Can a Wedding Ka-Ching?

By Sora Song

As couples wait longer to get married, they often commit to a china set well before they commit to one another. While housewares are still the most popular wedding gifts, a recent survey of 66,000 couples suggests half of them would prefer money. But how to ask for cash without seeming venal? Behold, online registries.

HONEYMOON You've bought the plane tickets to Hawaii but don't have much moola left. At such websites as TheBigDay.com Honeymoonerstravel.com and HoneyLuna.com friends can chip in for frills like a night at a volcano, horseback rides or parasailing sessions.

NEW HOME Many real estate agencies and banks will re-create the Federal Housing Administration's defunct bridal registry for couples who want donations toward a first-home down payment. Or set up your own fund at GreenWish.com and collect cash for anything from a mortgage to a car.

PORTFOLIO Choose the stocks you want at RegisterStock.com or select from a list at Giftsof Stock.com which offers automatic reinvestment plans, so you can accrue shares without brokerage fees.

If, despite your efforts, someone goes off registry and gets you a hibachi, just remember: it's the thought that counts.

--By Sora Song