Maybe brides have learned from Kim Kardashian that money and material items really don't buy happiness.

The reality TV star spent - and made - millions on her fairytale wedding to Kris Humphries, only to file for divorce 72 days later.

The folks behind 1-800-Registry.com say they have seen a boost in experience-based spending through their wedding, honeymoon and first home-buying registries, and a decline in product-based registries.

A recent study on WebMD said that researchers have discovered that purchasing "an experience" over a "material item" resulted in a significantly higher sense of happiness.

Brides are requesting that money be put toward activities, events and opportunities, rather than wedding china, coffee makers and toasters.

Instead of buying the happy couple a silver fork, you might be giving them money for a dinner at a four-star restaurant on their honeymoon. Hmmm. Now that's food for thought.

Originally published November 27, 2011

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