I know I promised last time I would have more invitation details. I’ve totally been slacking and need to take some photos of those! But for now I figured I would share what we are doing for favors.
I’ve been to multiple weddings over the past five years and have seen so many creative and thoughtful favors:
I’m sure I’m forgetting some, but you get the idea.
When it came time for Fiance and me to come up with what we would do for favors, we didn’t know where to begin. I wanted to give something the guests would enjoy, but also wanted it to be a reflection of our personal lives. Then I thought of the other favor that I’ve seen at weddings—a donation to a charitable organization.
The donation is something that I’ve heard mixed reviews about—some think it’s wonderful that the bride and groom contributed to a worthy cause instead of purchasing something small, while others disagree and say that it’s not actually a favor.
In our case, it was the perfect “favor” to give. I mentioned a while back that I wanted to honor my father at our wedding (again, more on that in another post), and making a charitable donation to the American Cancer Society will be a great way to do so.
I still wanted to “give” our guests something, though, so Fiance and I ordered Livestrong bracelets that will be at each person’s place setting (in addition to a separate donation we made to the American Cancer Society).
The LS bands, sorted by size
I’m sure many of you are familiar with the Livestrong bracelets already; however, proceeds from each bracelet sold go to the Livestrong Foundation and services for cancer survivors.
We also printed out cards that included an image of the Livestrong bracelet on the front and message to our guests on the back.
All the cards in the box
The front of the card
Back of the card
The Livestrong bands will be wrapped around each person’s napkin with the card in the middle.
I’m hoping our guests will be happy we made a donation to such a great organization. And if not, we will be including a photo booth and out-of-town welcome bags to make them feel loved.
What did you do for a favor? Anyone else make a charitable donation instead?
This is such a cute favor!! Love the idea!! It adds such a personal touch, especially because you are doing something to honor your father!! 
What a great favor! ACS is an amazing organization, and you’re so kind to honor your father’s memory with such a generous donation.
We didnt do donations and if we had I probably would have cried a lot more at my wedding. My step dad is battling a rare form of sarcoma right now and there isnt even much data on what his chances are considering the treatment route hes taking. I love the idea of combining the bracelets with a donation and what a great napkin ring.
this is an incredibly appropriate and touching choice, and i would love this as a favor!
i LOVE this idea. so cute to think of using it as a napkin ring. what a way to honor your dad. it’s making me think of doing something with organ donation at mine.
I think this is a fantastic idea! Plus, they get the photo booth and OOT bags. I really don’t think anyone should have a reason to complain.
I don’t think you could have picked a better wedding favor! All of your guests are going to really like this!!!
I love this. Great idea to combine the donation with the bracelet.
If I could like WB posts, this would get a HUGE “Like”!
I think its a lovely idea and a great way to honor your father!
What an amazing favor: I’d rather know the couple had donated to a charity in honor of their guests than another candy bar or candle any day (even though I do like regular favors!). I love how personal it is to the both of you, too!
Love your idea! We are going to donate to the shelter where we adopted our dog from. Personally, I have never really kept any favors from weddings and they aren’t really done where I live. Our budget is really tight and I would rather the money go to something that can help rather than something that will end up forgotten or thrown away.
Thank you everyone!!
@naturalysam – I’m so sorry to hear about your stepdad – I hope his health improves! Sending positive thoughts and prayers!
I think this is a wonderful favor, especially given the meaning the organization has to you.
I think this is a great idea, especially since the guests still get to take something home! We also did a donation – to Kiva – and none of our guests complained as far as I know. But also, some of them didn’t realize that we’d donated at all…
I think this is an amazin idea, and I love the fact that you mentioned your dad in the card.
Oh Miss Fairy, this is such a perfect favor – I think it is so wonderful that you are giving to a cause that has so much meaning to you and the guests still get to take something home!
Miss Fairy, Upstate New York Age and Occupation: 27, Project Coordinator Fiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Engineering Recruiter Engagement Date: March 18, 2011 Wedding Date: September 2012 Venue: Casa Larga Vineyards About Me: I’m an eternal optimist, wannabe runner and Starbucks/espresso addict. I love cupcakes, getting dressed up, sunny days, everything about the Christmas season, reading, shopping, crafting, to-do lists and snuggling my mini dachshund. I live for weekend getaways with my fiance, holidays with my family, and girls’ nights. My fiance is my best friend and makes me laugh daily. We are planning a winery wedding, with a lot of personal touches and an awesome dance party.
Latest Gallery Pics