How to Have a Wedding Without a Registry

No registry? No problem.
Lovely wrapped wedding presents with fresh florals
Photo: Rudchenko Liliia | Shutterstock
Sarah Title - Bridal Fashion & Shopping Expert.
by
Sarah Title
Sarah Title - Bridal Fashion & Shopping Expert.
Sarah Title
Bridal Fashion & Shopping Expert
  • Sarah writes a variety of content for The Knot and WeddingWire, including bridal fashion advice and product recommendations.
  • Sarah’s work has also been featured in Brides, Nicki Swift, Betches and Style Me Pretty.
  • Sarah lives in Alexandria, VA with her (new) husband and golden retriever named Brady.
Updated Jan 03, 2025

Setting a budget. Booking a venue. Creating a guest list. These are all typical parts of the wedding planning process. Registering for wedding gifts is also a traditional step, but that doesn't mean couples have to do it. Enter: hosting a wedding without a registry. Maybe you've lived together for a long time and have everything you need or maybe the idea of your guests being there is really all you need. Regardless, the decision is yours to make. Below we outline how to efficiently communicate with wedding guests that you're having a no-gift wedding and what to do if you're invited to a wedding without a registry.

In this article:

Does Every Wedding Have a Registry?

While tradition may dictate that a wedding registry is part of your celebration, that doesn't mean every couple has to have one or even want one. Whether you have everything you need, don't want to deal with unboxing gifts or simply don't feel like making one, not having a wedding registry is perfectly acceptable. After all, it's your wedding day and you call the shots.

How Do You Say No Registry for a Wedding?

If you're wondering how to approach no wedding gift wording on your invites (from The Knot Invitations) or wedding website, we included a few examples below. Remember, don't mention gifts directly on your wedding invitation. Instead, add an insert to your wedding invitation. On your website, you can be a little more direct and explain your decision not to have a registry.

No Registry Invitation Wording: In lieu of gifts please donate to [X] charity.

OR

While we appreciate your generosity, your presence is present enough.

No Registry Wedding Website Wording:

Having lived together for as long as we have we have everything we need and prefer the gift of your presence instead.

OR

No physical gifts, please. However, if you feel so inclined you can donate to our cash fund.

What to Do if Someone Doesn't Have a Wedding Registry

It's possible that you'll be invited to a wedding and the couple doesn't have a wedding registry. There may be a variety of reasons they don't have one, like they have everything they need, they prefer you donate to charity or they truly feel like your presence is the best present of all. Whatever the reason, here are a few gift ideas for couples without a registry.

Give a Cash Gift Instead

When a couple makes no mention of a registry or says they don't want gifts, it's not in poor taste to give them one. However, it's best to avoid physical gifts. If you want to give a wedding gift, but there's no registry, consider giving them a cash gift instead. When thinking about how much to give you'll want to consider how close you are to the couple. If you're friendly acquaintances you don't need to give as much as if you're very close friends. Use the wedding gift calculator to help you decide how much to spend.

Another wedding gift idea for a couple without a registry is to give back. If the couple has a charity that means a lot to them or that they've done work with in the past, consider making a donation in their name. They'll appreciate the thoughtful gesture and be thankful that you adhered to their "no gift" request.

Plant a Tree

In lieu of a wedding gift, plant a tree in their name in a place that's special to them. Whether it's where they first met, where they're getting married or somewhere else, it's a lovely gesture they'll appreciate. Plus, they can visit the tree as it grows over the years.

Give a Sentimental Gift

Typically wedding registries are filled with items the couple needs for their home. However, if you want to give a wedding gift to someone without a registry, consider giving them something sentimental. Options include a wine bottle etched with their wedding date, a newspaper cover framed wall sign and a personalized serving tray.

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