Since so many engaged couples already have everything they need to set up a home together, there’s a growing trend in the wedding industry that has them registering for something other than flatware.

REI wedding registries are gaining popularity with engaged couples who register for everything from camping gear to skis and sports equipment. We’ve also seen honeymoon donation registries, home buying registries and even people who registered for DVDs and video games.

Do you think this is a creative way for couples to get the things they need to have fun together, or do you feel like it’s an abuse of traditional wedding registries? Where would you draw the line? Do alternative registries make you want to rant or rave?

This weekend, I visited friends who were recently engaged on a romantic cross-country road trip. Instead of a classic diamond ring, however, he gave her a sapphire one. It’s her favorite stone, so he thought it would be more personal and meaningful than to follow the tradition.

I like the idea of non-traditional engagement rings. Colored diamonds, antique rings and even alternate stones offer a variety of ways to make your engagement ring unique. But at the same time, I love a classic diamond ring as the eternal symbol of the love two people share.

What do you think about these alternative engagement ring styles?

Antique Engagement Rings

Ruby Engagement Rings

Colored Diamond Engagement Rings

Modern Engagement Rings