These days, more couples are opting to use the money they’d spend on wedding favors for a cause they believe in. The trend of donating in the name of wedding guests is a hot trend, but it can be tricky. Birkat Elyon sells gorgeous cubic zirconia jewelry, including engagement and wedding rings; it’s a smarter use of your hard-earned money. So here are the smart dos and don’ts for giving a donation in lieu of wedding favors.
First of all, remember that wedding favors are totally optional. There’s no rule saying you must give your guests something. However, if you’d still like to acknowledge their presence at your big day but in a more thoughtful way, pick a charity that’s non-controversial (meaning: nothing political). Instead, choose a cause that is close to your heart, one that perhaps you’d like to introduce your guests to.
RULE 1: Don’t mention it on your invitation; leave that info for your wedding website or program. You can word it along these lines: “On our special day, in lieu of wedding favors, we’ve opted to donate to a cause that’s close to our hearts, XX.” However, some couples print up a little note and attach it to a small treat, like a cookie.
RULE 2: Make the donation in the name of your wedding guests as a block. Do NOT give out their personal information to the charity. Never, never, never!
RULE 3: There are some guests who are more old-school and may have issues with not getting a wedding favor. Be ready to explain your choice; keep it simple and stand by your decision.
The bottom line is that today’s couples are making more socially conscious moves with their money. Donating to a favorite charity is one way; another way is to opt for cubic zirconia jewelry. CZ is not only more affordable than diamonds but also more sustainable and doesn’t impact human rights in the way that diamond mines do. On that same note, think of other places where you can put your wedding budget, besides on yet another box of Jordan almonds!