Good morning everyone - Happy President’s Day!

It seems even the wedding mags have jumped on the economy trend this month as all of our favorites mention money saving tips on their covers. It seems everybody is looking for a way to get more for less or save to some extra money.

I volunteer with a charity that is near and dear to my heart - the Delaware Humane Association - and we have been talking economic strategy there as we start to worry about the waning donations being made - especially on the lower level (which all really add up - trust me!).

Rachel and I have always believed that the best favor you can give your wedding guests is the gift of a donation. Reading the magazines and working first hand with a charity - it seems this make even more sense right now. Favors can run you anywhere from $1.00 per person to $10.00 per person - of course dependant on what you choose. Rachel and I see so many favors left behind every single weekend - and in the end - they are thrown out. How about taking that $60 - $250 dollars and making a donation to a local charity or one that is special to you. Get a nice large 8 x 10 or 11 x 14 frame (that you can recycle for your wedding photos afterwards) and print up a letter explaining what you have done and to whom you made the donation and why it is special to you. Your guests will feel better about not having to take home one votive candle and you can feel great knowing your money is going right to work and that every dollar is needed right now.

Ideas for charities that you support? Let us know so we can share them with other brides and grooms and shed some more light on your favorite charities!