Post # 1

Member
1623 posts
Bumble bee
Hi Bees,
I’m hoping to get some insight on this. My fiance and I are looking to offer donations “in lieu” of doing wedding favors. Do you think that’s a good idea? I know this isn’t necessarily a new thing that’s being done, but I’ve only seen it at 1 or 2 other weddings I’ve been to recently. I really liked the idea, but not sure how other guests took it.
We are thinking of having small cards that mention “In lieu of wedding favors, the bride and groom would like to make a donation to one of the following charities on your behalf. Please select your charity of choice.” (or something to that measure.)
Then, we would like 3 charities dear to our heart, and why they are special to us. For example, one would be the alzheimer’s assocation, in honor of my grandma who has progressive alzheimer’s and dementia. Another would be pancreatic cancer research in memory of my FI’s grandmother.
Thoughts? Thank you!
Post # 3

Member
795 posts
Busy bee
I really like this idea. If it were me, I would probably change the wording. Since your guests will already be at your wedding and the cards will already be there, I would probably say something like “in lieu of wedding favors, the bridge and groom have made a donation on your behalf to…” Maybe mention either 1 charity that would be near and dear to both of you that would be applicable to both families or 1 charity for each of you and give the explanation. I feel like it might make the logistics a little tricky to try to get each of those cards back and then decide who wrote what and everything. But, that’s just me.
Post # 4

Member
4192 posts
Honey bee
- Wedding: July 2012 - Baltimore Museum of Industry
I agree with colli459, it might be tricky to people to guess. Just pick the charities and donate equally. I think it’s great listing why they’re important to you.
Post # 5

Member
2701 posts
Sugar bee
Eh. I’m not a big fan of donations in place of favors. I think it’s awesome you want to donate, but don’t call it a favor. Favors are supposed to be gifts for guests. If you don’t want to do favors, that’s perfectly fine – you can just privately donate that money instead. But I don’t think you need to AW it. Also, people might not like any of your options you chose and wouldn’t be happy that you donated money to a charity in their name that they disagreed with. Charties such as the Koman foundation are controversial organizations and many people are uncomfortable giving them money.
Post # 6

Member
47432 posts
Honey Beekeeper
I agree with
@RunsWithBears: If you want to make a donation, make a donation. If you want to give a favor to your guests, have a favor. But don’t confuse the two.
I realize that many favors are perceived to be a waste of money, and I agree. Perhaps that is what motivates couples to make a donation- to make better use of their money.
Post # 7

Member
2135 posts
Buzzing bee
Sorry, but I agree
@RunsWithBears and
@julies1949. I would just mke the donation and skip favors, but not make the donations the favors
Post # 8

Member
1623 posts
Bumble bee
Thanks for the feedback bees! It is appreciated. 🙂
Post # 9

Member
81 posts
Worker bee
Post # 10

Member
1623 posts
Bumble bee
Wow Sheevann…those are awesome! I didn’t see any pricing online, though. Do you have an idea or would I have to call? Thanks for the unique and pretty idea!
Post # 11

Member
169 posts
Blushing bee
Bump..love those Wanderfalls!