Donation Destinations For Unused Wedding Invitations

Wedding planning can be a tricky business, and it's easy to end up with extra wedding invitations. If you're looking for ways to donate your extra invitations, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you could keep the invitations as a memento of your special day. You can frame the invitation, create a wedding scrapbook or photo album, or even make paper flowers for decorative elements. Alternatively, you can repurpose the invitations as thank you cards or use them for other celebrations, such as a bridal shower. If you're looking to donate to a good cause, many wedding charities accept invitation donations to help raise money for their programs. You can also donate to charitable second-hand shops like Goodwill and the Salvation Army, which is a great way to give back and support various causes.

Framing

Choose a Complementary Frame

Select a frame that complements the colours and style of your invitation. You can opt for a simple and elegant frame, such as a brass hanging double glass frame, a floating frame, or a black picture frame. This will allow the invitation to stand out and become a timeless memento.

Add Personal Touches

Make the framed invitation more personal by adding wedding day photos, dried flowers from your bouquet, or any other memorabilia that holds a special meaning for you. For example, you could include a photo of the happy couple, a pressed flower from the wedding bouquet, or even a piece of the ribbon used in the ceremony.

Display it in a Special Spot

Place the framed invitation in a spot in your home where you can always see it. Consider hanging it on a wall in your bedroom, living room, or entryway, where it will serve as a constant reminder of your wedding day and the love you share.

Create a Collage

If you have multiple invitations or other wedding stationery, you can create a collage by framing them together. This can include items such as the save-the-date cards, RSVP cards, or even the wedding programme. Arranging them in a collage frame will create a unique and personalised display.

Gift it to Loved Ones

Framed invitations also make thoughtful gifts for your parents, grandparents, or even your bridal party. They will surely appreciate having a memento of your wedding day to display in their homes. You can also include a personalised note or message to make it even more special.

Mix and Match Frames

For a more eclectic look, mix and match different frames and display them together. This can create a unique gallery wall or a cohesive display on a shelf or mantel. You can use various frame styles, sizes, and colours to showcase not only the invitations but also the diversity of your taste and style.

Wedding scrapbook/photo album

Wedding scrapbooks and photo albums are a great way to preserve your special day and create a timeless memento. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Choosing a Scrapbook or Album

First, decide on the type of scrapbook or album you want to create. You can find a variety of options online, such as on Etsy, or in craft stores. Consider the size of the album, whether you want a simple or more decorative design, and if you prefer a bound book or a ring binder. You can also choose between blank pages or self-adhesive pages for ease of use.

Collecting Materials

Gather your extra wedding invitations and any other memorabilia you want to include, such as wedding day photos, dried flowers from your bouquet, or other items that hold meaning for you. If you don't have extra invitations, you can always use parts of the one you received and cut out pieces to use as embellishments or backgrounds.

Designing the Layout

Start by choosing a colour scheme and overall design for your scrapbook or photo album. You can create a cohesive look by using complementary colours and styles that match your wedding theme or personal taste. Decide on the order of the pages and plan out where you want to place your photos and other memorabilia.

Adding Personal Touches

Include personal touches that reflect your style and personality. You can add handwritten notes, use decorative stickers or stamps, or incorporate other craft materials such as ribbons, lace, or buttons. Get creative and use items that hold special meaning for you as a couple.

Filling the Pages

Begin assembling your scrapbook or photo album by carefully mounting your photos and memorabilia onto the pages. Use acid-free adhesive to protect your items and ensure they last for years to come. Add any journaling or captions to describe the memories and tell the story of your wedding day.

Displaying Your Creation

Finally, decide where you want to display your finished creation. You can choose a special spot in your home, such as a bookshelf or coffee table, where you can easily access it and share it with family and friends. Your wedding scrapbook or photo album will become a cherished keepsake that you can look back on for years to come.

Donate to a wedding charity

Donating your extra wedding invitations to a wedding charity is a meaningful way to give back and support a cause that is important to you. Many charities accept donations of wedding invitations to help raise money for their programs and services. By donating your extra invitations, you can help a charity that supports a cause close to your heart.

When choosing a charity to donate to, consider selecting an organization that aligns with your values and passions. For example, if you or a loved one has been affected by heart disease or breast cancer, you may want to choose an organization that supports research or patient care in those areas. Alternatively, if you're passionate about social justice or helping those in need, you can look for charities that align with those causes.

There are a few ways to find charities that accept wedding invitation donations. One way is to simply search online for "wedding invitation donation charities." This will bring up a list of organizations that you can research and choose from. Another way is to reach out to local charities and ask if they accept such donations. You can also ask other married couples where they donated their extra invitations for recommendations.

Once you've found a charity that resonates with you, simply contact them to arrange the donation. They may have specific instructions or requirements for the donations, so be sure to follow their guidelines. Don't forget to ask for a donation receipt for your tax records if you plan to claim a deduction for your charitable contribution.

Donating your extra wedding invitations to a charity is a wonderful way to spread joy and make a positive impact on your special day. Not only will you be helping a worthy cause, but you'll also be reducing waste and giving your invitations a new purpose. So, if you find yourself with extra invitations, consider sharing the love and giving back through donation.

Thank you cards

If you have extra wedding invitations on hand, you can repurpose them as thank-you cards. This can be a great way to save time and money, and it also provides your guests with a unique memento. Here are some ideas for how to transform your extra wedding invitations into thoughtful thank-you cards:

Design and Wording

If your invitations have a blank space, you can personalise them with a different message of gratitude. You could also use the existing design and add a simple "Thank You" along with a heartfelt note. If you want to get creative, consider embellishing the cards with decorations, dried flowers, or other meaningful memorabilia.

Framing

You can turn your thank-you cards into framed keepsakes for your guests. Choose a frame that complements the colours and style of your invitation. You could even add wedding day photos or other decorative elements to make it more personalised. This way, your guests can display their thank-you cards as a constant reminder of your special day.

Bookmarks

For book lovers, you can turn the extra invitations into bookmarks. Laminate the invitation or a part of it to protect it from wear and tear. These bookmarks can be as simple or as embellished as you like. You could even add tassels or ribbons to make them more decorative.

Time Capsule

Create a time capsule that includes one of your extra wedding invitations along with other mementos, such as wedding favours, a copy of your vows, and a few wedding photos. Choose a future date to open it, such as a significant wedding anniversary. This way, your thank-you card becomes a lasting reminder of your wedding day and the memories created.

Donation

If you prefer, you can donate your extra wedding invitations to a charity that supports a cause close to your heart. Many wedding charities accept these donations to help raise funds for their programs and services. This option allows you to give back and support a meaningful cause while also showing gratitude to your guests.

Repurposing extra wedding invitations as thank-you cards is a creative and meaningful way to express your appreciation to your guests while also making the most of your wedding stationery.

Keepsake collage

Wedding invitations are often beautifully designed and can hold a lot of meaning for the couple. They can be turned into keepsakes in many creative ways, serving as a reminder of the special day. Here is a detailed guide on how to create a keepsake collage using your extra wedding invitations:

Planning the Collage:

• Decide on a theme or colour scheme: Choose a theme that reflects your wedding style or colour scheme. This will help create a cohesive look for your collage.
• Select a background: Consider using a piece of cardstock, fabric, or wood as the base for your collage. The background should complement the invitations and any other elements you plan to include.
• Gather your materials: In addition to the extra wedding invitations, decide on other items you may want to include in the collage. This could be photos, dried flowers from your bouquet, memorabilia, or any other meaningful items.

Creating the Collage:

• Cut and arrange the invitations: Play around with the layout by cutting and arranging the invitations in different ways. You can cut out specific designs, text, or patterns from the invitations to create a visually appealing composition.
• Add personal touches: Include other elements that hold a special meaning for you. For example, you could add pressed flowers, a photo of the happy couple, or even a copy of your vows.
• Use adhesive: Attach the invitations and other elements to the background using a suitable adhesive. Be careful not to use too much glue or tape, as you don't want it to seep through the paper.
• Embellish with decorations: Consider adding extra decorations such as ribbons, lace, or glitter to enhance the visual appeal of the collage.

Framing and Displaying the Collage:

• Choose a frame: Select a frame that complements the colour and style of your invitations and collage. Consider the size of your collage and opt for a frame that will showcase it effectively.
• Add a background: If your frame is larger than the collage, consider adding a coloured background or patterned paper to enhance the visual impact.
• Clean the frame and glass: Ensure the frame and glass are clean and free of dust or fingerprints before placing your collage inside.
• Secure the collage: Place the collage inside the frame, ensuring it is centred and secure. Depending on the frame, you may need to use screws, turn buttons, or adhesive to keep the collage in place.
• Find the perfect spot: Hang your framed collage in a special place in your home, such as your bedroom or hallway, where it will serve as a constant reminder of your wedding day.

Creating a keepsake collage is a wonderful way to preserve your wedding memories and showcase your creativity. It allows you to transform your extra wedding invitations into a meaningful work of art that you can cherish for years to come.

Frequently asked questions