While most people link socially responsible weddings with the environment, one of their main tenets is that they also take caring for humanity into account, choosing products that are fair trade and not produced in sweatshops. Here are some practical ways you can make sure that your event is socially conscious and promotes human rights:
1) Instead of giving your guests favors that will be thrown away, donate that portion of your budget to your favorite charitable organization. Place a certificate at each place setting or table, letting your guests know that a donation has been made in their name. The certificate in the photo above notes a donation made to Thirst Relief International, an organization committed to providing clean drinking water systems to developing countries.
2) Using locally grown, organic flowers ensures that your floral products aren't coming from sweatshop-like farms overseas. If your florist is having flowers ordered from other areas, ask to see the wholesaler's policies on fair trade and labor laws.
3) Have your caterer arrange to donate any leftover food from your reception to a local shelter. Make sure to check the laws in your state on this, as some no longer allow it.
4) Register for gifts through organizations like the I Do Foundation and up to 8% of all purchases will be donated to your selected charity at no additional cost to your guests. Williams-Sonoma, Crate and Barrel, Target, REI and several other stores are all participants in this program.
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