What to get someone who didn't register?

@Jacky H. but cash is a gift, is it not??

Weddings are gift giving events or people wouldn't have registries, showers, parties or topics like this on forums.

They most likely are hoping for cash but I find cash is sometimes impersonal. I would go with a home decor piece that would fit their style and maybe a card with cash inside also? That way you can split the amount you plan to spend into one meaningful gift that says you know them personally and one that they are most likely hoping for.

They probably want money, so I would get them that. If you're uncomfortable with that, you could pick out something you think they'd like and include a gift receipt in case they want to return it. Some people went off-registry for us and didn't include a receipt, which was annoying.

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Its all about the money!

Cash. Maybe it's NY/Northeast thing but I've never known anyone to give a physical gift for a wedding.

@PinkFlamingo I'm talking about physical gifts, which is what showers (pre wedding events) are for. The wedding itself is not necessarily a gift giving event. I said that cash is enough.

No one really wants to haul gifts out of a venue and pack them in their car along with their boxes of decor.

@FutureMrsD how interesting! I'm in the South and usually see a mix of cards & gifts.

If you don't like just giving cash, maybe a gift card to their favorite restaurant??

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Pinkflamingo - we had the same experience as Bemyguest. A couple did get us a very nice, personalized picture frame. They also gave us a check.

OP - you can't go wrong with cash in this situation. If you really would prefer to give them something other than money, you could simply ask them if there's anything they'd love to have as a wedding gift because you'd like to get them a gift. If there's actually a few things they want, they might give you a couple ideas. If they just say, "oh that's not necessary" or "we can't think of anything," definitely go with cash or the restaurant gift card idea.

Wow, I have never seen so much vitriol from people about getting physical gifts from their guests. (Including wine. Damn. Guessing you all aren't like us, who wouldn't allow dust to gather on it.)

I've lived in PA (east and west), MO, MD, and OH -- so mainly, but not exclusively, midwest, and I've seen physical gifts given for both showers and weddings. Heck, I've GIVEN physical gifts for weddings. (Did I schlep them to the venue? NOPE. I either mailed them myself or had the places the couple was registered send them to the couple's house.)

Honestly, at my first wedding I was so touched by some of the gifts that didn't come from the registry that I have them to this day. They were gifts that showed how well the giver knew us, or were just beautiful pieces of art.

I find this attitude of "give us money AND ONLY money" kind of icky.

(And before y'all jump down my throat, I agree that the OP's friend wants money. As I previously posted, I would, in fact, GIVE money if I were OP. But I would give them a surprise to unwrap as well. Because for some of us surprises are the fun parts of life.)

Cash

I get the joy of wanting to pick out and give a gift, but it is way more important to me that people will like/use whatever I give them. In this case, I would either flat our ask or give them money to pay for something they want/need.

Cash or an Amazon Gift card if not that close. If you're really good friends...maybe something personal. Ex. For my bff from college, we got them NCAA football season tickets next to us. They were so happy because in all their wedding madness, they forgot to renew their own tickets in time.

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Obviously they want cash, but this is why I like at least a small registry. When I am in a wedding, I've spent around $1000 for the wedding and prefer to go in with the rest of the bridal party on a gift. With $40 each, we can get you a nice gift, but I wouldn't want to put $40 in a card.

Get them a gift card for dinner somewhere

Legal Tender.

Cash is safe but if it feels less personal, then another option would be a gift certificate out to a restaurant you know they enjoy!