Wedding Donations

For many couples one of the highlights of their wedding is receiving gifts. Starting a new home together can be very expensive, so the help they get from friends and family in setting up everything from the kitchen to the bedroom is much appreciated. However, there are some occasions when a couple who is getting married already have their home set up. A couple may be going abroad to study, it may be a second marriage, or they have been living together for some time. Some couples may have a very good financial situation. In these or any similar case, family and friends will still want to give the couple a gift to celebrate the occasion. Instead of receiving things they don´t need, many couples are deciding to ask their guests to give a donation to one or several of their chosen charities.

How to choose a charity?

Choosing a charity is a very personal decision, and one that should be respected. But, it´s a good a idea to choose two or three and let your guests decide which one they want to donate to. Even though it´s your wedding, people will be comfortable donating to a charity close to their hearts. Screen charities carefully so you can be sure that the money donate will be used in the best way possible. One website to check out is the American Institute of Philanthropy, they grade charities among other criteria, by the percentage of donation going to a charities program.

How to let our guests know that we prefer a donation?

Add a card to your invitation letting guests know the charites of your choice and how they can donate. On most charities websites you can make a donation online.

Everyone has a different cause or causes that are close to their hearts. In the following list are just some of the American Institute of Philanthropy top rated charities.

1. Elizabeth Glaser Pediatrics Aids Foundation: Their Mission: "The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation seeks to prevent pediatric HIV infection and to eradicate pediatric AIDS through research, advocacy, and prevention and treatment programs." At their website there is a Donate Button that gives visitors the option of donating their desired amount using a credit card.
   
2. Animal Welfare Institute: Who Are They: "AWI works to minimize the impacts of all human actions detrimental to endangered species, including the destruction of natural forests containing ancient trees, and pollution of the oceans destroying every kind of marine life." On their website there is a Donation Button which gives the option of the amount and frequency of the donation using a credit card.
3. Breast Cancer Research Foundation: Mission: "Our mission is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by providing critical funding for innovative clinical and translational research at leading medical centers worldwide, and increasing public awareness about good breast health. Last year, 88 cents of every dollar donated went to research and awareness programs." Their website allows visitors to donate the amount they wish and the frequency of the donation. The donation is made by credit card.
   
4. Save the Children: Mission and priorities: "Our mission is to create lasting, positive change in the lives of children in need in the U.S. and around the world. Our priorities are to ensure that children in need grow up protected and safe, educated, healthy and well-nourished, and  able to thrive in economically secure households." The donations through their website can be made by credit card, Paypal, Amazon Payments, and Google Checkout.
5. Rainforest Action Network: Mission: "Rainforest Action Network campaigns for the forests, their inhabitants and the natural systems that sustain life by transforming the global marketplace through education, grassroots organizing, and non-violent direct action." There is a Donate Button that can be used with a credit card
   

Another way to contribute to your favorite charity is to give donations instead of or in addition to a gift bag or wedding favors. You can place a small card on each table setting give guest the information about the charity which received the donation.