Tax Write-Offs For Wedding Expenses: What You Can Claim

If you're planning a wedding, you might be wondering if you can write off any of the expenses. Unfortunately, for the most part, the answer is no. However, there are a few ways you may be able to claim a tax deduction. The key to this is to consider which of your wedding expenses can be turned into charitable donations. For example, you could donate your wedding dress to charity, give leftover food to a local shelter, or donate flowers to a local charity or hospice. If your venue is a charitable organisation, you may be able to write off a portion of your expenses as a charitable contribution. It's important to note that there are income requirements and eligibility criteria that must be met to claim these deductions, and it's recommended to consult a tax professional for specific advice.

Donating your wedding dress

Brides Against Breast Cancer:

This nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing early cancer awareness and detection programs while also reducing the environmental impact of wedding dress manufacturing. They accept wedding dresses up to five years old that are in excellent condition, as well as bridal accessories. You can use their donation form, email them, or contact client service to receive shipping instructions.

Adorned in Grace:

Adorned in Grace is a faith-based organization that helps sex trafficking victims and raises awareness in local communities. They accept wedding dresses less than five years old, mother-of-the-bride dresses, flower girl dresses, bridal accessories, and formalwear. You can drop off donations in person or ship them to any of their shop locations.

The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army is a well-known international faith-based nonprofit organization that provides various services, including adult rehabilitation, veteran support, prison ministry work, disaster relief, housing, and hunger relief. They accept clothing, furniture, vehicles, household goods, and appliances. You can find a drop-off location, visit their local thrift stores, or schedule a free pickup.

Brides for a Cause:

Brides for a Cause is a nonprofit bridal store that collects and resells wedding dresses to raise funds for charities supporting women in the military, single mothers, abuse survivors, and more. They accept wedding dresses no more than five years old and bridal accessories. You can mail or drop off your donation at one of their store locations or roadshow events.

Goodwill:

Goodwill is another excellent option for donating your wedding dress. They provide supportive services to help people train for careers and find jobs. Your donation will support their job programs and services, and also help reduce waste. You can find a donation center or local drop-off bin on their website.

Brides Across America:

This nonprofit organization donates wedding dresses and covers the wedding costs of military members and first responders. They accept wedding dresses less than five years old, accessories, engagement rings, and wedding favors. You can fill out and submit their donation form to receive shipping instructions.

In addition to these organizations, you can also look into local charities, community centers, or thrift stores that may accept wedding dress donations. It's always a good idea to contact the organization beforehand to ensure they are accepting donations and to confirm any specific guidelines they may have.

Donating flowers

Donating your wedding flowers to a charitable organisation or cause is a great way to extend their life and bring joy to others. There are many charities that will repurpose your flowers into bedside bouquets for hospitals, hospices, cancer treatment centres, women's shelters, and nursing homes.

Some charities that accept flower donations include:

• Hope Blooms (North Dakota)
• Random Acts of Flowers (multiple locations)
• Flower Angels USA (Massachusetts)
• Petals for Hope (multiple locations)
• Repeat Roses (nationwide)
• Floranthropy (Texas)
• Petals With Purpose (Florida)

You can also donate your flowers to local organisations such as senior living facilities, women's shelters, children's hospitals, and veteran service organisations.

If you're unable to find a place to donate your flowers, or if you prefer to give them to guests, you can also reuse your flowers for a second event, such as a housewarming party or dinner party.

Donating food

Unfortunately, wedding expenses are mostly not tax-deductible. However, there are a few exceptions, and one of them involves donating food. If you anticipate having leftover food at your wedding reception, you can contact a local shelter to see if they would accept the food. Many organizations have strict policies regarding unwrapped food, but with some pre-planning, you can ensure your contribution does not go to waste.

Firstly, it's important to note that you can only claim a tax break on the donated food, not the food consumed by your guests. For example, if you paid $5000 for catering but only donated 10% of the total food, your maximum deduction would be $500.

Secondly, to claim a tax deduction, be sure to keep all original receipts for your purchases and obtain a donation receipt from the charitable organization. Additionally, you should be able to show how you determined the item's fair market value. These documents will be crucial in case you are audited by the IRS.

In Canada, farmers who donate to community food programs may be eligible for a non-refundable tax credit. This credit is equal to 25% of the qualifying donations for the year, and you must claim it in the same year you claim the deduction for charitable gifts.

Venue as a charitable organisation

If your wedding venue is a charitable organisation, it may be possible to write off a portion of your expenses. This is more likely to be possible if your venue is a historical location like a museum, garden or state or national park. In this case, you may be able to deduct what you paid for the venue as a charitable contribution, as long as the fees are for the preservation of the historical location. Many venues will indicate if this is possible when you're making booking arrangements.

If your venue is a church, you may be able to deduct any additional donation you make to the church outside of the fees paid for the service. If you are paying a ceremony fee, the fee itself won't be tax-deductible because it is paid in exchange for receiving a service. However, any additional donation to the church with no expectation of benefit can be deductible. It may be worth increasing your donations for the year to get a double benefit: a tax write-off, and a warm glow from donating to a good cause.

To be able to claim a tax deduction for charitable donations, you have to donate to a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organisation, and typically you have to have enough tax deductions to itemize your deductions. Be sure to document your donations with receipts and contracts, so you’ll have the documents available at tax time. Then you can claim your tax deductions, boost your tax refund, and have extra funds to toast your wedded bliss.

Charitable donations instead of wedding favours

Choose a Cause that is Important to You

Select a charity or organisation that is meaningful to you and your partner. It could be a cause that is local to your community or one that has personally affected you or someone close to you. Make sure the organisation is registered as a charity or non-profit. You can also choose to split your donation between 2-3 different organisations if you're passionate about multiple causes. Avoid controversial or political organisations as these could spark unpleasant conversations during your reception.

Determine the Donation Amount

Most couples spend around $2-3 per guest on wedding favours. However, the amount you donate is completely up to you and your partner.

Skip Using Your Guests' Names on the Donation

While it may be tempting to honour your guests by using their names on the donations, it's important to respect their privacy and avoid putting their identities at risk. Instead, you can donate "in honour of your wedding guests" without providing their personal information.

Inform Your Guests of Your Decision

While you may want to include information about your charitable donation on your wedding invitations, it's generally considered more polite to mention it in your day-of programs, wedding website, or both. This gives you more room to share the story behind why this charity is important to you and how the donation will make a difference.

Prepare for Different Reactions

While most guests will appreciate your charitable gesture, some more traditional guests may not be on board with the idea. Be prepared to explain your choice and openly discuss your decision with guests who may have concerns. Remember, it's your wedding, and ultimately, the decision is up to you and your partner.

Frequently asked questions