I would like to donatae a lump sum of money to a charity, say $250-$300, and give that to my guests as their favor. I would place a card at their seat telling them that a donation has been made in their name to such and such charity, I was thinking an animal shelter becuase that is really close to my heart.
I am afraid that some people would think that this is not appropriate becuase they are not actually receiving something physical. However, each time I have been to a wedding and I received a shot glass or something, I appriciated the gesture but I rarely used them aftwards. This idea that I have would actually be used.
What do you all think, is it okay to do this or not?
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Re: Charitable Donation as Favors?
[QUOTE]I would like to donatae a lump sum of money to a charity, say $250-$300, and give that to my guests as their favor. I would place a card at their seat telling them that a donation has been made in their name to such and such charity, I was thinking an animal shelter becuase that is really close to my heart. I am afraid that some people would think that this is not appropriate becuase they are not actually receiving something physical. However, each time I have been to a wedding and I received a shot glass or something, I appriciated the gesture but I rarely used them aftwards. This idea that I have would actually be used. What do you all think, is it okay to do this or not?
Posted by easton87[/QUOTE]
::headdesk::
Read the Sticky at the top of this page Titled "Thinking of Using a Donation in lieu of Favors? Read this First." The vast majority of people on TK (and by vast I mean more than 90% from what I've seen) agree with Trix's assessment of the situation.
AKA GoodLuckBear14
The truth behind a well laced dress
Make the donation if you want but it should have nothing to do with your wedding. Don't use money from the budget of something that you had designated for your guests (food, alcohol, favors, etc), Your guests should not hav to do without something in the name of charity. Instead take the money from YOUR daily budget. Giving to charity is a lot more rewarding when you give up haircuts, new clothes, or some other item that you can live without.
"So I sing a song of love, Julia"
06.10.10
BFAR:We Defined Our Own Success!
[QUOTE]I would like to donatae a lump sum of money to a charity, say $250-$300, and give that to my guests as their favor. I would place a card at their seat telling them that a donation has been made in their name to such and such charity, I was thinking an animal shelter becuase that is<strong> really close to my heart.</strong> I am afraid that some people would think that this is not appropriate becuase they are not actually receiving something physical. However, each time I have been to a wedding and I received a shot glass or something, I appriciated the gesture but I rarely used them aftwards. This idea that I have would actually be used. What do you all think, is it okay to do this or not?
Posted by easton87[/QUOTE]
So your idea of a gift to your guests is something that's really special to you? Read the sticky at the top of this board.
This question comes up a lot. So here's the answer than I give to a question that comes up a lot.
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.
Think of it this way: Your neighbor comes over to your house and says “I’m going to do you a favor and shovel the snow from your driveway.” That’s a favor to you. But if your neighbor comes over and says “I’m going to do you a favor. I’m going to shovel my elderly father’s driveway”, you’d be thinking “how is that a favor for me?”
Because it’s not. It’s a favor, yes. But not for you. And what would you think if your neighbor to come to your house and said “Wow! I’m a terrific person. I just went and shoveled my elderly father’s driveway! I told him I did it your honor. Aren’t I something?” That’s pretty much how telling your guests that you’ve made a donation “for them” is going to come across.
Bottom line, IMO: charity donations are not favors. Make your donation. That's a wonderful thing. But why do you have to announce to your guests that you've made a donation?
I think it's inappropriate to donate anything "in your guests' names". Let them make donations to charities that are important to them. You make donations to charities that are important to you.
Just leave your wedding out of it.
[QUOTE]What if you got a little animal to go with the cards? So there is something tangible too? My friend did this, they donated to buy school supplies and gave personalized pencils. I"m not completely against charitable donations.
Posted by heatherreineke[/QUOTE]
So you'd be giving your guests a favor to tell them you're not giving them a favor? That makes a lot of sense. Just give them the animal. Or the pencils. But why mention the donation? Especially if you're already giving them something.