i think it's relatively common to have a registry for almost any "occassion" now. Doesn't mean you have to buy from them - it's just a bit of an idea.

when we got engaged, both DH and I had homes of our own, which we'd combined, so we didn't need "stuff" - we had people constantly asking what we needed, and we just couldn't think of anything! we ended up saying things that are less common now - practical stuff like towels, vases etc.

i think it's in poor taste to ONLY have higher end gifts on a list though - i'd rather see a list with mostly less exxy stuff - if people want to spend more, they can buy more than one thing kwim?