Charitable weddings: 5 ways to give back

Bouquet, from Fiore Dorato. PHOTO: Her World Brides December 2012 - February 2013.

Weddings are special occasions. They mark happy and new beginnings for the newly-weds, and they are also a celebration for two individuals who have pledged to commit to one another for life. But they also mean spending a lot of money, and though there’s nothing wrong in wanting to celebrate, some weddings can get a little (and there’s no polite way of putting it)… excessive.

That's why we were touched and inspired when we came across Australian photographer Edwina Robertson-Cuninghame’s photo of a couple and their wedding party posing with the backdrop of the Australian outback with the plea to help raise awareness and support for depression and mental illness in the rural parts of the country. 

So if, like us, you're considering contributing in one way or another through your wedding, here are a few suggestions on how you can give back on the most special day of your life.

Favours

This is the most common way to give back, especially with donations in your guests’ names in lieu of physical gifts.

Food

There are several ways to go about this, such as hiring caterers and vendors from charities or social enterprises, or giving away excess food you don’t need, to charities or homes. Just be sure to check with your venue, as some hotels have policies about bringing food back after the banquet. Also, make sure the food has not been touched in one way or another.

Flowers

We mentioned this in our article on dealing with your flowers after the wedding – brighten up someone’s day by sending them to old folks’ homes, orphanages, hospitals and so on. These will go a long way into making someone else happy. Again, make sure your flowers aren’t wilted or wilting already.

Beauty

There are cosmetic brands like The Body Shop who support causes such as community fair trade practices, and dealing against animal practices. Then there are also nail salons like The Nail Social who offer nail and foot reflexology services amongst others, and help the underprivileged at the same time.

Wardrobe

This isn’t as common in Singapore, and I’m guessing it’s because most brides here rent their wedding dresses. But there are organisations who accept donated dresses such as Brides Against Breast Cancer, Brides Across America (for military brides who are experiencing financial difficulties), Wish Upon A Wedding and The Brides Project.

For more inspiring stories, see how this Turkish couple inspired us with their generosity at their wedding.