First house fund

Your best bet is just avoiding the registry all together. Any website is going to take a fee. If you don’t register, people will automatically default to cash or check gifts. What’s the sense in having a third party take part of your gift?

I would just do no registry at all, so everyone gifts cash. And skip a bridal shower since you don't have a registry. If you do a cash registry, my main issue with this is how likely is it going to land & house building costs? Are you feasibly close to doing that? I can't imagine you'd get enough for even a down payment from a wedding so how likely is it that the bride & groom save that money and eventually spend it on that? What if you end up buying a normal house? Or deciding to move and rent?

Zola ! However there is like a tiny fee that goes with these cash funds

If you aren't looking for tangible gifts, just don't register. By doing this tough, etiquette would say you don't have a shower. I've never brought a physical gift to a wedding. I'm usually that girl signing the check quickly before the ceremony starts.

Some banks will allow you to set up an account for people to donate towards, which would save you and them so many fees. However keep in mind there will be some people, especially those who are older, who will never give you money. I suggest having a small registry for these people. Everyone can always use some nice sheets and towels. You don’t have to get fancy with it, just enough so you don’t look presumptuous by only asking for money.

We’re using Zola for the cash funds. There is a small fee but overall, we think we’ll be getting a few checks or cash in our card box.