| Donations
as Wedding Favors
By Blake Kritzberg
Reprinted with special permission
The times, they are a-changin'. Bride and groom are not the
needy little waiflings they once were. Many lived together
before the ceremony, and acquired plenty of appliances, glassware
and cutlery along the way.
This sense of material fullness might be what's driving the
trend to contribute during a wedding, instead of merely consume.
Whatever the reasons, more and more bridal couples are donating
to charity instead of handing out wedding favors. It's become
enough of a movement that some organizations, such the American
Diabetes Association, will actually supply the table cards
that explain the wedding donation to guests.
Choosing your charity can be a bit daunting, unless events
in your life make the choice clear (losing a loved one to
a specific disease, for example). You may not be sure which
charities will really make good use of your money. Or maybe
you'll worry whether your guests will miss the 'regular' wedding
favors, or approve of your charity choice.
Don't worry! You'll find most if not all of your guests will
support and admire your decision. But even if someone does
mind, remember, this is your day. Your beliefs and concerns
should drive it.
If you're thinking of a particular loved one when you selected
the charity, be sure to refer to him or her in the placard.
In memory of []...
Although we can't see you,
We know you are here:
Smiling, watching over us
As we say "I do."
Forever in our hearts,
Forever in our lives —
And so we say our vows
In loving memory of you.
You can describe the donation in a table card, a small scroll
tied with a ribbon, or even a fortune cookie if your statement
is brief. (Click
here for "Sayings for Wedding Favor Donations" for
your cards or scrolls.)
The task of selecting a charity has been made a little easier
by web sites that list the most reputable ones. MarriedForGood
has a great catalog of charities known for outstanding money
management, broken down by type.
You may be surprised to learn that donations at the wedding
don't start and end with the wedding favors. Older couples
in particular are putting a new spin on registries by registering
with 'charity clearinghouses' instead of Crate & Barrel.
If this idea appeals to you, check out JustGive.org, which
makes the process easy.
That isn't all you can do for others on your big day. Caterers
can donate the leftover food to homeless shelters, you or
your wedding party can drop off those flowers at hospitals
or nursing homes, and bridesmaids can even donate their dresses
for use by underprivileged teens on Prom night. MarriedForGood
tells you all about these little-known options that can make
such a difference in someone else's day..
About the Author
Blake Kritzberg is editor at "FavorIdeas.com"
Stop by for weddingfavor ideas, Save-the-Date eCards, and
Bridezilla's weekly adventures. Plus free wedding screensaver,
free wedding templates, and free wedding wallpaper. Get it
all at: http://www.favorideas.com
*NOTE: As per the request
of the author, this article is NOT Public Domain. Those wishing
to reprint this article must contact the author.
Brookside Farm is operated by Family
Care Foundation.
All proceeds from weddings support the charity work of Family Care Foundation, as do car donations. Click here to make a car donation, truck donation, RV donation or boat donation to Donate Car to Charity
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