<p>“#6) I’m getting jaded in my old age…I prefer to give the child money toward a condo or house and hope that when the time comes for their wedding that they do something very simple and cost-conscious and give them some money for something to own.”</p>
<p>That’s why I’m writing the first check and not insisting on a particular store. The check is called “dress money”, but if the kiddo finds something for $1 on eBay, she can use the rest of the money towards whatever she wants. 
Ditto for “reception money”, “honeymoon money”, etc.</p>