A new study that looked at the “giving back” plans of 1,000 engaged couples in the United States finds that 64% intend to make supporting a charitable cause part of their upcoming wedding celebration.
With 2.5 million weddings expected in the United States in 2022, that amounts to more than 1.5 million weddings, including associated events such as bridal showers and gift registries.
The study was commissioned by the nonprofit organization VOW for Girls, which aims at putting a stop to child marriages around the world.
According to the VOW for Girls CEO Clay Dunn, these results show that with more than $60 billion to be spent on weddings in the U.S. in 2022, couples are realizing that they can use their wedding to have an important impact.
Giving back increasingly forms an integral part of the celebrations
The study also showed that couples also increasingly plan to make charitable giving a part of their guests’ experience as well.
For example, almost two-thirds of participants indicated that they plan to add a “donation” option to their wedding registry, where friends and family would be asked to make a charitable donation instead of a gift to the couple.
And 72% of respondents said they would be more likely to hire a wedding organizer if that company also donates part of its profit to a charitable cause.
Which causes are couples keen on giving back to?
The leading category, with 67%, was in the field of causes and organizations that support women (and girls).
Close behind were causes that focus on education, poverty, and health.
Other popular categories included climate change and animal rights.
How will giving back to the community take place at these weddings?
The study also asked participants how they plan to implement their giving back strategy into their wedding plans.
The most-cited method was to make a donation in honor of their guests.
This was followed by asking guests to make a donation either in addition to, or instead of, a gift.
Another form of helping others is to include items on the registry where part of the sale price goes to a charitable organization.
Likewise, some respondents indicated that they would make their bridal shower into a kind of charitable fundraiser, at least in part.