7 Ways to Pay It Forward With Your Nuptials
In the last few decades, weddings have gotten KIND of out of control when it’s come to their expense. Of course, the day is all about you and your love, and you can do whatever you want with it - BUT, making the choice to pay it forward with your fiancé is one that we’re fiercely passionate about. On today’s National Philanthropy Day, we thought it’d be the perfect time to do a deep dive into some of the most charitable ways you can give back with your wedding.
As the ones leading the marriage charge now, millennials are hugely philanthropic and cause-conscious, so when they’re getting ready to say I Do, they’re considering tons of other ways to donate, too. And they’re doing so in ways that are most meaningful to them. Starting with popping the question with conflict-free and ethical diamond engagement rings and dedicating their engagement to date nights as do-gooders.
Whether it’s a grand gesture - making a sizable donation to a charity close to your heart (all via monetary gifts from your guests) - or a smaller, yet still v. special act like donating your wedding dress, leftover food and flowers to those in need, nursing homes and children’s hospitals, for instance - your good deeds will not only go towards making others’ lives better, they’ll also inspire your marriage and leave you with lasting memories of your greatest milestone to date.
In the spirit of Thanks(giving) and the advent of proposal season, why not consider starting your wedding planning journey with some philanthropy? Hey! What about gathering your families for a day of bonding at a local food bank or shelter and then closing out the day with news of your engagement. Everyone will remember the occasion, and you’ll feel energized to start your planning once you’ve had some chicken soup for the soul!
Check out some other altruistic ways to head to the altar!
Photo from: @phippsweddings
Book a venue run by a non-profit
Some of the best wedding spots ever are owned by non-profits and booking with them will ensure your rental fees get put to good use. They’re also some of the prettiest places to make it official with your person. Museums, nature preserves, universities and historical landmarks - all will ensure stunning snapshots and smiles knowing that you can put your money towards a good cause.Photo from: @ncmevents
consider registering towards a charity
We know this one is a little hard to swallow, because gifts are almost a given at weddings, but bare with us. You don’t have to purge your registry of any / all presents, instead you can add an experiential registry - like Honeyfund or SoKind - to your existing retail registries and have donations made to a worthy cause.Photo from: @doctorswithoutborders
plan a beneficent bridal shower+Bachelorette
Okay, so as the bride you have a little less say in this ((they’re supposed to be somewhat of a surprise!)), but you can put out an SOS to your squad that you’d like a rather charitable celebration. Maybe have your guests bring gifts for a well-intentioned wishing well, or have a group activity to create gift baskets or flower arrangements for those in need. And while it probably isn’t on their radar, see if you can rope them in for a goodwill vacay. Cities like New Orleans have huge volunteer programs that are perfect for big posses. And no one needs to completely give up their beads and Hurricanes.
Photo from: @willowandwind
use seeded paper goods
We’re OBSESSED with plantable paper, and going this route is sweet, but subtle way to give back. Your guests can plant their beautifully-textured and completely biodegradable invites (to your engagement party, bridal shower, wedding) and watch them grow into new life.
Photo from: @chereeberrypaper
go eco
“To truly reduce a wedding’s environmental impact, there’s always the option to purchase credits toward offsetting their carbon footprint,” says Megan Velez of Destination Weddings Travel Group. “These contributions will go directly to organizations that fund emission-reducing projects, which can help make up for any unavoidable traces left by the wedding. A bonus of offset credits is that they can double as favors for guests who traveled to attend - no need to make extra room in their suitcases!”
Photo from: @kittyvonsometime
choose conflict-free for your jewelry
Even if you yourself don’t have a conflict-free diamond wrapped around that ring finger, you can frost yourself for your big day, gift your girls or swap vows with with lab-grown diamond bands that are conflict-free, sustainable for the earth, and cruelty-free. Ada Diamonds helps give back by donating 1% of profits, pledging 1% of equity to non-profits and making a commitment to philanthropy. The stuff is SO cute, too!!
Photo from: @adadiamonds
recycle your dress
While it might pain you to say goodbye to the gown you pledged your love in, it’s just a dress. To give it new life, consider donating to New York’s own luxury boutique, the Bridal Garden, where brides can give back their gowns or purchase their own (heavily-discounted dress), all while helping educate underprivileged children (proceeds go to Brooklyn Charter School). If you’re not close to the city, you can think about sharing your wedding dress “with a non-profit such as The Brides Project,” says Dana Briggs of Revel Event Design Group. And don’t forget to have your bridesmaids pair their dress with TOMS, which will help give a pair of shoes to children in need. Photo from: @brides_for_a_cause