I am getting married or better officially planning our wedding, but Our household is already established, so having a home items as a wedding gift will be a waist. But a few years ago we started a non profit to sponsor kids in financially poor househiold in countries outside the western hesmisphere. We have been wanting to know whether it is appropriate to ask for donation instead of having a weeding gift. No amount is too small, since we know that with $25 we can help a little boy or girl start school. Is that an idea that can be acceptable? (tax deductible receipts will be available if needed).
Please share your thoughts...
Vava, Mom of 4
Thank you very much for all the creative ideas, your input is so encouraging and we still believe that education is key to freedom, to independence, confidence and to all other attributes that you all know. We have been fortunate to be able to read and write, but we have all come accross smart children who do not have the same opportunities, if we can just help one, two or twenty, at least we will know that our lives here have served a better purpose. Mamapedia is a great source of ideas exchanges and I am proud to be part of this network.
Cheers to you all
Hi,
Congrats on getting married. I think what you are doing is excellent! You could put something like....In lieu of gifts, please consider donating to ______foundation where this helps support needy children going to school. Or something like that--- Great idea!
I think it is a fine idea. Just please don't put it on the invitation or in the same envelope as the invitation. Most people still consider that to be bad etiquette. When people ask what you might want as a wedding gift, then tell them about your wonderful non profit.
I think that's a lovely idea! Normally, I would agree with Lucy F. that the invitation is not the place to mention gifts. But in this case, I think that a separate card with something like the following wouldn't be in bad taste.
"By finding each other we have been given the greatest gift we will receive and are so grateful that you will be sharing our day with us. If you desire, in lieu of a traditional wedding gift, help us to spread our love to someone in need by making a donation on our behald to one of the organizations listed below, or to one of your choice"
Hey that's what William and Kate just did! If the duke and duchess can, then It's definately appropriate for us common folk :)
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Very cool.. Yes I think that is so wonderful..and congrats
Most definitely appropriate! I would also suggest that when you write your thank you notes you add some information concerning the goods works that their donation will accomplish (i.e. Thank you for your considerate donation. Last year we raised $XX and were able to help XX number of children go to school/receive at least one nutritious meal per day/be outfitted with a new pair of shoes/etc.).
I would have that as an option... my suggestion is to do this (we are starting our plans too) start a web page that is informational on your wedding. www.valeriebgetsmarried.com??? On this site you can have pics of the two of you and the wedding party/family etc. You can also include links to your registries (have standard regestries at BB&B or Target and include one for him www.themanregistry.com) as well as information on donations to the preferred charity and a paypal account that guests can use before hand for donations. Those who are giving cash (many will) will give it at the ceremony. The website can have fun quizzes about the couple, a place for people to leave warm wishes and/or advice for the new couple ect. This is also a great place to add "being green" to your wedding by not including RSVP cards to your younger guests that will be able to access your site and allow them to RSVP on your wedding page. Older guests, like grand parents etc may not enjoy the modern twist and it may be an inconveniece for one w/out computer access, but it's another great option.
This is a lovely idea, but I agree with Lucy that it would be in very bad taste to include this info on your invitations. You will need to rely on word of mouth. Tell everyone in your family, his family, and your wedding party what your preference is and hope it gets around. If someone directly asks you what you'd like, or where you're registered, tell them about your charity.
But, please remember that you cannot dictate to people what gift they give, if they give one. Your purpose in inviting guests to your wedding is to share your day with them.
I love this idea!
I've seen websites where people can "donate money" to help them buy activities on a cruise, or something, and just thought that was kind of tacky.
You already have enough "stuff" .... this is a wonderful way your friends/family can honor you, and help someone else out.
Who needs another toaster? Send a child to school! Yeah, you!
That is a Wonderful Idea!!
Most likely anyone you invite to the wedding is going to know these things already, so it is not that much of a stretch. Any gifts that you do receive you can return if you know which store and give it to this group.
Congrats!!!!
I think that is a very selfless thing to ask for... I have often wanted to ask for donations for kids' bdays and such since my kids are so spoiled and do not 'need' anything else. I would love to donate in such a case. I would give them the option, as there are some people that would want to get you something, but put it out there. If some people don't like it, too bad for them. :-)
Congrats & Many Blessings!
K.
