I love this time of year for weddings. All of Mother Nature’s elements of this season get woven in so seamlessly, from pine cone place card holders and the unlimited intermezzo pumpkin ravioli. Weddings are an opportune occurrence to be indulgent, but that doesn’t mean they have to be wasteful.
As Americans every November, people of all communities celebrate one holiday on a particular Thursday night. It’s an opportunity to show off our in-home entertaining skills, get giddy from the Broadway numbers in the Macy’s Parade, and get ready for the biggest shopping day of the year. And most importantly, it’s the holiday that encourages us to be thankful and give to those less fortunate. However, we don’t have to wait for those Pilgrim salt and pepper shakers to remind us. Here are five ways you can use your wedding no matter the season as a way to give back.
REGISTRY
Add the charity that’s most important to you to your registry. Your guests will love knowing they are giving to an organization or cause that you are passionate about.
VENUE
Host your wedding at a non-profit. Not only will having your nuptials at a museum, theatre or gallery add fabulous character, but the money you spend for the site-fee will go towards the organization.
FLOWERS
It can be awkward to encourage guests to grab a centerpiece as they are heading to your after-party. Instead, arrange for services provided by organizations such as Random Acts of Flowers or Repeat Roses that will pick-up your flowers and distribute them to hospitals or nursing homes.
FAVORS
Forgo the Moscow Mule Kit and send your guests home with something that inspires. Gifts such as a Garden-in-a-Can from Back to the Roots not only reconnects families by teaching about where food comes from through fun and delicious ready to grow and ready to eat products, it also supports their charitable mission of Grow One, Give One in Elementary Schools.
FOOD
Endless dining options for your guests from cocktail hour through late-night munchies is the sign of a good host, but it also means there will likely be leftovers. Work with your caterer in advance to make donations to shelters for the homeless or rescue animals. There are strict regulations for food that hasn’t been refrigerated, but working in advance with your local food bank or shelter will allow you to have a plan in place for a post-wedding pick-up.
Be a groom with gratitude and use this milestone in your life to also transform someone else’s ordinary day into a Thanksgiving.
~JMK
