Bridal Shower

If you don't want gifts, decline the offer for a shower. The entire purpose of a bridal shower is to "shower" the bride with gifts, so there's truly no way around it.

Honestly even if you had a registry though people don't always get you gifts from there. at my shower i had a handful of gifts that weren't on my registry, it was just people getting me stuff.

My friend felt the same way and I'm her MOH. She did not want a shower, but her family did. we compromised and were doing a recipe shower. Where people give her their favorite recipes. Maybe you have some similar interests?

If you don't want gifts, it needed to be a bridal luncheon, not a bridal shower. The luncheon is just eating and games; showers are defined by the gifts to "shower" the bride with. I would register for practical things - for the house, maybe. Then you can feel like it's benefitting your future and your partner, too, so you won't feel (as) guilty.

I agree with the others. If you don't want gifts then I would kindly decline the shower. A shower by definition is a gift giving event which means you would need to create a registry. For us, a lot of our items on our registry were items that we needed to update. We lived together for three years before we got engaged so we already had a lot of things, but a lot of the stuff was mixed matched or given to us used so it was nice to get updated things.

Get stuff or register for stuff you like or want. A grill for groomzilla? Sheets, Rugs, comforter, air fryer, pots, pans, dishes, towels, gadgets, yard games, Camping gear, picture frames, etc. it should be from low to whatever price. If people can’t afford it, they won’t buy it. You can register at Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, Macy’s and just about any store you like. Whatever you’re both into or need to start your life together is perfect. Just an FYI I still have some stainless steel bowls from wedding shower for first wedding 25 years ago. Make sure there’s a good retin policy.

Most planning books and websites have good lists and articles for what can go on a registry. But, as others said, if you don't want stuff, it can be a recipe shower, or something similar.

If you don't want gifts of any kind, then decline the "shower" part - or be prepared for people to just give you ...things. Maybe cash, but probably random things. (Some people still think showers mean lingerie.)