Claiming Wedding Expenses: What You Can Deduct

Planning a wedding can be expensive, and costs can quickly add up. While you can't claim all wedding expenses, there are some ways to get tax deductions on your big day. These include charitable donations, such as donating your wedding dress, flowers, and leftover food to eligible organisations. If your wedding venue is a charitable organisation, you may also be able to claim a tax deduction on the fees. In this article, we will explore the different ways you can save money on your wedding through tax deductions and provide tips on how to keep track of your wedding-related purchases for tax purposes.

Donate your wedding dress to charity

While weddings are generally not tax-deductible, there are some ways to garner a tax deduction when planning your wedding. One way to do this is to donate your wedding dress to a charitable organisation, which will either pass on the dress to a bride in need or resell it to raise funds for a cause.

There are several organisations that accept wedding dress donations, including:

• Brides Against Breast Cancer: This organisation resells donated wedding dresses to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and early detection.
• Brides for a Cause: This nonprofit organisation collects and resells wedding dresses to support local and national women-focused charities. They accept wedding dresses up to five years old, as well as bridal accessories and special occasion dresses.
• Brides Across America: This nonprofit provides free wedding dresses to military and first responder brides at Operation Wedding Gown events twice a year. They accept items that are less than four years old and in wearable condition.
• Adorned in Grace: This organisation resells donated wedding gowns and accessories, with all proceeds going towards preventing sex trafficking and helping victims.
• Forever Angels of Virginia: This organisation turns donated wedding dresses into free infant gowns for babies who have passed away in the NICU.

You can also donate your wedding dress to a local Goodwill or Salvation Army store.

When donating your wedding dress, be sure to fill out any necessary donation forms and include them with your donation. Some organisations may also request a monetary donation to help cover the cost of reselling your dress, but this is usually optional. Keep in mind that you may be able to claim a tax deduction for your donation, so be sure to talk to a tax professional or visit the IRS website to determine the value of your donation.

Donate leftover food to a local shelter

While weddings are often expensive, they are not tax-deductible. However, there are some ways to garner a tax deduction through careful planning. One way to do this is to donate your leftover wedding food to a local shelter.

Donating perishable food can be tricky as most homeless shelters and food banks only accept new and pre-packaged food. This is because perishable food can be difficult to regulate and guarantee its safety. Most wedding venues will not donate your leftovers because of the liability involved. In the unlikely event that your venue or caterer releases themselves from the liability, you will then be liable. Therefore, it is important to do your research and contact your local shelter to check their donation policies. Ask about the liability issue and if they have a contract that you can both sign, assigning responsibility for food safety to them and not you. You may also want to check with your caterer, as they may already have a donation plan in place. In addition, check your local laws about the safety and viability of your plan.

Some shelters will accept leftovers from parties and corporate events, so do some internet searching to find out which ones will be closest to your wedding venue. In addition to homeless shelters and food banks, there are other places that might appreciate your leftovers, such as your local fire station, EMT volunteers, or animal shelters with overnight volunteers. You can even ask your caterer/venue to give any leftovers to the staff working at your wedding as a staff meal.

Thanks to the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, you may be able to donate the leftovers. Ask your caterer to package the leftovers, and then you or a designated person from your wedding party can drop them off at an IRS-recognized non-profit organization that feeds others in need. The organization will give you a donation letter that you can use as proof of charitable contribution. Unless the food is in its original condition, it should be valued at less than the full retail price.

Donate flowers to a local charity

Donating your wedding flowers to a local charity is a great way to spread the love and joy from your special day to those in need. There are several organisations that will come to your wedding venue after the event and collect your flowers to create new arrangements for people in hospitals, hospices, cancer treatment centres, women's shelters, and nursing homes.

• Repeat Roses (nationwide)
• Random Acts of Flowers (several locations)
• Petals With Purpose (Florida-based)
• Floranthropy (Texas-based)
• Flower Angels USA (Massachusetts-based)
• Hope Blooms (North Dakota-based)
• Petals for Hope (available in most US states)
• Bouquets of Kindness (Florida-based)

These organisations will often send you a photo of their arrangements, so you can see the joy your flowers brought to others. Plus, your wedding flower donation is usually tax-deductible!

If you're unable to find a suitable organisation in your area, you could also consider donating your flowers to a local women's shelter, children's hospital, or nursing home directly.

Donate decorations to local thrift shops or charities

Donating your wedding decorations to local thrift shops or charities is a great way to give back to your community and support a good cause. Here are some tips and suggestions to make the most of your donation:

Benefits of Donating

Donating your wedding decorations can have several benefits. Firstly, it supports brides and communities in need. Many individuals are looking for affordable wedding supplies, and your donations can help provide them with the items they need. Secondly, donating helps to declutter your space. If you don't plan on using the decorations again, donating them ensures they don't take up valuable space in your home. Lastly, donating is environmentally friendly. By giving your decorations a second life, you reduce waste and lower your carbon footprint.

What to Donate

There are various wedding decorations that you can donate to thrift shops or charities. Candles, linens, centrepieces, and other decor items are often accepted by organisations like Goodwill or other charity stores. You can also donate any leftover flowers to local nursing homes or assisted care facilities, bringing joy to others while reducing waste.

Where to Donate

When deciding where to donate your wedding decorations, consider local thrift stores, charities, and community centres. Organisations like Goodwill and The Salvation Army are great options, as they turn donations into jobs, community programs, and more. You can also look for charities that hold a special meaning for you, such as those supporting veterans, cancer research, disaster relief, or human rights. Additionally, consider donating to organisations dedicated to helping brides in need, such as Brides for a Cause, which collects and resells wedding items to support women-focused charities.

Preparing Your Donations

Before donating, it's essential to prepare your wedding decorations. Contact the organisation in advance to understand their specific needs and donation protocols. Most charities and thrift shops have guidelines regarding the age and condition of the items they accept. Ensure your donations are in good condition and, if necessary, wash or dry clean them before dropping them off. It's also helpful to organise your donations by assembling items by type and size, and labelling containers accordingly.

Donate money to the church above the suggested fee

When it comes to claiming wedding expenses, it's important to understand that weddings are generally not tax-deductible. However, with careful planning, there are certain strategies you can use to garner tax deductions while preparing for your big day. One such strategy involves donating money to the church above the suggested fee.

If you're planning a church wedding, it's common for there to be a suggested donation or ceremony fee requested by the church. This fee typically covers the cost of using the church facilities and compensating the priest or officiant for their time. While this fee itself is not tax-deductible, any additional donation you make to the church beyond this suggested amount can be claimed as a tax deduction. This is because the fee itself is considered a payment in exchange for receiving a service, whereas an extra donation is a charitable contribution with no expectation of benefit.

The amount you might consider donating above the suggested fee can vary depending on your budget and the specific circumstances of your wedding. Some factors to consider include the time spent by the priest in preparing for your ceremony, whether you receive premarital counseling, and any additional services provided by the church. It's worth noting that different churches may have different policies and denominations, so the donation amount can range from $100 to $500 or more.

When donating above the suggested fee, it's important to ensure that your contribution is truly an additional donation and not just an increased fee for services. To do this, you can specify that the extra amount is a charitable contribution with no expectation of benefit. Additionally, make sure to obtain a receipt or acknowledgement letter from the church stating that your payment is a charitable donation. This documentation will be crucial when it comes time to claim your tax deductions.

By donating money to the church above the suggested fee, you not only support the church and its community but also receive a tax benefit. This strategy can be particularly advantageous if you combine it with other tax-deductible wedding strategies, such as donating flowers, food, or your wedding gown to charitable organizations. Remember to carefully document all your donations and expenses to maximize your tax deductions and boost your tax refund.

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