Wedding Donations: Four Ways to Contribute After the Wedding

Due to the fact that we were recently added as a member to the Green Bride Guide, I thought that it would be a good day to spread some eco-love and talk about wedding donations.  That being said, there are many ways that you can be eco-lovely throughout your wedding planning process (and life), but today I wanted to focus on four easy ways to make a difference by donating.

Flowers

When the celebration is over, you may ask your guests to take home your beautiful centerpieces. But, sometimes you’re still left with a large amount of flowers at the end of the night. Chances are, if you leave them at the venue, they will be trashed. Why not appoint someone (see my “who’s going to be your someone?” article) to take them and donate them the next day? Floral arrangements can be taken to nursing homes, hospitals, or care facilities – with great appreciation from the residents and patients.

Food

Another way to donate to your local community would be with all that leftover food. Some states have restrictions on food donations (check with your caterer or venue), but you should be able to donate some of your leftovers and untouched food to food banks, homeless shelters or hunger-relief programs in your area.

photo by Michael Pangilinan Photography from Jamie and Dave’s Open Space Wedding

In Lieu of Favors

Another decision that you have, as a couple, is determining what you’d like to give to your guests as a “thank you” for coming. I love cute favors, but at the end of the night, I can’t even begin to tell you how many I’ve seen left behind. A great idea would be to make a donation to your favorite charity (or charities) in your guests’ honor. Create small cards (on recycled paper) that politely explain your charity, why it’s important to you and what your plans are. When it’s all said and done, it’s a truly beautiful gift.

The Dress

This one may be a bit harder to swallow. And I know that not everyone could jump on this bandwagon, but it’s always good to know that the option is there. Brides Against Breast Cancer™, part of Making Memories, gives brides the opportunity to donate their dress (dating from 2005 or later) to be added to their National Tour of Gowns sale. The donations they receive allow them to grant final wishes to men and women suffering from terminal breast cancer. Please visit the website to learn more about how you can donate and help spread the word.