Special to OneWed by The Charity Wedding, named Best Blog for a Cause in OneWed's Best Wedding Blogs 2011 competition!

discount petite wedding gowns 2011 for cheap on sale under $126 charity_wedding_ideas_red_bridal_heels_bridesmaids_shoes

Photo: 12 simple ideas to incorporate charity into your wedding wedding gowns cheap wedding gowns cheap, The Charity Wedding

There are a few short moments after you get engaged of pure happy bliss. And then you start the actual wedding planning... and stress begins to flood your mind. That's how it was for me anyway and why I came to the conclusion that I'd have to tweak the process to successfully plan my wedding. I’ve never enjoyed being the center of attention and while I love weddings, I found myself unable to get excited about all the details when I not only saw the cost of such items but came to the realization that all of this was for one day... just for us.

I truly believe that a wedding should reflect the couple and while some couples chose to do that through flowers, décor, or their attire, we did this by making our wedding about more than just ourselves. We determined that the best way to have the wedding of our dreams would be to help others through the process both by raising awareness and money for various causes. What started as a crazy idea turned into an amazing process that motivated us to give more, introduced us to new non-profit organizations, and opened our eyes to all the ways other couples could give back just by committing to make selections that they would make anyway, that could do more for others.

Incorporating charity into weddings is a relatively new trend and I am excited to be able to share all the ways that you could bring a little good will into your day with little to no sacrifice on your part!

1. Wedding Registries : This is one of the most popular and well known ways to give back. In today’s world many couples already live together, have a house full of things black strapless bridesmaid dress , and really don’t need to register for new toasters and china. Organizations like the I Do Foundation allow you to not only to create charity registries but also to register with common retailers like Target who will donate a portion of any items bought through the I Do Foundation wedding registry, cheap flower girl dresses online cheap flower girl dresses online at no additional expense to your guests.

2. Wedding Vendors : Several vendors donate all or a portion of their proceeds to a charity. While some will make this public, others may not so it might be a good idea to ask wedding vendors when you meet with them. Shoot for Change is photography company that donates their proceeds to charity and over $56,000 has been raised so far. Imagine the impact that is having on non-profits!

3. Attire : Organizations like Brides Against Breast Cancer or dress shops like The Bridal Garden both sell wedding dresses and use part or all of the proceeds to help their respective causes. Grooms can get in on the action too by wearing Tom’ evening dresses fashion ;s Shoes or seeking out companies and organizations that donate to charity- like these ties from Mountain and Sackett that benefit Autism research.

Like these charitable wedding tips? There are 9 more to come! Continue reading the 12 ways to Incorporate Charity into Your Wedding in our Advice section!

white beach wedding dress 2011 for cheap on sale under $132 charitable_wedding_ideas_wedding_planning_tips

Photo: 12 simple ideas to incorporate charity into your wedding strapless bridesmaid dresses , The Charity Wedding

indian wedding dresses wedding dresses 2011 for cheap on sale under $107 charity_wedding_ideas_wedding_reception_wine_cocktails_breast_cancer

Photo: lace ivory wedding dress lace ivory wedding dress 12 simple ideas to incorporate charity into your wedding, The Charity Wedding

dresses 2011 for cheap on sale under $138 French_1411

Photo: 12 simple ideas to incorporate charity into your wedding, formal evening gown The Charity Wedding

dresses for homecoming 2011 for cheap on sale under $147 charity_wedding_ideas_red_bridal_heels_bridesmaids_shoes_bridal_party_white_wedding_dress

Photo affordable bridal gowns affordable bridal gowns: 12 simple ideas to incorporate charity into your wedding, The Charity Wedding