More Couples Saying "I Do" To Charitable Wedding Donations

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 27th, 2010

The guest list is complete, the flowers have been ordered and the perfect dress has been found. Now, how about something very special to let the guests know that you appreciate them being there?

With wedding season always in full swing, many brides and grooms are looking for a unique way to thank their guests for sharing their special day. Now, a new Wedding Favor Donation program launched by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) provides a memorable option. In lieu of traditional wedding favors that might be eaten, forgotten or tossed away with the centerpieces, couples can join a growing trend of making a tax-deductible donation to the cause of their choice-in this case, diabetes research, information and advocacy.

Couples who choose to support the ADA's Wedding Favor Donation program may contribute a few dollars on behalf of each guest in honor or memory of a loved one and their wedding guests or they can give the donation in their own names. ADA will provide complimentary donation announcements for guests in the form of personalized scrolls, table tent cards or bookmarks. Couples may also order invitation donation cards, asking that guests make a donation to the American Diabetes Association in lieu of a gift.

According to Megan Sullivan, a wedding favor participant, "My husband's daughter (who is now my stepdaughter) was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes about nine months ago. The cause is extremely close to our heart and we wanted our money to go to the ADA. Everyone was so touched. Rob and I and our parents got so many compliments about the great addition and 'feel' it gave to the wedding. Most people who were there know of Maura's diabetes. They loved that we used our money to help her and so many others with diabetes."

With nearly 21 million Americans with diabetes and millions more affected by the disease through a friend or family member, chances are that a donation to the ADA will be meaningful to more guests than the bride and groom would imagine. Funds from ADA's Wedding Favor Donation program will support the mission of the Association-to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of those living with the disease.