How Not To Create A Wedding Registry

It finally happened! After what felt like a lifetime of dreaming, scrolling over Pinterest wedding boards (and then promptly abandoning half of them), and finally, the glorious chaos of the big day itself – I got hitched!

And let me tell you, when planning a cost-effective wedding as wonderfully small as ours was, simplification is key- this means ditching many “traditional” wedding practices. No reception, no bachelor and bachelorette parties, no printed schedules and dinner menus- just a cabin, a long weekend, and immediate family. Which is why when our friends and extended family began asking for the registry, my mind went blank. 

What on earth could we possibly want? Or need? I knew what I needed (more sleep, probably), but kitchenware and bathroom towels, while utterly practical, didn't exactly spark joy when brainstormed in a pre-wedding delirium. But, somehow, I managed to throw a list together and get a registry out in time. 

The wedding weekend itself was a blur of happy tears, celebratory cheers, laughter, campfires, card games, and burgers on the grill. And now, coming back home, the confetti has settled and suddenly, I find myself thinking more and more about what comes next.

For my husband (I’m still giddy that I get to say that!) and I, marriage wasn't just about a fancy party and a pretty dress. It was the ultimate next step which opened incredible opportunities for us to officially work toward our shared goals and start building the life we've dreamt of over years of dating. 

Which, rather ironically, brings me back to those wedding gifts.

Turns out, while I'm genuinely, truly glad to have those new pots and pans (my old ones were… well, let’s just say seasoned) and some incredibly soft organic cotton washcloths, it got me wondering if there was something more meaningful, more thoughtful, we could gift our friends and family who are starting their own journey. 

And that's when it hit me, square in the face, with the force of a thousand perfectly aimed bouquet throws: An Estate Plan!

"Wait, an estate plan?" you might be thinking. "For a wedding gift? Are you serious?" And my answer is a resounding YES! Here's why this isn't just a quirky idea, but truly the most thoughtful gift a newly married couple could receive:

• It's the ultimate act of "We're in this together." An estate plan isn't just for "old" people or "rich" people. It's for anyone who loves someone. It ensures that if something unexpected happens to one spouse, the other is immediately protected, financially secure, and spared from unnecessary legal headaches. It's truly setting up a financial safety net for your partner.
• It solidifies shared dreams and goals. Marriage is about building a life. An estate plan forces you to have those crucial conversations about joint assets, beneficiaries, and what your combined future looks like. It’s practical financial planning wrapped in the ultimate act of love and commitment.
• It plans for the "what ifs" (especially for future little feet!). While hopefully a long way off, having an estate plan in place means you've already thought about guardianship for any future children. It's the ultimate peace of mind knowing that, no matter what, your kids would be cared for exactly as you'd wish, by someone you trust.
• It's a gift of peace of mind. Forget wondering about inheritance laws or potential disputes. An estate plan, especially for a newly blended financial life, brings clarity and serenity. It’s about knowing your wishes are documented, your assets are managed, and your loved ones are cared for.
• It's an investment in their future, not just their kitchen. Pots and pans are great, but an estate plan is a foundational tool for building wealth and stability. It's a gift that says, "I care about your lifelong well-being and your future together."

So, as you check off your own post-wedding to-do list, or ponder what to give that special couple embarking on their own "I Do" journey, consider a gift that truly lasts a lifetime – the gift of comprehensive planning, financial security, and the ultimate peace of mind. Trust me, it’s far more exciting than another toaster.

Aubrey "Loves A Practical Wedding Gift" Gibbs