<p>It is perfectly fine to pick something from the registry for the wedding. In fact, that is the NORM in many circles. It is NOT the case that “most people give money at a wedding.” </p>
<p>I think you should just pick something from the registry that you can afford. A young person should not be delving into their savings for an expensive gift. Another option is for several of you to go in together on something a little pricier; that is, if other coworkers have been invited to the wedding. For example, years ago, several of us at a workplace went in on a nice Cuisinart. (It wasn’t on the registry, but we knew that they didn’t have one and would like it.)</p>