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Dear Helena,
My fiancé and I are in our late 30s and we already have a fully equipped kitchen, so I won't be asking for pots and pans on our wedding registry. But we are considering asking for a $2,400 espresso system. I don't expect any one person to buy that for us obviously, but if 10 people wanted to go in on it together, that's something I actually want. Is it tacky to even put it on there though?
—Wedding Jitters
Dear Wedding Jitters,
Before I answer your question, let me dispense with what has now become a common misconception regarding registries. The first wedding registrants did not ask for household necessities. Their lists were more likely to include luxury items such as "sweet pickle forks" and "asparagus tongs," according to Vicki Howard, author of Brides, Inc. These were upper-crust young women who wanted "silver, crystal, china, and fine, fine art," and around 1900, stores that sold jewelry and other luxury items began to keep lists of what such women wanted so they would not receive duplicates. This was a common problem, Howard says: "Old wedding gift lists that brides kept in the late 19th century have multiples of ... crystal vases or seven candelabra." That is, lists recording what people bought them.
In 1924, Marshall Field's, the Chicago department store, also began to offer a registry service, and other department stores followed. In order to sell more stuff, these stores coaxed brides to think more broadly about what to ask for. When specialized bridal magazines appeared (beginning with Brides in 1934), editors also began to encourage women to ask for more products as a way to sell advertising. By 1960, says Howard, wedding registries included items as mundane as "lazy Susans and TV trays."
These days, in part because more couples are getting married later in life, it's once again customary to ask for luxury items. Only now, rather than candelabra, it's gift certificates for favorite restaurants, honeymoon contributions, or, like a couple I know, special spoons for eating osso buco.
It's natural to feel awkward about telling people what gifts to get you, particularly when you are asking for stuff you don't need. Nonetheless, you still should have a registry. It may be because we live in a grossly materialistic society or because it's an ancient way of solidifying kinship ties, but whatever the reason, people are definitely going to get you stuff. And if you don't tell them what stuff to get, you will end up with a bunch of junk you do not need or want. Even if, like Prince William and Kate Middleton, you ask guests to make donations to a favorite charity, plenty of people will still insist on buying you silver chips ’n' dip trays or crystal cruets.
Still, know that if you ask for an espresso machine that costs about the same as a week in Hawaii, some guests will find this to be insane and ridiculous—unless you ask for it in the right way. When people give gifts, they like to imagine the recipient getting pleasure from that gift (which is why it is bad form to ask for cash). Help your guests understand what the espresso machine means to you, with words something like these: "We have everything we need but realize some of you may wish to show your love and support for us by giving us a gift. If so, please use PayPal to make a contribution toward the espresso machine pictured here. Coffee is an important part of our relationship, because every morning we love to drink it and read the New York Times in bed together. This will make our morning ritual extra-special for years to come."
As it's not possible to write such a missive on the bridal registry section of, say, Williams-Sonoma, I would recommend setting up a separate web page with links to your registry, or registries (here are some gift and registry ideas from CHOW). That way you can add as elaborate a disclaimer as you want. Of course, only provide the link to said web page if asked. It's fine to register for a top-of-the-line espresso maker, but it is crass to act as if you expect one.
I don't find this tacky at all. There's no difference between gifting cash and donating to a big ticket item. I've never been object to silk purses and envelopes dropped in a box of handed out of the inside pocket of a tux, but as the gifter, I'd prefer to descreetly pay pal over some money to a fund to get the couple what they actually want.
The few previous posters that have mentioned it are...+READ
I don't find this tacky at all. There's no difference between gifting cash and donating to a big ticket item. I've never been object to silk purses and envelopes dropped in a box of handed out of the inside pocket of a tux, but as the gifter, I'd prefer to descreetly pay pal over some money to a fund to get the couple what they actually want.
The few previous posters that have mentioned it are absolutely correct- you aren't required to give anything at all. Think it's tacky? Contribute a penny. That way you'll have given them what they want AND still have ridden your high horse.-COLLAPSE
Yes. It is rude, it's presumptuous and distasteful. Sure, your guests aren't required to buy it for you, but why put your guests in the position of feeling obligated to chip in for a pricey gift. I like the giving a gift that the couple can go, hey, "x" gave us that for our wedding. Otherwise it's just a big loot fest and what's the point? I"m all for registries because it does make it easier for...+READ
Yes. It is rude, it's presumptuous and distasteful. Sure, your guests aren't required to buy it for you, but why put your guests in the position of feeling obligated to chip in for a pricey gift. I like the giving a gift that the couple can go, hey, "x" gave us that for our wedding. Otherwise it's just a big loot fest and what's the point? I"m all for registries because it does make it easier for guests to buy something that the couple will like, but I think the couple should be gracious when registering and register for reasonably priced items. If a gift-giver wants to go full boar and give them something outlandish, they can buy the couple a bunch of stuff off the registry, or hell, give them cash. I don't see much of a distinction between registering for a $2400 espresso machine and expecting that than expecting cash. And don't even think about that honeymoon registry- it's tacky too, it's a wedding, not a fundraiser for heavens' sakes.-COLLAPSE
Just another symptom of our "gimmie" and entitlement mentality in this society.
Here here centralpadiner
I know of a couple who registered for a $10,000.00 couch.
Tacky yes but they got most of it paid for.
The had a bad skew on life and figured they would get while the getting was good.
Remember Mary Kay Letourneau, the school teacher who spent seven years in the slammer for having a sexual relationship with a 13 year old student? They got married after she got out of jail and THEY registered for gifts.
So right now I'd consider that the lowest of all low points in gift registry history. (But, hey, the century is young yet.) Asking for something costing roughly the equivalent...+READ
Remember Mary Kay Letourneau, the school teacher who spent seven years in the slammer for having a sexual relationship with a 13 year old student? They got married after she got out of jail and THEY registered for gifts.
So right now I'd consider that the lowest of all low points in gift registry history. (But, hey, the century is young yet.) Asking for something costing roughly the equivalent of many people's monthly mortgage payment pales by comparison.-COLLAPSE
Is KaimukiMan the only one who bothered to actually read the question? Perfect answer, IMO.
I think that if you already have an estblished home that asking for domestic gifts is superfluous, especially a luxury item like that.
WE NEED A NEW CAR LOL
Tacky. Yes. How venal can you be?
I like seeing my friends' registries. If that's the one big dream item, I don't think it's a big deal. At the same time, I don't really expect anyone to buy that, either.
If you are going to have a registry, it is important to have a list of items with varied price points with many choices at the lower or medium part of the spectrum. If I saw a list with varied costs and one "out there" item I would not bat an eye. If all your items are well are in that "we wouldn't spend this sort of money ourselves" category -- you will be seen as greedy.
i think registries are a great idea... i do not have a lot of money, so a registry assures me that the money i spend on a gift will be well spent. I could never afford to have my own $2400 espresso machine but that doesn't mean that would begrudge a friend such an item and if i could be a small part of something that would be truly appreciated i would consider that money and effort well spent.
I own a $2,500 coffee machine, it is well worth the price. If your guest list can afford it, go for it. However, it's likely that your request would raise some eyebrows. Perhaps you can find some way to politely ask for gift cards? Something along the lines of, "While we understand that many would like to celebrate our union with a gift, we request instead that you don't spend countless hours...+READ
I own a $2,500 coffee machine, it is well worth the price. If your guest list can afford it, go for it. However, it's likely that your request would raise some eyebrows. Perhaps you can find some way to politely ask for gift cards? Something along the lines of, "While we understand that many would like to celebrate our union with a gift, we request instead that you don't spend countless hours shopping, but rather Visa and American Express gift cards would be greatly appreciated."
When you accumulate enough cards, go out and purchase a Miele, you'll never want to have restaurant coffee again. On top of their premium product, their customer service is A+. I will never own another brand of appliance again.-COLLAPSE
Wow, just wow. The most shocking thing about this post is that Helena is suggesting something even more tacky than the person asking the question. Please contribute to our pay-pal account??? Seriously? Helena is increasingly off base in her attempts to justify "new media" uses as an excuse for poor etiquette.
As to the original question, it really depends on the wedding and the people invited....+READ
Wow, just wow. The most shocking thing about this post is that Helena is suggesting something even more tacky than the person asking the question. Please contribute to our pay-pal account??? Seriously? Helena is increasingly off base in her attempts to justify "new media" uses as an excuse for poor etiquette.
As to the original question, it really depends on the wedding and the people invited. As long as there are plenty of items on a registry at all price points, I may chuckle at the outrageously expensive, but not be offended. Also, and I know this sounds really unfair, but I tend to think that people in their late 30's that have been living together long enough that their home is already well equipped should forego big weddings and the big registries that go along with them.-COLLAPSE
Here's a novel idea. Get married at City Hall and use the money you saved on the wedding to buy the espresso machine yourselves. Not only are you tacky and greedy you are downright crass! The idea of having people help you celebrate your special day is just that. Not a gimmie presents party. Let's see as a mature adult (second wedding and all) I am inviting you to drink and eat mediocre standard...+READ
Here's a novel idea. Get married at City Hall and use the money you saved on the wedding to buy the espresso machine yourselves. Not only are you tacky and greedy you are downright crass! The idea of having people help you celebrate your special day is just that. Not a gimmie presents party. Let's see as a mature adult (second wedding and all) I am inviting you to drink and eat mediocre standard wedding fair food for free while sitting through boring speeches and listen to lame wedding music. Oh and for all this you can buy me a gift as well. Wedding presents are designed for first time married couples to help them get set up in life. Not 2nd or 3rd time goers to cash in. And I don't even have to guess your probably having a shower as well right. Think of baby showers. Where I come from no one has a shower for the 2nd or 3rd child only the first. I wouldn't attend your wedding out of principal.-COLLAPSE
mommy and daddy haven't bought you the perfect expresso of your dreams yet? At your late 30's? Are your F-ing bleeping me?
Do people not understand that you can give $25 (or for that matter $1) toward the coffee maker of their dreams? These are people that already have two complete kitchens who are merging their lives. They aren't going to be needing dishes, or saucepans, or kinves, or sheets or towels. And yes, when you are invited to a wedding, you are EXPECTED to give a gift, and have been for centuries. No one is...+READ
Do people not understand that you can give $25 (or for that matter $1) toward the coffee maker of their dreams? These are people that already have two complete kitchens who are merging their lives. They aren't going to be needing dishes, or saucepans, or kinves, or sheets or towels. And yes, when you are invited to a wedding, you are EXPECTED to give a gift, and have been for centuries. No one is forcing you to give them a coffee maker, no one is forcing you to do anything at all. If you want to give them a card with money in it, then do so. The old rules said that was tacky, the new rules say its just fine. In some cultures it is even preferred. There is nothing tacky about them telling people what they want when people ask, and that is what a registry is all about. It gives people the opportunity to give a gift that the couple really want.-COLLAPSE
If that is the only high-price thing on the registry, I think it's not such a big deal. Its clearly the "group gift". However, if there is also a request for 12 settings of $250 each china settings and the like then the whole thing is pretty bad. We got an espresso machine for our wedding which cost way less than even $1k and it makes fantastic coffee, maybe its time to do a bit more research if...+READ
If that is the only high-price thing on the registry, I think it's not such a big deal. Its clearly the "group gift". However, if there is also a request for 12 settings of $250 each china settings and the like then the whole thing is pretty bad. We got an espresso machine for our wedding which cost way less than even $1k and it makes fantastic coffee, maybe its time to do a bit more research if getting an espresso machine is so important.-COLLAPSE
Yes, it's tacky. There is no "right way" to ask for something that amounts to nearly double the average mortgage payment. If you thought it was okay you wouldn't ask the question. Since you're asking you apparently know it's not tasteful. Listen to your instincts.
When you make some of the best coffees your guests have ever had from your house, they'll only semi understand why you wanted that espresso machine. The only thing tacky about the whole situation is if you bought the machine and never bothered getting a proper grinder or learning how to extract a shot properly.
People are paying 4 bucks for their coffee, how much do they think the espresso...+READ
When you make some of the best coffees your guests have ever had from your house, they'll only semi understand why you wanted that espresso machine. The only thing tacky about the whole situation is if you bought the machine and never bothered getting a proper grinder or learning how to extract a shot properly.
People are paying 4 bucks for their coffee, how much do they think the espresso machine they bought that coffe from costs?-COLLAPSE
Somehow, I find this absolutely barf-ive. I don't care if they drink coffee in bed! I would never have a registry, period. If you want to get married, that's great. Then just return all the stuff and get store credit. I think having that list is already in pretty questionable taste. We're inviting you to a big party, but our hand is extended not in friendship but in greed?
I worked at a store that many people register at. The best way to register is to register for a variety of items with various price points. If you tell someone that you are registered somewhere you cannot register for just one item no matter what the price point is. By telling people you are registered you are sending people not only to a website to see the list but also potentially to a store....+READ
I worked at a store that many people register at. The best way to register is to register for a variety of items with various price points. If you tell someone that you are registered somewhere you cannot register for just one item no matter what the price point is. By telling people you are registered you are sending people not only to a website to see the list but also potentially to a store. This is a waste of their time if there is only one item! As far as the $2400 goes, many work friends go in together to get a gift so it is possible. Most stores have a place where you can write a message to guests and many registrants write "Gift Cards are welcome". That way after the wedding you can use the 10% discount most stores offer and pay with the gift cards if no one purchased the machine for you.-COLLAPSE
I learned the hard way that weddings not are nothing but big business. Register for whatever the fuck you want, because your guests are going to give you whatever the fuck they want. I just hope your future husband is as awesome as mine is and will do all the returns for you. Stop caring about what other people think about your wedding! Now. Because no matter how beautiful or PC your wedding is,...+READ
I learned the hard way that weddings not are nothing but big business. Register for whatever the fuck you want, because your guests are going to give you whatever the fuck they want. I just hope your future husband is as awesome as mine is and will do all the returns for you. Stop caring about what other people think about your wedding! Now. Because no matter how beautiful or PC your wedding is, people will talk shit about it behind your back: NO MATTER WHAT. So enjoy yourself and just resign yourself to these words: "haters gonna hate"-COLLAPSE
I'm sorry, but in this economy especially, registering for a $2k coffee machine goes beyond tacky to downright obliviously stupid (unless, of course, this woman is a Rockefeller or a Vanderbilt). When my husband and I got married, we had a pretty good kitchen setup, and didn't really need much of the basics, but I still made sure that the most expensive thing I registered for cost $200. Even...+READ
I'm sorry, but in this economy especially, registering for a $2k coffee machine goes beyond tacky to downright obliviously stupid (unless, of course, this woman is a Rockefeller or a Vanderbilt). When my husband and I got married, we had a pretty good kitchen setup, and didn't really need much of the basics, but I still made sure that the most expensive thing I registered for cost $200. Even then, I didn't truly expect to get it, and I graciously accepted the 12 servings bowls we received. It seems most people have forgotten that weddings are about two people making a public commitment to each other supported by their families, not an excuse to see how much they can milk out of their hardworking relatives.-COLLAPSE
I'd have great difficulty being friends with these people. Which one will have the proverbial melt down if they don't get it? Poor babies! Its good fodder, however, for one of those reality shows featuring the lives of the "Bitch and Heinous."
@Vetter: Really, registries tacky? Good for you, you get to return 5 fondue pots and the avocado green cook set. Sure, we would all love to be the one to give the oh so heartfelt gift so unique that the rest of the world is blown away by our brilliance. Too bad what newlywed couples actually need is pretty mundane stuff: towels, plates, cash (crib, stroller, ones-ies, more cash, for the...+READ
@Vetter: Really, registries tacky? Good for you, you get to return 5 fondue pots and the avocado green cook set. Sure, we would all love to be the one to give the oh so heartfelt gift so unique that the rest of the world is blown away by our brilliance. Too bad what newlywed couples actually need is pretty mundane stuff: towels, plates, cash (crib, stroller, ones-ies, more cash, for the parents-to-be). As a guest, I appreciate registries...even if I go off-registry, I can get a feel for their (sometimes misguided) sense of taste. As long as the couple remembers the "little people", a big-ticket item or two can be forgiven.-COLLAPSE
I agree that registering for an expensive espresso machine is less than gracious--it makes the smaller, reasonably sized gifts on the registry look ungenerous.
There's a easy workaround though. Many stores that do registries don't actually ship you the items as they come but rather give you the credit for, say, 12 place settings, five egg spoons, and an enamel-ware tagine, as this saves you...+READ
I agree that registering for an expensive espresso machine is less than gracious--it makes the smaller, reasonably sized gifts on the registry look ungenerous.
There's a easy workaround though. Many stores that do registries don't actually ship you the items as they come but rather give you the credit for, say, 12 place settings, five egg spoons, and an enamel-ware tagine, as this saves you the annoyance of having 12 champagne flutes but no water glasses. Why not register for extra place settings of your china or glasses or flatware--anything that you'll get some of anyway--then use the excess credit for your espresso machine. That way, you won't have to be tacky, you'll get what you want, and you'll be able graciously serve any gift givers dinner on the lovely plates they "bought" for you.-COLLAPSE
In a word, yes. $2400 for a cup of coffee? Why not register for a car?
My brother and now sister in law are broke as hell. They said they didn't want presents, but if you must, and they gave a couple suggestions. Of really cheap funny things, like a 24 pack of Sam Adams. People gave them envelopes of money at their wedding and it added up to enough for them to go on a honeymoon. People aren't stupid. You don't have to ask for cash to buy what you want...they'll give...+READ
My brother and now sister in law are broke as hell. They said they didn't want presents, but if you must, and they gave a couple suggestions. Of really cheap funny things, like a 24 pack of Sam Adams. People gave them envelopes of money at their wedding and it added up to enough for them to go on a honeymoon. People aren't stupid. You don't have to ask for cash to buy what you want...they'll give it to you.-COLLAPSE
A registry is the perfect way to let people give the B&G gifts, especially when they don't know them well. When I'm invited to a wedding, or I'm not invited because it's a small/private affair, I want to see registry info so I can get them a gift they will want and can use. If I know them well, I ask if they prefer something from their registry or if they would like cash or a gift card to a place...+READ
A registry is the perfect way to let people give the B&G gifts, especially when they don't know them well. When I'm invited to a wedding, or I'm not invited because it's a small/private affair, I want to see registry info so I can get them a gift they will want and can use. If I know them well, I ask if they prefer something from their registry or if they would like cash or a gift card to a place they like that doesn't offer a registry. As far as "luxury" items, what's wrong with having them on a registry? Smart couples register for things at all prices, and you never know what a couple's financial situation is (or how many deep-pocketed guests or family members) they may have. Whether is a $10 cheese grater to a $2500 cookware set, it's really up to the couple to choose. And, sure, they may have their eye on something pricey, but they're waiting to get the discount on it after the wedding--don't merchants usually offer a 10-20% discount on remaining items for up to a year after the wedding? The sniveling drivel about how much you love coffee is over the top. It sounds like you're trying to justify wanting a quality or luxury item. And the hostility over a couple wanting a luxury item? I don't get it.-COLLAPSE
How many people are expected to give. Ive been to intimate weddings where only a half dozen people were even invited and i've been to huge affairs where there were 500 guests who accepted the invitation. Presumably those giving gifts closely mirrors those at least invited to the wedding, whether they can attend or not. What is tacky is deciding that I know better what the bride and groom want or...+READ
How many people are expected to give. Ive been to intimate weddings where only a half dozen people were even invited and i've been to huge affairs where there were 500 guests who accepted the invitation. Presumably those giving gifts closely mirrors those at least invited to the wedding, whether they can attend or not. What is tacky is deciding that I know better what the bride and groom want or need than they do, or feeling that it is important that they know a specific gift came only from me and that I wasn't willing to contribute to something larger. Tacky, Tacky, Tacky.-COLLAPSE
So tacky. So very, very tacky. Paypal, too.
But registries ARE tacky.
One of the original intentions of a bridal registry was to eliminate the duplication of gifts. That said, nowadays a bridal registry should be just a discreet suggestion of things the B&G might think they want. Its a way to find out what china/silver pattern the bride has chosen, and to get some idea (if you dont know them well) of the kind of things they like and/or need. It is NOT a specific...+READ
One of the original intentions of a bridal registry was to eliminate the duplication of gifts. That said, nowadays a bridal registry should be just a discreet suggestion of things the B&G might think they want. Its a way to find out what china/silver pattern the bride has chosen, and to get some idea (if you dont know them well) of the kind of things they like and/or need. It is NOT a specific request for a specific gift, and you are not locked into buying only from that list. I suspect most people will look at the poster's registry, see the ridiculous espresso machine, snicker, and move on down the list.
I respectfully disagree with the notion that the B&G, in any way, tell people what to give them, or in what form it should be. Mentioning PayPal is really tacky. Even instructing guests to make charitable contributions in lieu of gifts (or no gift needed)should be phrased in a very tactful way. "The pleasure of your company on our special day is a treasured blessing - no other gift is necessary".-COLLAPSE
i think that asking for cash or something that expensive - $2400 for an espresso machine is very tacky. If you both want this item that bad -- how about you both saving towards the goal of owning this device. It may takew a while to save but I think you will treasure it more. If the marriage doesn't work out -- who gets the espresso machine?
Marry into an asian family or have an asian style wedding where red pouches are the proper gift. Problem solved.
Honestly I don't see the problem with putting it out there. It's fun. Its a conversation piece, I find it more useful than people who put an xbox on there or a sofa. If someone buys it for you.. well it be interesting to find out who that kissass is.. and what else you can get out of them. >_>
Unless this wedding is being held at the Ritz and being attended by some of the wealthier members of society, expecting ten people to cough up $240 each is what's tacky! And if you really need to spend $2400 on a coffee maker, you really have issues in proper financial planning!
Asking for cash to help offset the cost of the wedding, honeymoon, or new home is tacky. So, asking for cash that will be used for an espresso machine is also bad.
Maybe having the machine on the list will prompt people to give you gift cards that can be used towards that machine, but I just don't think you can go and ask for money.
I wouldn't really have a problem with the $2400 espresso maker being on the registry, although I would probably assume that they only put it on there for the 'registry completion discount' after the wedding. However, I would definitely be offended by the essay that Helena suggested. Anything along the lines of 'please put this money into a paypal account' is incredibly tacky.
When I got married, my husband and I registered on Amazon.com, which allows you to rank your items (low, med and high priority) and write a brief, tweet-ish in length comment ("Our current dishes are chipping," "How we've made it this long without any mixing device is a mystery," "Our current corkscrew was stolen from an airport Sheraton," "I grew up with a breadmaker and want to revive that...+READ
When I got married, my husband and I registered on Amazon.com, which allows you to rank your items (low, med and high priority) and write a brief, tweet-ish in length comment ("Our current dishes are chipping," "How we've made it this long without any mixing device is a mystery," "Our current corkscrew was stolen from an airport Sheraton," "I grew up with a breadmaker and want to revive that tradition," etc.). That was really helpful for us in categorizing and prioritizing our registry—which included both necessities like wooden spoons (we had none) and some more fanciful items like Pantone coffee mugs—and we got lots of compliments from guests who had an easier time choosing a gift. For the most part, since we're creatives and freelancers and our friends are mostly in the same boat, we kept our reg items well under $100, but we had a few costlier items that our older family members bought, either on their own or split among a few people. I agree with PotatoPuff that if a $2400 espresso machine is the one splurge on your list, then it's not a huge deal. And I think guests will realize that it's something that could be split up among a group of coworkers or cousins. It's one of those sixth wedding senses.-COLLAPSE
I suppose it depends what else is on the registry... a 2400 espresso machine + other high price items is bad, but if it is the big splurge its different
I would have loved to have asked for contributions for my honeymoon, or straight up cash to help pay for the wedding... but I think that both are tacky. And yes, that includes asking for a $2000 espresso maker. Unless your friends and family are quite wealthy. I wanted to register for dishes from Bloomies but they were an insane price; I decided to do Macy's instead. If someone wants to give me a...+READ
I would have loved to have asked for contributions for my honeymoon, or straight up cash to help pay for the wedding... but I think that both are tacky. And yes, that includes asking for a $2000 espresso maker. Unless your friends and family are quite wealthy. I wanted to register for dishes from Bloomies but they were an insane price; I decided to do Macy's instead. If someone wants to give me a crazy expensive gift that's fantastic but I'm not asking for it. However, if all of my friends were millionaires, that's a different story!-COLLAPSE
Just because you register for something it doesn't mean that your guests will feel obligated to purchase it. If I saw a $2,400 espresso machine on a registry I would think "wow they must really be into coffee", not "how tacky". I would see it as a hint not to buy them a cheap espresso machine as a gift, and instead a coffee themed gift. A bag of premium/intresting beans, travel mugs, etc. as a...+READ
Just because you register for something it doesn't mean that your guests will feel obligated to purchase it. If I saw a $2,400 espresso machine on a registry I would think "wow they must really be into coffee", not "how tacky". I would see it as a hint not to buy them a cheap espresso machine as a gift, and instead a coffee themed gift. A bag of premium/intresting beans, travel mugs, etc. as a gift instead.-COLLAPSE
Putting a $2,400 espresso machine on a registry is arguably tacky, but writing an essay on why you want people to give it to you is maximum tacky. I would NEVER get through making fun of a couple who wrote that drivel on a registry or better yet, set up a website to beg for something.