We talked about the kindness trend in wedding planning earlier today and I’ve discussed the idea of registering to give in an earlier article. The idea of asking for donations to favorite charities and more is a growing devotional for many couples who are planning their weddings. If you are looking for some ideas and tips to incorporate kindness into your wedding – here are a few ideas:
- As suggested in Registering to Give; Rather than Receive ask your wedding guests to make contributions to a favorite charity or chosen cause that is important to you or important to them. In 2005, Christina Aguilera asked her guests to make donations to Hurricane Katrina victims rather than bring her and her soon to be spouse presents
- By the same token, you might make donations in the names of your guests and present them with a card detailing the donation in lieu of wedding favors
- Check out registries that offer to donate a percentage of gifts purchased to a charity or other organization you are interested in supporting
- Consider donating wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and other wedding accessories that you don’t plan to keep to a charitable organization for resale
- Purchase necessary items at Goodwill or other charitable shopping locations so that your money is filtered back to those who need it
- Consider registering online with various opportunities that allow your guests to choose from your chosen charities to make donations in your name
- Have a large buffet and considerable left over food? Donate it to a food bank or soup kitchen rather than trying to cold storage or sending it back with the caterers
- Donate your floral arrangements from the ceremony and reception to hospitals, retirement homes and more
The thing about kindness is you can practically do it anywhere and in any way. Sometimes, you just have to think about it and in the words of John F. Kennedy — ask not what your country (or in this case, your wedding) can do for you, but what you can do for your country.
What other tips can you think of to incorporate kindess into your wedding?
Related Articles:
Kabbala 101: The Attribute of Kindness (Chesed)
Online Holiday Charity Donations