While weddings have evolved over time to become the expensive spectacles that some couples are dreaming about, there is a segment of the population that wants this special event to mean something far beyond those in attendance.
Charitable weddings, or those that have a philanthropic twist, have become increasingly popular and they are particularly popular with couples who have lived together before or are more financially stable than younger couples, and don’t exactly need that bevy of gifts. If you’re in that situation and want your special day to leave a lasting impact, here are a few ways to pull it off!
1. Revamp your wedding registry
First and foremost, your wedding registry will need a major facelift, and instead of putting up a list of items you’d like to receive, put together a selection of charities instead. Pick about 5-10 charities that are near and dear to you and your significant other with blurbs about who and what the charity serves. This will give your guests plenty of options to pick something that aligns with their beliefs.
2. Incorporate a cause
Instead of monetary giving, ask your attendees to bring a specific item that will benefit a charity or organization in your area. It can be something as simple as a non-perishable food item to donate to local food banks, or something more advanced like clothing, eyewear or other specialty items to support a worthy charity.
3. Recycle your wedding items
As important as it is to support charitable causes, ensuring that your wedding leaves a minimal impact on the environment is an initiative worth supporting as well! Re-use flowers by donating them to a hospital or nursing home, leftover food can be transported to local soup kitchens and décor can be given to local theatre companies. Whatever you can reuse and pass on to someone else will give those items new life in a new context!
4. Service-driven wedding events
Instead of throwing a bridal shower, why not ask your bridesmaids to chip in one day to help out a charitable organization? Perhaps you can make your honeymoon a chance to travel to a new location to build a school or clean up a beautiful valley? Tying philanthropy into your pre- and post-wedding plans will make you more actively involved in the process and will leave you feeling even better about what you’ve accomplished!
