In this edition of The Gift, we’re making the case for eschewing a wedding registry in favor of bridal shower goodies. Plus, groomsmen gifts that aren't lame.My fiancé and I met on the job (not this one!) eight years ago, when I was in editorial and he was in IT. Accordingly, he has an appreciation for things that don’t rust, warp, or otherwise glitch out.When we moved in together a few years back, there was an onslaught of packages at the doorstep. A loyal Wirecutter reader, my fiancé was stocking up on picks: There were the Nordic Ware baking sheets for roasting veggies, Tramontina pots and pans for pasta, and a cast-iron skillet that makes the best sauteed salmon. One of my favorites is the pre-seasoned wok where we stir-fry Filipino garlic rice almost as good as my future mother-in-law’s.All happen to be Wirecutter wedding registry go-tos. You might see where this is going.When we got engaged this past winter, the questions (and advice) started rolling in. Where are you getting married? You should hire a wedding planner. Of all the interrogations, the registry question was an easy no. We simply didn’t need more stuff — especially since our storage closet is also our shared office.I’m not eschewing registries altogether. When my sisters — and future maids of honor — decided to throw me a bridal shower, I had a different idea. Haunted by visions of ill-fitting lingerie and cheesy tank tops emblazoned with “Mrs.”, I decided to make a bridal shower registry.In some ways, weddings, registries, and the very idea that couples don’t have their own lives (and Cuisinarts) are outdated. But a registry can serve as the gift of clarity for a certain type of guest.The idea is that I’ll guide my friends and family to the things I need to enjoy the wedding and honeymoon, with a few extra items for the life we plan to build ahead. It’s a compromise between an old way of doing things and my own preferences, which, I hear, is what marriage is all about.Here’s how I’m hoping to celebrate one of the biggest days of my life — and some inspiration if you know a bride (or anyone!) embarking on a next chapter without all of the traditional milestones or gifting occasions.I usually dress pretty casually, but I’m looking forward to feeling glamorous and special on my wedding day. I have this white silk robe on my wishlist, one of our style expert’s favorites from our guide to the best robes. I love its length and sophistication.I just can’t stomach the idea of my family and friends buying me lingerie, but I still want some great lingerie. My solution is a gift card to For Love & Lemons, which, in my opinion, offers the prettiest balance of sexy, romantic, and bridal. I especially love this very fancy chiffon-adorned bra.We haven’t officially settled on a location for our honeymoon, but we’re leaning toward a tour of Italy. Wherever we go, I want my skin glowing, and this shimmery body oil will be such a treat. (It’s nut-free, which as my fellow allergy sufferers can attest, is not easy to find.)Speaking of our honeymoon: I’m eyeing soft, flirty PJs that will work both while we’re off luxuriating, and when we get back home, too. I’d love this cheeky mini short in white and a matching delicate cardigan. Throw in a garnet bralette, too.One thing I’ll leave off the official registry and just let my friends and sisters know about is The Sex Deck, which my colleague Samantha Schoech promises is far more than “just a silly gag gift” in her guide to great bridal shower gifts. Says Sam: “At its best, this is a box of ideas as well as a reminder of all the fun that’s yet to be had.” Suggestive and useful? Sign me up.Lest my fiancé think I forgot about him, I’ve been wanting these ivory silk and linen pillowcases for months, which, like the name suggests, are cool linen on one side and hair-pampering silk on the other. We use a linen duvet and pillow covers, so they would complete our bed setup — and my curls will appreciate the TLC leading up to the big day.Lastly, l do have a few housewares on the bridal registry for wedding guests who insist. I would love this gorgeous azurite and lapis bread knife. I also would cherish these brass candle holders that we could break out for special occasions or just romantic dinners at home — some guiding lights for our next chapter.