As
an etiquette specialist, I have received many questions from various networks
and organizations. What follows is an
example of one that was never printed.
Dear
Polite One,
Say
a couple feels strongly about a certain charity
and wants to skip giving wedding favors to their guests and instead donate in
their name. Are there any charities that
appear more appropriate or some that are not?
Additionally, do you know of anything else a couple might need to know
about this topic?
Thank
you,
Needs
Copy
Dear
Needs Copy,
Essentially,
wedding favors are a gift
to guests. It’s a token of the couple’s appreciation. In the past, most etiquette professionals
would advise—and some may still—that it is impolite to give that gift to
another. However, with so many in need,
it is becoming more acceptable to give, rather than receive a small token,
which most favors are.
With
that said, the couple should mention this decision on their wedding website and
in the programs, as some guests may never visit their site. It would be most polite—if possible—to
discuss this verbally with guests as well.
The
bridal couple should expect that some guests
may have an issue with this decision.
However, if the couple openly discusses their decision with guests,
there should be minimal repercussion.
In
our present times, many in the U.S. are divided by politics. Consequently, it is best to choose a charity
that does the most good at the least cost and could not be considered a
political cause. A neutral charity that
gives most of the donations to a good cause, like one that saves animals
or children.
Finally,
always consider guests comfort and the fact that they are spending their money
and time to attend your wedding when planning and executing your memorable
event.
More
by The Polite One
How Much to
Tip and to What Vendor?
Ant-Clue 3
Most Asked Wedding Etiquette Questions
How Create
Wedding Website Guests Will Love
Photo Credit
MesserWoland, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons
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