Favor Feb: Donating to Charity

One of the recent offbeat trends is to donate the money you would use for wedding favors to a charity. I love this idea - weddings are very consumer-driven events - why not give a little back to the universe that has given you your partner? What a great way to begin your marriage.

You could place a small, handwritten card at each guest's place explaining the donation and the work of the charity you've donated too. Provide a website if guests want to contact the charity after the wedding.

When choosing a charity, try to choose something everyone can relate to. Remember, not everyone attending your wedding will have the same religious, political or cultural views. Avoid donating to staunch political or religious charities or those doing 'controversial' work, such as the charity trying to educate people that AIDs doesn't exist.

Go local - enviroment organisations, historical societies, save the main street. Get people excited about the charitable work in your area.

I'd love to hear from couples who've donated to charity in lieu of favors. How did it go? What did you write on your card? Did you experience any problems?