Gifts That Give Back: 9 Generous Ways to Spend Your Wedding Money

Most people assume wedding money goes to lavish experiences or luxurious products. While those options can be gratifying, there’s also an innate beauty in being generous with your cash.

Before your special day, explore philanthropic ideas to give back to others. There are various ways you can include folks in your celebration of love.

 

Preparing Your Wedding Money for Philanthropy

Most people set an enormous wedding budget. One survey found that the average ceremony and reception spend was around $35,000 in 2023. The final figures can increase or decrease depending on your wedding type, guest list and many other factors. If you overbudgeted and ended up with some extra cash, use it for philanthropy.

Couples can also get their guests to join in their cause. About 84% of couples create a registry for their wedding. It’s gratifying to receive many thoughtful and material gifts, but you can add other options. Allow them to donate to a cause or contribute cash to the charity of your choice.

How to Spend Your Wedding Money

When you choose to be generous with your cash, you still have to answer the questions of who you want to help and how. Luckily, there are multiple options to pick from.
 

1. Support Local Farmers

Every wedding party needs an excellent menu with enough food for their guests. Select caterers and food that will support farmers and producers in your area. Sourcing your cuisine from locals can boost community morale.

Supporting local farms is a great way to be more sustainable. Having ingredients and dishes delivered can rack up greenhouse gas emissions. Save the environment while working with locals.
 

2. Order Extras for Food Banks

Since you’re already ordering food, why not request extra and donate it to a food bank? Many Americans rely on these institutions for a meal to get by in life. This one gesture can make someone’s day.

Don’t let leftovers from the reception go to waste — include them in your donation. Remember to follow the health and safety guidelines of the pantry for people’s safe consumption.
 

3. Send Money to a Charity

Many people have a cause near and dear to their hearts. For some, it might be animal shelters and raising awareness for pet adoption. Others may have lost a loved one to cancer and want to help find a cure. Ask yourself what matters most to you.

Once you find the answer, find an organization to donate to. Local animal shelters are sure to appreciate cash donations, and the American Cancer Society invests in cancer research and supports patients.
 

4. Donate to Scholarship Funds

Getting through school can be challenging when you lack the financial means. Consider using your wedding money for a student’s scholarship fund or program. This gesture can allow brilliant minds to stay in school and develop their ideas. Couples can screen different scholarships to learn about the people they will support.

Ultimately, a scholarship can make a significant and lasting impact in a person’s life. For example, some scholarships provide education to women in STEM and promote diversity in the field. These kinds of programs have an incredible effect on a student’s future and the things they’re able to accomplish.
 

5. Find a Relevant Venue

Most people only consider a venue's aesthetics and how it fits their theme. However, picking a ceremony and reception site that has meaning can also be a suitable recipient of your resources.

For example, maybe you’ve always dreamed of having a castle wedding. Consider a historic building that exudes the same ambiance. Aside from making memories in an age-old space, you contribute to its preservation and maintenance.
 

6. Send Money to an LGBT Organization

Love is vital to your wedding, but some people can’t attain that. Only a handful of countries have legalized same-sex marriage, and most of them are concentrated in America and Europe. LGBT people also experience different forms of discrimination.

Put your wedding money toward LGBT organizations and campaigns. For instance, the National LGBTQ Task Force in America aims to fight for the human rights and social justice of the queer community.
 

7. Anonymously Pay Someone Else’s Debt

No one wants to go into debt because getting out of it can be challenging. Unfortunately, around 340 million Americans face consumer debt in various ways. You can anonymously use your wedding money to help those less fortunate.

Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe have numerous profiles from people seeking to get back on their feet. Read someone’s story and contribute. You can make a big donation to one person or split the cash for contributions to multiple individuals.
 

8. Tip Your Wedding Creatives

Many jobs are underpaid these days, and most creatives usually get lowballed. Without people like your photographers and videographers, it would be impossible to document your special day. You wouldn’t have entertainment without musicians or entertainers. Live painters encapsulate a moment into a keepsake for you and your loved one.

Hiring wedding creatives and paying them a fair price is a beautiful way to support them in their passion. Add a tip to showcase your generosity and gratitude for their presence and talent on your special day.
 

9. Create a Family Emergency Fund

Many adults want to find ways to give back to their families. Future newlyweds can pool their extra wedding money into an emergency fund for their parents and inlaws. Setting aside cash can provide great peace of mind if anything happens to your loved ones.

Keep the money in a bank account to keep it out of sight. Alternatively, you can invest in index funds to allow growth. More money can provide better security in the long run.

 

Be Generous on Your Special Day

Extending your love and kindness toward others on your special day can be heartwarming, so take the opportunity to treat someone. You’re already happy with your life partner, so giving someone else just a dash of that positivity can repay the fortune from the universe.

 

Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about a broad spectrum of topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.

 

 

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