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Wedded bliss

(article, Ashley Griffin Gartland)

Once upon a time, when American couples got married, they needed the boon of the wedding registry just to outfit their kitchens. Now that the average American holds off on first nups until at least the mid-20s, many marriages start off with a kitchen already armed with a Crock-Pot, an espresso machine, and the most extensive set of pans available. 

Last summer, Julia Moskin offered tips in the New York Times for both the about-to-wed and the about-to-shop in the kitchen-registry department. Her articles reminded readers that couples may still want to register for, say, a waffle iron or an ice-cream machine, and offered tips on what to get (and not). 

If the happy couple truly needs no more appliances, there are plenty of alternative registries to choose from, such as The Big Day, a honeymoon registry. (Really, it should be called something like "The Week After" or "Months Later.") Gifters can lavish the couple with, say, a bottle of champagne upon arrival in the honeymoon suite, or dinner at a local four-star eatery.

And enterprising businesses such as the New York City wine store Vino are creating registries of their own, in this case helping couples to stock wine cupboards or cellars. At Vino, consultants help the marrieds create a list for building their cellar, preparing for entertaining, or simply expanding their palates and knowledge of Italian wines.

Other food-related gifts that might be appreciated? Try gift certificates to a cooking class, a kitchen store, or even a restaurant-supply store.