Post # 1

Member
101 posts
Blushing bee
We decided not to do favors at our wedding. We’re donating to two different charitable organizations, one to honor my parents (heart association) and one to honor my fiance’s brother (gift of life). They will give us cards to put on all of the tables letting everyone know that we gave to these organizations in lieu of a favor that will probably end up sitting in your drawer for years to come or will just be thrown out.
Post # 3

Member
1205 posts
Bumble bee
That’s a wonderful idea, and it’s great that you two have a personal connection to the charity.
Post # 4

Member
1 posts
Wannabee
That’s very inspiring to know. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Post # 5

Member
3332 posts
Sugar bee
I like the idea of donating to a charity that means something to you and your family. I think your guests will appreciate it.
Post # 6

Member
137 posts
Blushing bee
rol769, I’m doing the same thing at our Oct wedding, next year. My brother passed away 2 years ago, he was diagnosed at 11 with juvenile diabetes. I contacted JDRF and they are going to print the cards that we will be placing on the tables at the reception.
Here is an example of our cards, there needs to be editing (i.e. the date is wrong, and the wording is going to incorporate my brothers name as well)
[attachment=195311,16672]
Post # 7

Member
57 posts
Worker bee
We also considered something like that, but my entire family booted the idea. I still really love it. It’s spending the money that you would’ve spent on cheesy favors for something where others will benefit. I think it’s selfless and caring. Go for it! People who will benefit from this gift will thank you in the long run and I’d feel much better about that than giving money toward pictures of us or something with our name on it that guests would not appreciate and throw away after a couple of days anyway.
Best of luck!
Post # 8

Member
2470 posts
Buzzing bee
I like this idea too. FI’s cousin donated to the Cardio ward at the nearest Children’s Hospital. It was a very nice sentiment, and we didn’t walk away with a knick knack we didn’t need.
Post # 9

Member
7082 posts
Busy Beekeeper
We’re doing this as well. I know we’ll be giving to http://www.kiva.org and then we might given to the National MS Foundation. It depends on how much we decide on!
Post # 10

Member
426 posts
Helper bee
I went to a wedding that did not favors but donated to a charity. I loved it!! I really felt good when I read the card on the table.
Great idea!!
Post # 11

Member
101 posts
Blushing bee
Thanks for the input everyone! I remember when we got engaged looking at those favors and thinking that they were either cheap looking or just something that people probably would never use again. Now we’re going to give to at least 2 organizations to honor our family members who unfortunately cannot be there with us on our happy day. I went to a wedding in April and they didn’t do anything, but I really didn’t notice until after the wedding. Good luck to you all in your weddings!