best to try to stick with whats on the list, but if you have something you think the couple would like such as a piece of Artwork they might be fond of or something unique (but that they still might like), go for it.

It depends.

If they are .. how do you say, snobby? They may hate the idea of getting something that wasn't on the registry. I only say this because I just overheard a family member of my fiance's say that they hated several gifts they received that weren't on the registry because they 'weren't to their taste'.

So, I would be very careful with that.

If they're down to Earth people and you know them well, go for it. Cash would be best, otherwise.

My favorite gift to give for weddings is brass doorknockers, You can get them engraved with "The Smith's" Est 2006 or whatever year they are getting married. It shows that you put thought into giving them a gift that is personalized and just for them. I have gotten only rave reviews from the couples! If they do not own a house at the moment, they probably will sometime in the future.

Presents (from registries or on your own) belong at the shower or other wedding-related functions, not the wedding. Cash works best at weddings.

However, it's a gift, so feel free to do, buy and give whatever you want.

Yes you can . It isn't a must do thing. Actually I would prefer not to get them the stuff they want on their registry because what kind of a surprise is that! I think it should be strictly up to you.

When looking for a wedding gift, it is absolutely appropriate to give a gift that is not on the the bride and grooms' registry. The registry is for the items and patterns, etc., that are what they would like and that would match the decor they have planned for their home and if you wish to get them something from their registry, you are able to see what still has not been purchased to complete a set and so on. If you do not wish to purchase a gift from the registry, either due to cost or a local store is not near you and you do not wish to purchase on-line, the registry can still be helpful. For instance, let's say you wish to gift the bride and groom with bed linens. You can look at their registry and determine their color palette and size of their bed. You can also see what other items are in their registry to determine their particular taste in decorating. Many people give monetary gifts in lieu of purchasing any items so that the bride and groom can use it for whatever they feel they need. All are appropriate. When all is said and done, whatever you give to the happy couple will be welcomed.

I always think a picnic basket with a bottle of wine is a nice gift for a couple.

I always give a Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook for weddings.

Can of worms! Gift giving can be a nightmare! I like to give people things, but sometimes wonder if by giving something I like, am I getting more pleasure out of the giving than they are out of the receiving? The gift should be something that I want to give BECAUSE they want to receive it. Gift registries are good because they give an indicaton of the kinds of things the couple want, but what if there is nothing on the registry that I want to give? I do not like to give cash, as it can be so impersonal, and does not require a lot ot thought, and yet, I like to give something that I have thought about carefully. If you know a couple well enough, then you will know the kind of things they like, and therefore will not get them something which is not to their taste, and so can deviate from the registry. If you do not know them well enough, then stick to the registry.

Sure, just include a gift receipt so if they don't like it they can take it back.

I think the best gift you could give would NOT be on the registry. That way its unique, and you'll be remembered. I gave a huge plant that looks like a tree, unforgettable, and they didnt get duplicates!It was a big potted palm from home depot!