RECYCLE YOUR WEDDING DRESS
Donate your dress to an organization that benefits a charity or a bride-in-need.
MakingMemories.org
This foundation has created Brides Against Breast Cancer. Brides can donate their wedding gown where they are sold at discounted prices to brides-to-be and help grant a wish to a person with breast cancer. Many of their shows offer brand new gowns, too.
DonateWeddingGowns.com
This is part of African Street Kids.com. They raise money to fund their feeding programs and other projects to help destitute homeless kids living in the streets in Africa.
IDoFoundation.org
Donate your wedding dress through the I Do Foundation to raise funds for the I Do Charity of your choice. Their site has great ideas on creating a charitable wedding.
BridalGarden.org
When you purchase a sample or "once worn" gown, all the proceeds go to benefit NY's Sheltering Arms Children's Services where over 3,000 children and their families are helped through their various programs.
BUY A VINTAGE DRESS
If actresses can wear vintage dresses to the Oscars, you can find something beautiful and timeless at places like these (that is if you don't have your mom's dress to wear):
DONATE LEFTOVERS
If you can, donate the leftover food to a local food bank, homeless shelter or soup kitchen. They all have specific rules regarding perishables and non-perishables so call your local organizations and inquire ahead of time.
ADD A LITTLE GREEN
Here are some sites with eco friendly tips -from using recycled paper and buying organically grown flowers to eco-tourism.
CONFLICT DIAMONDS
Amnesty International USA: Conflict Diamonds
CHARITABLE GIVING PROGRAMS
Do you really need all that stuff? How about giving your guests the option of giving a donation? Or instead of buying favors, donate in your guests' names to a charity. Check out these registries and charities:
- JustGive.org
- JustGive's Charity Wedding Registry Service helps couples give back and is an alternative to department store registries. They connect people with the charities they care about.
- WeddingListGiving.com (British)
- Wedding List Giving helps couples to use their wedding day to give money to charities and not-for-profit organizations by having a charity wedding list.
- Diabetes.org
- Make a wedding favor donation in honor or in memory of a family member or give the donation in your name.
- WeddingChannel.com
- Buy a gift from one of their registries and they will make a donation to your selected charity.