Guest Post- Megan Lawrence
If charity is important to you and your beloved partner, incorporating it into your wedding day is a great way to personalise proceedings and make your celebration of love even more special.
With an estimated £14.7 billion annual spend on weddings in the UK, there is a vast scope for more charitable support through these special occasions. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways, both small and large, to incorporate a touch of philanthropy to your extra special day. Beyond feeling good about doing your bit for an important cause, there are plenty of benefits to bringing charity into the spotlight on your wedding day. Here are three of the most important advantages to consider.
Opportunity to acknowledge loved ones
We all hold certain charities and causes close to our hearts. There may be an organisation that played an important role in caring for a loved one, or perhaps champions a cause that has affected you personally. Doing something for them, whether it’s through fundraising efforts or just raising awareness, is a great way to really personalise your wedding and acknowledge the work they have done for your family.
Reduce your wedding’s eco impact
Teaming up with a charity on your special day provides a great opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint of your wedding, and start married life by leaving a positive impact on the environment. One of the best ways to do this is by getting in touch with a local food bank or charity that could make use of any leftovers at the end of the day.
No matter how meticulously you plan your menu, there will invariably be some leftover food and drink that, if it isn’t put to good use, will likely end up as waste. Donating any unopened items to those in need not only ensures your wedding has a positive social impact, but you’ll also be supporting the environment by reducing the amount of waste that’s likely to end up in landfill. Beyond the food and drink, there are plenty more things you can look to donate, from the decorations to any leftover favours.
Chance to host your wedding at a unique venue
If the thought of trawling through tens of wedding venue brochures fills you with dread, why not use your charitable theme as an opportunity to host your ceremony in a unique, charity-run location? There are so many options available, from animal sanctuaries to historic museums. Once you’ve decided which cause you’d like to promote, get in touch with the local branch to see if they’d be willing to help out. Not only will you be raising awareness for your chosen cause and get to enjoy a unique ceremony, but you’ll also ensure the site fee goes directly to your chosen charity.
Every little helps
If supporting people in need is important to you and your partner, keep charity in mind throughout the planning process and explore the different ways you can support a cause close to your hearts on the day itself. You don’t have to do it all on your own, either; make it a collective effort with your guests’ support as well, and you’ll be sure to make a positive impact that lasts long after the “I do’s”.