Forget the wedding registry: This couple wants cash

I've been to a lot of bridal showers and weddings recently and while each one is unique, there's one element that gets redundant: the registry. For the shower I went to last week, I scored by shopping early and got my friend the wine glasses she'd requested plus my favorite bottle of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Earlier this summer I got another friend the magazine racks she wanted (we worked together on a magazine so the gift fit). But how much did it stink when I had to give my high school friend a stack of towels? The other gifts were grabbed up and she said to stick to the registry. Ugh.

Today I stumbled on a video of one couple who claimed to have created "The World's First Start-up Wedding Registry." Drue Kataoka and Svetlozar Kazanjiev are asking friends and relatives to donate to their new internet company, Aboomba, in hopes that wedding guests would rather give money towards their new business than buying them a toaster.

Unique registries are becoming quite the trend. With couples marrying later in life, they may already own all the home essentials. Backyard equipment, camping equipment, home electronics, office furniture, pet supplies, entertainment items and books have become increasingly popular requested registry items. During this economic recession, many couples have set up collection funds for a new home (mortgage registry may be available through banks) or to pay for their honeymoon. The Big Day and WeddingChanel.com allow you to register for your hotel, flights, cruise, digital camera or even spending money. Want to keep celebrating after the ceremony? Wine Enthusiast can help stock your cellar. Many websites now have a shopping cart or wish list option, so you could even request items from your favorite online retailer. And if you're more concerned with giving than receiving, sites like I Do Foundation and JustGive.org let your guests contribute to your favorite charities.

Did you have a creative wedding registry or have you purchased any interesting items for a friend off theirs? [Gawker]