Making a donation instead of giving out favors?

Yeah, it's one of those subjects that people debate for a lot of reasons. Kind of like cash bars, dollar dances, tiered receptions, or gaps.

I was actually going to use a military family wedding as an example - I do think that's one of the few times when most guests will be touched by a charity favor to Wounded Warrior or something. I still think it's more meaningful if you take the money out of another line item though.

At any rate, congrats.

Some harsh critics on this thread! I've been to quite a few weddings where the bride and groom choose to make a donation to a meaningful charity in lieu of spending the money on a knickknack that no one wants or needs. They place cards at the table to let guests know that this is what they did and why the charity is important to them. In my humble opinion, I have always thought of this as a lovely and generous gesture, never have I thought "how rude and selfish!" The couple is not rubbing it in guests' faces, rather they are explaining another component that makes their wedding celebration that much more meaningful and personal.

I am actually doing the same thing. I will be putting out cards stating that in lieu of giving them another useless trinket, I took that money and donated it.

No, the donation does not benefit them - but neither would another heart shaped measuring spoon, a sack or jordan almonds, matchbooks with my name and wedding date on them, or a set of a "perfect pear" salt shakers!

I also don't feel I need to donate and not bring it up either, some people will wonder where the useless favors are, and this will be their answer. Everyone should feel good about the donation, and if they don't, seriously it is their problem

I went to a wedding and they did the same thing. It was for the grooms grandmother who passed away from cancer. So they donated $ to American Cancer Society It made everyone happy to know that the money went to a charity and I also think people felt relieved in a way that they did not have to take home a favor that they would never use or go home and throw it in the trash. Its a very nice idea and I have thought of doing the same.

I went to a wedding and they did the same thing. It made everyone happy to know that the money went to a charity and I also think people felt relieved in a way that they did not have to take home a favor that they would never use or go home and throw it in the trash. Its a very nice idea and I have thought of doing the same.

Ewwwwwwwww Jordan almonds.

I think making a donation is great - many friends and family of ours have done that for their weddings. It has always been a charity near and dear to them; for example, my Best friend's brother has down's syndrome and participates in special Olympics every year. She made a donation to that in all of our names with a beautiful write-up at every table on what it was and what it meant to them.

I was all about doing a donation but my FH doesn't want to. We compromised and are planning on getting bottles of wine as favors. This brand, for each bottle purchased, donates a pair of shoes to someone in need. It's kind of the best of both worlds!

This is exactly what we did- made a donation to a charity important to both of us and had small cards printed letting our guests know donations were made in their honor. People LOVED it. Such a better use of the money, and several people approached us to say it was something they valued more than a cheesy gift. Do it!!

Update on "favors" went to a wedding this weekend. Stayed overnight. 1/2 the favors were left (I saw them, each in their personalised box with the guests name on them) On a side table in the morning. (It's not like the guest didn't see them they were at their place for dinner right on the table)... Maybe her mints offended the guests as well, I mean one can take that as saying "I like you but you have bad breath" right?

I always think this is a good idea. I have heard mixed feedback so I was thinking about going through http://www.trufflesforacause.com/ so the guests would get a truffle or two (depending on what you order) and then that way the guests get something and the charity gets the majority. Win-win!

An outsider would always think what they want to.

My crowd can be different from your crowd.

So with these, I'd say it depends.

For me personally, I'd love it...I wont think you are rubbing it in my face, it wouldn't matter that it's to a cause you support and I dont care much for. Lol. I'd not think too much about these type of things..do what feels right in your heart after taking into consideration that not many people would think like you...this forum is a clear example.

Now moving on...WasSoonToBeMrsSmith, Now about the mint situation, that is hilarious!!!

I think making a donation is a wonderful idea! You are correct, most people forget their favors. In trying to keep our costs down I did not do favors or a donation. I created a large thank you sign for my guests. You can see it here http://happinessiscreating.com/my-wedding/. I figured my open bar and the pizzas i had delivered at 11:00pm was the gift to my guests. I know they all appreciated it!

Meghan Q I checked out your website...what an amazing idea! That way people can always remember the amazing things you had to say about everyone by simply taking a picture of it...I may steal this idea! Your whole DIY wedding was a total inspiration to me!

In regards to the donation instead of favours, I think its a great idea. Instead of saying "a donation has been made in your honour" I would say "in lieu of favours" you don't have to mention what charity you donated to, you can simply state "the bride and groom have donated to a charity close to their hearts". Being Italian, the traditional favour is almost a requirement but FH is not and so we have opted to donate instead and our parents are behind us 100%. I would say if it feels right for you (it is YOUR day afterall) do it!