How To Incorporate Charity In to Your Wedding
- Vendor Selection: Ask vendors if they donate any portion of their proceeds to a specific charity or if they would be willing to. Even if they don’t specifically designate a certain amount from each wedding, if they are active in the community you will know your money will help others in some way.
- Product Selection: Many companies donate a portion of proceeds to charity. One Hope Wine for example donates half of the cost of every bottle to the charity designated on the bottle. Do a little research, you may find better deals, and you will know your money is going further!
- Registries: There are a few options here. With the increased rate of cohabitation and couples marrying at a later stage in life, many couples already have a house full of goods and they can chose to ask their guests to donate to a charity of their choosing instead. Another option is to register through a company like I Do Foundation who is partnered with various stores that you might register at anyway. A portion of any gifts purchased through your I Do Foundation registry will go directly to charity. This involves absolutely no sacrifice with the exception of asking guests to purchase items online. A final option would be to register at socially responsible retailers that use their proceeds to help others.
- Favors: Skip the little mementos of your day, that honestly no one really wants or needs, and make a donation in your guest’s honor instead. You can choose to tell guests that or not, either way the favors won’t be missed. People are coming to your wedding to celebrate with you not to get a gift with your wedding date on it. If you really want favors, consider purchasing them from a company that designates part of the proceeds to charity or find an item that represents charity in some way and include a little note about the organization you selected.
- Details: You can raise awareness for your favorite charities through the details. Instead of table numbers you could highlight a different charity and have a little information about it at the place card table. Or consider using pictures of homeless pets, children with cancer, pictures of the rainforest… whatever you feel passionate about. You never know who you might inspire.
- Attire: Consider buying your dress through an event that is designed to raise money for charity. Brides Against Breast Cancer holds several events around the country. Or consider donating your dress when the day is done, your bridesmaids can also donate their dresses to local organizations that collect formal wear for high school students who can’t afford prom dresses. From shoes to jewelry, you can generally find something you like from a company that gives back such as Tom’s Shoes.
- Flowers: Consider donating your flowers to a local nursing home or hospital once the wedding is over. This should be arranged ahead of time as some places might be strict about what can be brought in due to various allergies.
- Cut Costs: Any money you are able to trim off the budget can be donated to a charity or organization that you are passionate about. It will feel good to know that as a result of your wedding, someone received some needed help. You will likely find that many of the things you “give up” weren’t really necessary at all and you won’t miss them!
- Honeymoon: Places like Sandals Resorts have associated charitable organizations that work to build the economy that they are located in and support the people in need. Many popular honeymoon destinations are located in some of the poorest countries. Supporting companies that respect the people and country they are in is a win-win for everyone. In addition, tourism is a big business for many countries, selecting your destination based on how they treat their residents encourages ethical behavior around the world.
- Shop Around: You’d be amazed at how many things you can find that support a charity from stamps for your invitations to gifts for your wedding party. A little extra research can pay off big to organizations in need.
Giving back doesn’t have to mean changing your plans or sacrificing your dream wedding. Small shifts in your perspective and a slight redirection of your funds can add up to big benefits for non-profit organizations. If all couples just incorporated a few of these ideas, imagine the impact that could be made!
Have any ideas or suggestions? Feel free to share!
