Donations in lieu of favors?

nicolle327

We're thinking of doing donations to a charity instead of favors at the reception. We'd make a donation per table. Some people I've talked to about it think it's a great idea, others sort of balked at it. Anyone out there done the same or thinking of doing the same? Opinions?Thanks!

TiDa2009

I've only seen this once - the groom had a kidney donated to him by his father and, in lieu of favours, they donated to the organ donation association (not sure what it's called).  They had enough cards with ribbons on the tables for everyone.  I thought it was a really good idea being the casue was close to the families' hearts.  Some people don't like them, though.

pumpkinpumpkin

I think it's pointless. Favours aren't required, so why bother with the donation instead? Also, some guests may be offended that you chose to donate to a charity on their behalf. It may be a charity they don't support, etc.

C W

It's nice to donate to a charity, but it is not a favour to your guest. I vote for making a private donation to your favourite charity in honour. of your wedding, and skipping favours altogether. They are not necessary.

ggmae

I think they're nice.

diggitydog

And none of the ugly things ffmaid said are true about me.  She's just a judgemental icky woman.

betrothed123

I'm not a fan.  If you want to donate, do so.  Why do you need the recognition?  Also, like PP said, donating money in someone's name if they don't agree with the cause is just wrong.  Donate in your own name, skip the favors, and don't brag about the money you donated.

diggitydog

BTW- we didn't say the donation was in the guests name, just that instead of favors we did this.

gkb0910

I agree with ffmaid and MissCM.  If you want to make a donation, go ahead, but there's no need for the extra recognition of your wedding guests and no reason to try to pass it off as a favor to them.

mocha beans

Icky woman or not, I gotta agree with ffmaid. Donating to charities is an intensely personal thing to me, and I don't want a donation to be made in my honor to a charity that I do not support.  If you want to make a donation, then by all means do so, but don't make a big deal about it.  Skip the favors.

kelmcgee

we are doing both...  I little heart keychain and a donation to the Heart & Stroke foundation.

C W

I think it's only okay if you are doing the same thing with gifts to you. For instance, you should request that in lieu of gifts, they donate to a charity. ^^This! 

nicolle327

Wow, lots of feedback. Thanks for all the input--it was helpful!