How to Register for Charity Donations

For their wedding registry, many couples today are listing charities so that your donations can help those in need. Follow these steps to set up a charitable wedding registry.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Registry list
• Website
• Thank you notes

1. Make a list of charities that you are considering for your wedding registry.
2. Visit the websites for the charities to learn more about them in order to make your decision. Talk about your selection as a couple, and think about asking your family or friends about the choice of a charity if you are still undecided.
3. Decide on a charity. Once this decision has been made you can choose to simply ask your friends to make a donation to the charity in lieu of a wedding gift. A great idea is to select a charity that is close to your heart in some way. For example, if a relative has breast cancer, you could raise money for this great cause.
4. Think if you would like to receive actual gifts from your family and friends. Visit the I Do Foundation or The Wedding Channel (listed in the resources section) to set up a wedding gift registry where guests will select gifts and a percentage of the gift purchase will be donated to charity.
5. Thank your guests for being generous. Mention this in the wedding reception speech and also in the wedding program.
6. Remember to send out thank you notes for all gifts. Consider including information about the charity and how much money was raised for them. Send your guests information about the charity or a link to the website so they can learn what the charity does.
7. Consider having a wedding favor that somehow compliments your involvement with the charity. If you have selected an environmental charity, give people seedlings or small plants as wedding favors to enjoy.
8. Stay in contact with the charity, and get involved in future events and programs. This could be the start of a wonderful family tradition.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid charities that would be “hot button”, or controversial topics. Politics or sensitive issues are best avoided because guests could wind up debating them at your wedding reception.