You’ve likely heard it before: Your wedding day is all about you. And while it certainly is a monumental occasion to celebrate a couple’s union, many couples are choosing to spread the love by incorporating philanthropy into their special day.

Charitable weddings have grown in popularity, with socially responsible couples using their celebration to give back and make a difference. From thoughtful purchasing to heartfelt donations, there are many ways to support your favorite causes while planning and enjoying your big day.

Choosing a Cause that Matters

Before jumping into wedding planning, think about where you want to make the most impact with your contributions. Identify a cause close to your heart that has a personal connection to you and your partner. Popular causes include environmental causes, education, healthcare, animal welfare, and local community initiatives (e.g. arts and culture, youth sports, food banks, etc.).

Once you’ve narrowed it down to one or two causes, consider how you can incorporate the following ideas into your charitable wedding.

1. Create a charitable wedding registry

While a table full of gifts has been standard for weddings in the past, many couples live together by the time they tie the knot and don’t need china sets, servingware, and other household items. So instead of creating a traditional wedding registry, consider asking guests to contribute to your chosen cause(s) instead. Include a short request in your invitation suite and on your website, designating a preferred charitable organization.

Note: Expect some guests to ignore your request and purchase a physical gift anyway! Show your appreciation, and don’t take it personally. If it’s an item you don’t want or need, consider donating it to a local organization that could use it.

2. Be purposeful in your vendor selection

When booking vendors, you may be drawn first to their quality of service and overall aesthetic. And while both are important, you should also consider how their values align with your own. Collaborating with vendors who actively give back to the community is a socially responsible way to put your dollars where they’ll have the most impact.

So as you’re researching and interviewing candidates, inquire about their philanthropic efforts and their core values. Likewise, look for venues that prioritize eco-friendly practices, host community events, and donate to meaningful causes.

3. Donate in your guests’ names

It’s safe to say that nobody needs another candle, coaster, or other trinket. So instead of sending home another item to collect dust, consider making a donation to your chosen cause(s) in your guests’ names as an alternative to traditional wedding favors.

Get creative in communicating the donation to your guests. You can put up a sign at the reception, add a note to your programs, or leave thank you cards at each place setting. Your gift will no doubt leave a lasting impression on them!

Note: If you still want to send them home with something, opt for an edible treat! They’ll get to enjoy it after the wedding without creating unnecessary waste.

4. Schedule volunteer activities

Your wedding is more than just a party. With bachelor(ette) parties, bridal showers, onsite excursions, and welcome parties, there are plenty of opportunities to incorporate volunteer activities into the buildup to your wedding.

Consider celebrating one of your prenuptial celebrations with a charity walk, auction, or special event with proceeds going to a chosen cause. Whether you limit it to your wedding party or extend the invitation to all of your guests, it’s the perfect way to create lasting memories through shared acts of kindness.

5. Be intentional about your wedding decor

Linens, cocktail napkins, florals, and more — a lot of thought goes into your wedding decor, so it’s worth considering the impact you can have on your local and global community. Sourcing from local companies reduces your wedding’s carbon footprint while supporting small businesses within your area.

On a global scale, consider highlighting eco-friendly values with sustainable wedding decor. Aim to produce as little waste as possible. (No single-use items, please!) For the items you purchase, think about how you can repurpose or donate them after the wedding. For example, see if you can donate leftover floral arrangements to a local retirement home or hospital.

If you want to take your sustainability to the next level, consider purchasing carbon offsets to make up for the inevitable emissions produced by your wedding. While it’s impossible to be completely zero-carbon, every effort matters.

Charitable weddings leave a lasting impact on couples, their guests, and their communities, so it’s worth thinking about how you can share your celebratory experience with the greater good. Rest assured that weddings can be both luxurious and compassionate, so go ahead and embrace the joy of giving back on your special day!

Ready to kickstart the planning for your charitable wedding?

Oak + Honey is here to help! Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can guide you through a smooth, seamless, and sustainable wedding planning experience that captures your values and produces the best day of your life.

In the meantime, come hang out with us on Instagram and join our email list for more planning tips!