Ways to Give Back at Your Wedding

1 Say no to gifts.

Instead of creating a gift registry, ask your guests to contribute to a donation pot that will be going to a charity of your choice instead. Sites like Zank You or Zola allow them to donate to a "charity registry" in your name.

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2 Throw a charitable bridal party.

Image Source: Sarah Kathleen

Get your friends in on the action and gather everyone for a volunteer day. If you still want to host a bridal shower or bachelorette party, ask them to bring a canned good for a food pantry or make it an option to accept donations over "bride-to-be" gifts.

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3 Order invitations that give back.

Image Source: Karen Rainier

Paper invites can already be wasteful, so consider ordering them from a stationery company with a cause. If you really want to go eco-friendly, print your invitations on plantable seed paper to allow your guests to grow them instead of throw them away.

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4 Choose a nonprofit venue.

Image Source: Steve Cowell Photo

Make your location count by holding your wedding at a nonprofit space like a wildlife preserve, botanical garden, or a historical site. That way, any fees you pay will go toward maintaining the site or funding the group's work.

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5 Don't let leftovers go to waste.

Image Source: Addison Jones

Rarely does all the wedding cake and food get eaten. In the case of leftovers, donate the food to a shelter instead of allowing it to go to waste. You probably won't finish those cake slices even if you are thinking about taking it home.

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6 Do someone else a favor.

Image Source: Randy + Ashley Studios

Instead of giving each one of your guests a token of appreciation to take home, say thank you by investing that money in helping those in need. Organizations like the I Do Foundation will help you coordinate and even provide customized cards that let your guests know about the gift you've made in their honor.

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7 Find vendors that partner with nonprofit organizations.

Image Source: Meigan Canfield Photography

Some vendors donate a percentage of their proceeds from every purchase to a nonprofit they partner with. Whether it's florists, catering companies, or craftsmen, ask if they pay it forward before hiring.

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8 Donate items.

Image Source: Meigan Canfield Photography

If you're providing your guests with blankets at your outdoor wedding, consider giving them to the homeless shelter afterward. Same goes with taking your wedding day flowers to hospitals or even donating your dress to military brides through Brides Across America.

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9 Feature sustainable decor.

Image Source: Rachael Osborn Photography

Look for farm-to-table florists that use in-season and local flowers instead of bunches that are chemically treated. Another great idea is to use potted plants instead of vased centerpieces so that you can plant them at home after the wedding.

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10 Support small businesses.

Image Source: Cassie Jones Photography

It's easy to immediately jump to a well-known brand or company for your wedding day details, but small and local businesses can do just as great of a job. They're more likely to mold to your needs, allowing you to personalize your wedding exactly as you envision.

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11 Honeymoon responsibly.

Image Source: White Crane Weddings

Get hands on with your spouse by planning a service-oriented honeymoon that lets you volunteer and vacation at the same time. Groups such as American Hiking Society help organize these kinds of trips that focus on protecting foot trails and public lands. Or check out ecotourism adventures that are all about enjoying the land without human interference.

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