Traditions vs. Today
There is a big generation gap even just between you and your parents, particularly when it comes to wedding traditions. It’s likely your parents followed traditions such as: the bride’s parents pay for the wedding, or that their registry was all house hold items they would use for their home together. These are hardly even considered by modern couples. Today it is perfectly acceptable to register “want” gifts rather than formal china. It is also more practical, as many couples live together and share a home long before they are married.
It is also common for more couples to pay for weddings themselves. Or, to have family members contribute to one specific part of the wedding. This is also a practical approach, as one person can afford the catering, and the next the flowers, and they can choose how much they are able to contribute. This is also beneficial to the couple for arranging a budget. Knowing certain aspects are covered enables them to prioritize with their money and figure out exactly how much they can put to their over all wedding.
Other traditions that have since become obsolete include wearing only a white wedding dress, and party formalities. Anyone can throw your shower.