Regular readers know that Kwadjo and I are getting married in a few days. (Woo hoo!!) Nowadays the average cost of a wedding is about $25,000. That's a bunch! Seems like there ought to be a way to spread some of that around to folks who can really use it. Thankfully, there are lots of ways to do just that and still have a joyous, beautiful, fun, and meaningful marriage celebration. Here some ideas you and your partner may want to consider:
--> Donate leftover food to a food rescue agency. There's sure to be one in your area. We're working with Potluck Food Rescue in Central Arkansas. Also, locally- or organically-grown food is a good idea.
--> Choose environmentally-responsible rings that use metals and gems that are recycled and conflict-free.
--> Use recycled paper for your invitations, programs, thank you cards and the like. You can find beautiful recycled paper products at many locations, including office and wedding supply stores.
--> Donate the flowers to a nursing home or assisted living facility. The folks there will really appreciate your kindness. Organically- or locally-grown flowers are also a good choice.
--> Donate your dress after the big day. Are you really going to wear it again? Your daughter may not want to wear it either. (Do you want to wear your mom's?). Instead the resale of the dress can benefit a good cause.
--> Make a donation to your favorite charity in honor of your guests instead of (or in addition to) more traditional favors. If you don't have a favorite charity, scroll through the archives of So what can I do? to get some ideas.
--> Plan a socially-conscious wedding with help from the I Do Foundation. It's run by Swarthmore alums and has great ideas, including making charitable contributions through your registry. Also check out Organic Weddings and Green Weddings for more ways to make a difference on your big day.
Hopefully, you can incorporate one or more of these ideas into your celebration. (Share your own in the comments.) From the registry, to the honeymoon, make your celebration even more meaningful. Spread the love you share with your sweetheart, and let your commitment or wedding celebration be a vehicle for love and service.
"Remember that happiness is a way of travel, not a destination." - Roy Goodman
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11 comments:
Please vote for So what can I do at the 2005 Black Weblog Awards by August 31. Thanks!!
thanks for the great post. i'm getting married in little rock next may and my fiance and i are have talked about finding ways to incorporate our social values into the entire process. thanks for putting us onto a head start!
Congratulations, Brooke! I'm so glad you like the ideas. There's quite a bit of information out there on this topic. It's nice to have such a special day really represent what you and your intended truly believe. Best wishes to you both!
I've enjoyed your blog for a while now. It's nice to keep up on the goings-on in Little Rock. Thanks for reading So what can I do. Please stop by again soon, and spread the word.
Let us know what ideas you incorporate!
This from Carol at Potluck Food Rescue:
"Thanks for the plug. FYI Potluck is almost 16 years old; the ONLY food rescue organization in AR; we currently serve 105 partner organizations (and growing); our program the Kid's Pantry provides food for meals after school and/or in the summer to more at-risk children (2500) than any local (non-government) meal program of its kind; and we anticipate that by the end of '05, we will rescue a wide variety of more than 3 million pounds of prepared, perishable and frozen food - which otherwise would have been discarded. Should you have any food left over, please know that it's GREATLY appreciated and will be put to good use."
I love the I Do Foundations' motto: "Celebrate Generously". Great!!
Thanks a lot, Steve! We're pretty excited!
Thanks for visiting, and please come again.
I love this post, Karama! Just voted for you and listed So what can I do? in my blog as one of the 5 blogs I recommend for Blog Day 2005. :)
All the best this weekend on your wedding! Much happiness to you both.
Best wishes for a long, loving, prosperous, conscious, peaceful and happy marriage. :-)
Awesome place you have here!
http://harmonious.blogdrive.com
Harmonia
Lei: Thank you so much for your kind words and wishes and for promoting So what can I do? for Blog Day 2005. I'm glad you enjoyed this post. If we're creative, fearless, and willing to think outside the box, there's not limit to what we can do. Keep up the great work on your blog!
Chandra: Thanks for your warm wishes. Kwadjo and I intend on doing everything you suggest! Please stop by again soon.
Harmonia: Thanks for stopping by! I'm glad you like So what can I do and I hope you'll visit again soon and spread the word.
Thanks so much to those of you who voted for So what can I do? for the 2005 Black Weblog Awards. Here is a list of the winners and other nominees.
Thanks for your support!!
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