Is it ok to ask wedding guest to giv gifts to charity inst. supported by d couple i/o giving to d couple?

Question

we are getting married next year and we thought to ask our guests to just bring gifts (toys,clothes,school supplies) for the orphanage that we are supporting instead of buying gifts/things for me and my hubby. We thought we will just put a note on the invitation..Thanks!!!

Answer 1

That's perfectly acceptable and a spectacular idea...  

A few guests will still bring gifts for you so expect that and accept graciously..

I suggest instead of printing it on the actual invitation you enclose a seperate sheet asking for the charitable donation gifts..  Wording such as

We are supporters of Child's Home Orphanage in This Town, This Country and request gifts for the orphanage rather than ourselves..   We already have so much we want to take this oppurtunity to share with those who do not..  

Items such as toys, clothing, and school supplies for ages __-__ would be greatly appreciated by us and the orphanage....  

Thank You

Tom and Melissa

Answer 2

This is a lovely idea, however putting this on the invitaton would be rude.  Gift registrys and the like should never be listed on or with the invite.  Inform your wedding party and your close family of your wishes, and then when they are asked where you are registered, your wedding party and family can spread the word of your wishes for a donation to the charity.  Then if you do happen to get that extra toaster and such, if it cant be used by the orphanage, then you can make exchanges and the like after your wedding.

Answer 3

It doesn't work .a friend I know done it for his wedding.  he had 120 guests at the reception and asked for cash  donations in lieu of gifts to a local cancer charity.  he contacted the charity on return from honeymoon to see how much was raised and to his horror it was only 700 euro ,  by 10 contributers in total.  By his reckoning at least 50 couples gave nothing.  He had expected about 6000 euro from the 60 couples who attended.  He has lost all respect for his friends and family and eyes everyone now with suspicion of meanness.

Answer 4

I think that's a really lovely idea. This is becoming more common, especially for couples who are well established and don't need wedding gifts as they traditionally are gifts for the house.

You could do as you suggested and ask for toys, clothing and school supplies, or simply ask for cash donations.

Just have a note down the bottom saying 'in lieu of gifts please make a donation to *charity's name*.

It's really lovely that you're doing this =)

Answer 5

Great Idea!  My wife for her 40th b-day party asked in the invitation for people to give to their favorite charity.  We got great response.