You're probably going to get a lot of reactions (not all good) to the idea of a donation favor. Frankly, I don't like the idea because I think you giving money to someone else is not a favor to anybody else. But that's just my lowly opinion. Prepare to receive a few.
Just get cards that match your stationary or make cards that somewhat match. Doesn't need to be fancy.
Are you donating to a charity and calling it a favor? That's not really a favor.
If you want to make a donation to a charity, by all means, please do it. But don't do it and then print fancy cards that say a donation has been in made as a "favor" for the wedding guests. Just make the donation and say nothing about it. Not all guests support the same charities you do.
A wedding favor should be something tangible that guests can eat or take with them when they leave. They aren't required, though, so you could use that money wherever you see fit.
Make your donation. I believe in donations. I make them myself. I think they're a good thing to do.
But don't pretend that they're a favor to your guests. Because they're not. They're a favor to the organization, and to you. You're taking the money you'd spend on a little something for your guests and giving it to someone else. How do you figure that's a favor for your guests?
Honestly, I don't need a favor. I don't really want a favor. You're already giving me food, drinks, entertainment. I don't need a matchbook or m&ms (although I LOVE m&ms) as a thank you.
But please don't in any, way, shape or form think that giving $$ to a charity is somehow doing something for me.
I'd liken it to a guest coming to your wedding and giving you a card that says "In honor of your marriage, I have given a donation to the "eastern micronesia tsunami prevention fund". It may be important to your guest, but it probably doesn't mean anything to you. So it's not really a gift for you, is it?
"Trix, it's what they/our parents wanted. Why so judgemental? And why is your wedding date over a year and a half ago? And why do you not have a groom's name? And why have you posted over 12,000 posts? And why do you always say mean things to brides?" palegirl146
Please don't do donation cards. It's a waste of money because it's not something your guests will enjoy or use (what do they do with another piece of printed cardstock). And if you're doing a donation, I'm sure the charity would appreciate the extra $20 donation to go to them rather than to the stationery company printing the donation cards.
If you're doing donations, do them quietly, don't print up the AW card. AW cards are not favors. You don't need to do favors, but please don't contribute to more junk being thrown out at the end up the night by doing donation cards.
Like Manwaithel said...you are going to get a lot of comments against donations. I don't have a problem with them. If I go to a wedding and they don't have "favors" but they have given a donation "in my name" i'm just as happy. I wouldn't go announcing it at every place setting. DIY or have a card made like your stationary that says: we have decided to donate money to ___charity. Thank you for coming to our celebration, etc. Put it in a frame or on the "place card table" somewhere and let that be it.
FI's cousin got married in July and the B&G made a donation to the American Heart Association as their favor. However, the attached a heart pin to the cards for guests to keep. i think if you do that...it could be considered a favor. But if its just the card saying you made a donation...i dont think its necessary to have it as your favor. just make the donation...but you dont really need to tell your guests about it.
In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_favors_humane-society-favor-donation-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:27Discussion:e1fe20e1-3a8f-4a32-a18a-722612193533Post:6f6c58ec-81b9-4a8a-950d-57ed4f26a311">Re: humane society favor donation ideas?</a>: [QUOTE]i have to agree and disagree on this one... FI's cousin got married in July and the B&G made a donation to the American Heart Association as their favor. However, the attached a heart pin to the cards for guests to keep. i think if you do that...it could be considered a favor. But if its just the card saying you made a donation...i dont think its necessary to have it as your favor. just make the donation...but you dont really need to tell your guests about it. Posted by reese511[/QUOTE]
But what exactly is the point of giving a favor to tell people that you're not giving them a favor because you're giving the favor money to a charity?
Give people the heart pin. Fine. It's a favor. But why also announce that you're making a donation except for people to know how magnanimous you are?
"Trix, it's what they/our parents wanted. Why so judgemental? And why is your wedding date over a year and a half ago? And why do you not have a groom's name? And why have you posted over 12,000 posts? And why do you always say mean things to brides?" palegirl146
In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_favors_humane-society-favor-donation-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:27Discussion:e1fe20e1-3a8f-4a32-a18a-722612193533Post:25ab7fe0-8c87-4cd3-96d8-c96d2fb5f8f2">Re: humane society favor donation ideas?</a>: [QUOTE]In Response to Re: humane society favor donation ideas? : But what exactly is the point of giving a favor to tell people that you're not giving them a favor because you're giving the favor money to a charity? Give people the heart pin. Fine. It's a favor. But why also announce that you're making a donation except for people to know how magnanimous you are? Posted by trix1223[/QUOTE]
well, if it was just a heart pin....i'd be like "wtf is this for?" it would be kind of random. but b/c it was the symbol of the AHA, it made sense. it was also a way to honor the grooms father w/o having to talk about it.
by the way, i put the pin on my military jacket and its super cute!
In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_favors_humane-society-favor-donation-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:27Discussion:e1fe20e1-3a8f-4a32-a18a-722612193533Post:74c6e275-cf20-425c-8aa6-9813057e53f7">Re: humane society favor donation ideas?</a>: [QUOTE]Make your donation. I believe in donations. I make them myself. I think they're a good thing to do. But don't pretend that they're a favor to your guests. Because they're not. They're a favor to the organization, and to you. You're taking the money you'd spend on a little something for your guests and giving it to someone else. How do you figure that's a favor for your guests? Honestly, I don't need a favor. I don't really want a favor. You're already giving me food, drinks, entertainment. I don't need a matchbook or m&ms (although I LOVE m&ms) as a thank you. But please don't in any, way, shape or form think that giving $$ to a charity is somehow doing something for me. I'd liken it to a guest coming to your wedding and giving you a card that says "In honor of your marriage, I have given a donation to the "eastern micronesia tsunami prevention fund". It may be important to your guest, but it probably doesn't mean anything to you. So it's not really a gift for you, is it? Posted by trix1223[/QUOTE]
Ditto everything trix said. Except my card would say we made a donation to The Human Fund. Money for People.
In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_favors_humane-society-favor-donation-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:27Discussion:e1fe20e1-3a8f-4a32-a18a-722612193533Post:f1b3996c-f2b4-476a-9636-52602289031d">Re: humane society favor donation ideas?</a>: [QUOTE]In Response to Re: humane society favor donation ideas? : Ditto everything trix said. Except my card would say we made a donation to The Human Fund. Money for People. Posted by kristinanddan[/QUOTE]
In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_favors_humane-society-favor-donation-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:27Discussion:e1fe20e1-3a8f-4a32-a18a-722612193533Post:6acf068d-f5bf-4cd4-bd52-2a67696bdda0">Re: humane society favor donation ideas?</a>: [QUOTE]In Response to Re: humane society favor donation ideas? : no way! you celebrate festivus??? Posted by reese511[/QUOTE]
StageManager made some awesome points on the whole donation favor thing. I'm usually not a fan but there is a way to do it and I think she did an excellent job of explaining it.
I saw a girl who did the same thing somewhere online. Each of her tables had a picture of an adoptable dog or cat. They had placed a single sign (I'm guessing in front of the escort cards?) talking about how they made a donation to this animal shelter and each table is named after an available pet at said animal shelter.
I also saw where they gave guest a dog bone shaped cookie and the tag said "In honor of our wedding, a donation has been made to ..." again, mentioning nothing about a favor.
I am one who staunchly opposed donation "favors", but have to agree that if you are totally compelled to do one, please print out stage's response and then do it exactly as she says. Exactly.
"Trix, it's what they/our parents wanted. Why so judgemental? And why is your wedding date over a year and a half ago? And why do you not have a groom's name? And why have you posted over 12,000 posts? And why do you always say mean things to brides?" palegirl146
I think Stage said it best. However if you want to do some sort of tangible favor to go along with your donation I suggest checking out www.theanimalrescuesite.com They have cute paw print pins you can (like Reese's example) do along with other nice items. Your purchases from their store also donate food to shelter animals.
I think donations iannounced as n lieu of favors or as favors are rude and presumptious. You never know who will be offended by the gesture or the charity. For example, in your case I hope the humane society you're talking about is your local shelter, because a lot of people (myself included) have major objections to the national organization that advertises on TV (Humane Society of the United States). I also have issues with Komen. I'm not going to go into it, but there are a lot of people who "support" or give money to organizations that they really don't know much about.
We did a donation to a charity and I'm just putting "In lieu of favours" - people really don't care about favours anyway. And I plan on putting one choc on the tables too.
In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_favors_humane-society-favor-donation-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:27Discussion:e1fe20e1-3a8f-4a32-a18a-722612193533Post:e23ac202-b9d7-4411-be6f-2826e5bbbb4d">Re: humane society favor donation ideas?</a>: [QUOTE]We did a donation to a charity and I'm just putting "In lieu of favours" - people really don't care about favours anyway. And I plan on putting one choc on the tables too. Posted by greenic[/QUOTE]
See, this is exactly what I don't understand. You're telling people that you're not giving a favor, and then giving a favor. Why?
"Trix, it's what they/our parents wanted. Why so judgemental? And why is your wedding date over a year and a half ago? And why do you not have a groom's name? And why have you posted over 12,000 posts? And why do you always say mean things to brides?" palegirl146
Ah, stage: we are in agreement on nearly every issue that comes up here. And on this one, we can agree to disagree, largely because you make your arguments so coherently and eloquently.
"Trix, it's what they/our parents wanted. Why so judgemental? And why is your wedding date over a year and a half ago? And why do you not have a groom's name? And why have you posted over 12,000 posts? And why do you always say mean things to brides?" palegirl146
I can't believe people get so heated about donations. You know what, you pick the colors you like, you pick the cake you like, you pick the dress you like and you pick the music you like. When you walk into a wedding everything in there is a reflection of what the bride (and groom) like, not what the guest likes. So if you like the idea of giving a donation instead of a clear box with 3 almonds in it then do it. At least the money will be going to something worthwhile, and not something that will probably be left on the table anyways. And for people to say giving a donation is just an attempt to show off your holiness then that is sad, some people give donations in honor of family members who have passed or survived certain illnesses and it really means something special to them. I personally like a single frame on each table stating a donation has been made, not in the guests name, but in lieu of favors. And if you are giving them something in relation to the donation (like dog treats, etc.) then leave out the "in lieu" of part. If they can rant how they are against it, then I can rant about how I'm for it. Ok rant over.
I think donating to a charity is an awesome way to give back...There are billions of charities that are in need of people to get involved. Dust collectors favors are sooooooooooooooo cheesy..! Only hoarders love to collect this junk
Re: humane society favor donation ideas?
Just get cards that match your stationary or make cards that somewhat match. Doesn't need to be fancy.
Hawaii with my best friend
If you want to make a donation to a charity, by all means, please do it. But don't do it and then print fancy cards that say a donation has been in made as a "favor" for the wedding guests. Just make the donation and say nothing about it. Not all guests support the same charities you do.
A wedding favor should be something tangible that guests can eat or take with them when they leave. They aren't required, though, so you could use that money wherever you see fit.
Make your donation. I believe in donations. I make them myself. I think they're a good thing to do.
But don't pretend that they're a favor to your guests. Because they're not. They're a favor to the organization, and to you. You're taking the money you'd spend on a little something for your guests and giving it to someone else. How do you figure that's a favor for your guests?
Honestly, I don't need a favor. I don't really want a favor. You're already giving me food, drinks, entertainment. I don't need a matchbook or m&ms (although I LOVE m&ms) as a thank you.
But please don't in any, way, shape or form think that giving $$ to a charity is somehow doing something for me.
I'd liken it to a guest coming to your wedding and giving you a card that says "In honor of your marriage, I have given a donation to the "eastern micronesia tsunami prevention fund". It may be important to your guest, but it probably doesn't mean anything to you. So it's not really a gift for you, is it?
However, to answer your question, The Knot has tons of photos of real weddings and what couples did for their charitable favors:
http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/favors_charitable-favors/results.aspx?type=3&wedding+details=favors&specific+detail=charitable+favors
If you're doing donations, do them quietly, don't print up the AW card. AW cards are not favors. You don't need to do favors, but please don't contribute to more junk being thrown out at the end up the night by doing donation cards.
FI's cousin got married in July and the B&G made a donation to the American Heart Association as their favor. However, the attached a heart pin to the cards for guests to keep. i think if you do that...it could be considered a favor. But if its just the card saying you made a donation...i dont think its necessary to have it as your favor. just make the donation...but you dont really need to tell your guests about it.
t+sBio
[QUOTE]i have to agree and disagree on this one... FI's cousin got married in July and the B&G made a donation to the American Heart Association as their favor. However, the attached a heart pin to the cards for guests to keep. i think if you do that...it could be considered a favor. But if its just the card saying you made a donation...i dont think its necessary to have it as your favor. just make the donation...but you dont really need to tell your guests about it.
Posted by reese511[/QUOTE]
But what exactly is the point of giving a favor to tell people that you're not giving them a favor because you're giving the favor money to a charity?
Give people the heart pin. Fine. It's a favor. But why also announce that you're making a donation except for people to know how magnanimous you are?
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: humane society favor donation ideas? : But what exactly is the point of giving a favor to tell people that you're not giving them a favor because you're giving the favor money to a charity? Give people the heart pin. Fine. It's a favor. But why also announce that you're making a donation except for people to know how magnanimous you are?
Posted by trix1223[/QUOTE]
well, if it was just a heart pin....i'd be like "wtf is this for?" it would be kind of random. but b/c it was the symbol of the AHA, it made sense. it was also a way to honor the grooms father w/o having to talk about it.
by the way, i put the pin on my military jacket and its super cute!
t+sBio
[QUOTE]Make your donation. I believe in donations. I make them myself. I think they're a good thing to do. But don't pretend that they're a favor to your guests. Because they're not. They're a favor to the organization, and to you. You're taking the money you'd spend on a little something for your guests and giving it to someone else. How do you figure that's a favor for your guests? Honestly, I don't need a favor. I don't really want a favor. You're already giving me food, drinks, entertainment. I don't need a matchbook or m&ms (although I LOVE m&ms) as a thank you. But please don't in any, way, shape or form think that giving $$ to a charity is somehow doing something for me. I'd liken it to a guest coming to your wedding and giving you a card that says "In honor of your marriage, I have given a donation to the "eastern micronesia tsunami prevention fund". It may be important to your guest, but it probably doesn't mean anything to you. So it's not really a gift for you, is it?
Posted by trix1223[/QUOTE]
Ditto everything trix said. Except my card would say we made a donation to The Human Fund. Money for People.
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: humane society favor donation ideas? : Ditto everything trix said. Except my card would say we made a donation to The Human Fund. Money for People.
Posted by kristinanddan[/QUOTE]
no way! you celebrate festivus???
t+sBio
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: humane society favor donation ideas? : no way! you celebrate festivus???
Posted by reese511[/QUOTE]
Indeed. I love to air my grievances.
I saw a girl who did the same thing somewhere online. Each of her tables had a picture of an adoptable dog or cat. They had placed a single sign (I'm guessing in front of the escort cards?) talking about how they made a donation to this animal shelter and each table is named after an available pet at said animal shelter.
I also saw where they gave guest a dog bone shaped cookie and the tag said "In honor of our wedding, a donation has been made to ..." again, mentioning nothing about a favor.
I think donations iannounced as n lieu of favors or as favors are rude and presumptious. You never know who will be offended by the gesture or the charity. For example, in your case I hope the humane society you're talking about is your local shelter, because a lot of people (myself included) have major objections to the national organization that advertises on TV (Humane Society of the United States). I also have issues with Komen. I'm not going to go into it, but there are a lot of people who "support" or give money to organizations that they really don't know much about.
We did a donation to a charity and I'm just putting "In lieu of favours" - people really don't care about favours anyway. And I plan on putting one choc on the tables too.
[QUOTE]We did a donation to a charity and I'm just putting "In lieu of favours" - people really don't care about favours anyway. And I plan on putting one choc on the tables too.
Posted by greenic[/QUOTE]
See, this is exactly what I don't understand. You're telling people that you're not giving a favor, and then giving a favor. Why?
"So I sing a song of love, Julia"
06.10.10
BFAR:We Defined Our Own Success!