Donations instead of bridal registry?

You could probably set it up just like you would for the favors. it might work the same way. and let me say, i think that is such a sweet idea!

That is such a generous idea. Could you have an account on the charities website where people could make donations?

That is a very nice idea. =) I am not exactly sure how it would work, but maybe the charity of your choice can set something up for you. You might want to set up a small registery too because people may want to give you all gifts as well.

I went to a wedding where the couple did this. They included a note with the invitation that said that they had been living together for 5 years and didn't need any gifts, and that the money we would have otherwise spent on a gift could go instead to one of their favorite charities. I don't remember the exact wording, but it was very sweet. I believe they included the names of a couple charities you could donate to. At the time I thought, "wow, how selfless!"

Thanks girls! I'm really warming to the idea. It was so unexpected! Lol. We have agreed to pick a maximum of 3 charities (we each get to pick one and then we agree on a 3rd). I do agree that we need to do a small registry. We have lived with each other for over a year and will have lived with each other for over 2 1/2 years by the time we are married so we really won't need much.

Honestly, people find charitable donations very personal. What if they don't agree with the charity you pick? Plus, you are basically telling your guests, "We don't need anything. Don't bother. But oh, donate money for us in our names, k thanks." People want to give you something to start your new lives together. If you really don't need anything, don't register. Or just register for a few upgrades. And you can always donate cash you get for the wedding yourselves.

I've heard of it before. It's very nice of you to think of others, I would just put on your wedding website that "for those wishing to purchase a gift, in leiu of gifts we would like you to donate to CHARITY NAME, We thank you for thinking of us on our special day and helping out others less fortunate"

And ofcourse let both sets of parents know and the bridal party that these are you're wishes!

I think it's a great idea. If I had thought of it before the invitations went out, we might have done it.

HPFanatic - I think you totally missed the point. Many people want to do something to honor the bride & groom and respect the fact that they don't need any more stuff in their house or any "upgrades". I personally would LOVE to do this for someone getting married and honestly, I would probably donate A LOT more money to a charity than I would spend on a gift.

And I'm thinking that more traditional guests (especially older relatives) still equate "helping" the couple with buying them linens and blenders. And also think any kind of money is an impersonal gift. So if you do a donation request, I'd still do a small registry.

You could use depositagift.com and register for monetary gifts that include your charity and anything else you need. it's a great site to pretty much register for anything. plus you can list your other registries, so your guests have options. we've been living together too, so it's a nice classy option.