Registry, honeymoon fund, or nothing at all?

I think of the wedding registry as a way to ask for upgrades on items you and your future spouse already own. You might already have pans that work, but you could ask for some amazing dream All Clad pans that you'd never buy yourself! If you are dead set against a registry, you don't actually need to put anything. If you don't, guests will most likely just give you cash.

I'm also pro registry, as I like giving the couple something physical opposed to cash. If you're having a bridal shower, a small registry is definitely needed, as cash isn't really a standard gift for showers. I've lived with my FH for almost 5 years now so we pretty much have everything, but I'm just asking for upgrades of things we have and things we've bookmarked but don't want to spend money on ourselves (tool set, hedge trimmer, wine chiller, etc). Honeymoon funds are becoming more popular, but some guests may frown upon it.

We're doing a regular registry because that is common among our social circles and families. They would refuse to contribute to a honeymoon fund as none of them gift cash for any occasion and would give us gifts we wouldn't want nor be able return if we didn't have a registry.

We did both. We had lived together for a while, and in a small space, so upgrades/replacements were wanted, but we didn't have to kit out a whole house.

That said, anyone who wanted to gift us an experience, instead, was welcome to.

...We also got a LOT of cash/checks.

Agree with this

I would use this rule that my sister taught me when she got married:

Do you care more about the honeymoon or your life afterward? After all, your honeymoon might be your one and only chance to go wherever it is you are going. In that case, ask for a honeymoon fund... even a few extra dollars would help. If you travel a lot, though, I would ask for registry items, to improve you life at home.

I hope this helps, and congrats on your wedding!