In the words of my Kindergarten teacher, "Don't worry about what others are doing or think about what you are doing, focus on what makes you happy!"

It's an endless debate, doesn't really matter, nor will it sway someone who wants to do this anyway. Huffiness and Stephanie Tanner "how rudes!" make things not fun! if you don't like it, don't play … there is zero reason to ruin or damper anyone else's fun other than your pointless need to voice your snotty opinion! You don't like their HM registry? Well buy them a knife set and call it a day.

For example, my sister and mother decided to travel the world last year, and us at home would occasionally tell them "Have dinner on us" (also known as 'use the credit card'). Technically they were supposed to be paying their own way, but it was fun and meaningful to hear where they did eat, and how grateful they were to not worry about the money behind it. They actually took a cooking class in Vietnam one of these times; it was a great use of the dinner-on-us, and a great story to tell!

To me, the HM seems like it should be the sole responsibility of the bride and groom. But then I suppose a registry for HM things is really no different than a traditional registry where the couple pre-selects blenders and china in hopes guests will purchase them.

In the end: guests will be a) spending money; and b) giving the couple a gift. As long as the choice is theirs, what difference does it make what form in comes in? Waterford crystal punch bowl or cold, hard cash?

that might happen with these "honeymoon funds" and other new gifting ideas. it will probably be considered common and acceptable soon because so many couples are getting married later in life and just do not need to set up house so there is a need for new ways to give to the new couple.