The last five years, we have seen an increase in couples giving back when they say “I do.” In lieu of wedding favors of sugared almonds and monogrammed trinkets, they donate to their favorite cause or charity in each guest’s honor. But in recent months, we’ve seen a shift in this social-conscious effort. Though still forgoing foodie favors for causes that are close to the heart, couples are wanting to give their guests something to take home.
This desire has resulted in a surge of new favor and gift options given to guests. Read below for five of our favorites:
Truffles for a Cause: This organization combines melt-in-your-mouth sweets with heart-melting philanthropy. With each chocolate truffle favor you purchase, a portion of the proceeds are donated to your charity of choice from their extensive list.
National Arbor Day Foundation: Many couples have a tree planted in honor of each of their guests, but the National Arbor Day Foundation has rolled out two new and tasty alternatives. Their award-winning, shade-grown coffee (priced from $19.95) and chocolates (priced from $2.50) are treats with a conscience. Organically grown under the canopy of the rainforest, each taste preserves one of our most precious resources and ensures indigenous farmers a fair wage, access to healthcare and education.
HRC: Even if you opt to donate, you can still offer guests a tangible item to represent that donation. Human Rights Campaign stickers can be purchased for $3 and slapped on any inexpensive item (even something as simple as stationery) to illustrate the cause, just as Kevin and Pete did in their Massachusetts nuptials. (HRC also offers a wedding registry for those who would rather have their guests donate to equality over receiving gifts.)
WhiteKnot.org: Another marriage equality favorite, white knots are extremely DIY-friendly to create for guests. To personalize each, use a fabric pen to write your wedding date on the white ribbon and attached a note saying that a donation has been given to WhiteKnot.org in each guest’s honor. You can buy a kit for $25 or have knots pre-made for 25-cents each.
TOMS Sunglasses: TOMS received their claim to fame for their One for One movement—when you buy a pair of shoes, a child in need also receives a pair. Last summer, they brought that same effort to sight, and with every pair of fashionable shades you purchase, TOMS will help give sight to one person in need. Because they’re a little on the pricey side ($119-$139), we’d recommend saving these as gifts to your wedding party (which would make for perfect beach wedding photo opps!).
Going the charitable route? Bella Figura, one of the industry’s leading stationers, wants to show their appreciation by offering free favor cards to couples who have donation favors, with a minimum stationery purchase of $500. “We’ve found that now more than ever, brides and grooms are turning the tradition of wedding favors into an opportunity to support the causes they care deeply about. Charitable favors are an inspiring testament to a couple’s love, and we wanted to recognize couples who make that decision,” says Bella Figura owner Debbie Urbanski. They’ll match the highest quantity of invitations purchased, ensuring you have a favor card for each guests.
Photo: Kevin and Pete Real Wedding, photography by Kristin Korpos Photography; Shavonda and Naomi Real Wedding, photography by Sara Maren Photographers
