Why Your Wedding Choices Matter
Every dollar you spend while planning your wedding is a reflection of what matters most to you. From the vendors you hire to the gifts you give, your purchasing decisions have the power to support sustainability, ethical labor practices, and charitable initiatives.
If you’re looking to align your wedding shopping with your values, consider prioritizing B Corporations, charitable organizations, and brands that give back. This guide will help you discover the best ethical wedding gifts for your bridal party, guests, and loved ones.
What Are B Corporations & Why Should Couples Support Them?
Certified B Corporations (B Corps) are businesses that meet the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. They go beyond profit, ensuring their operations positively impact workers, communities, and the planet. Choosing to support B Corps means you’re investing in companies that prioritize fair wages, sustainable sourcing, and philanthropy—values that many couples wish to integrate into their wedding plans.
Best B Corporations & Ethical Brands for Wedding & Bridal Party Gifts
If you want your wedding gifts to have a deeper impact, consider shopping from these B Corps and mission-driven brands:
- Uncommon Goods
A marketplace of unique, handcrafted gifts made by independent artisans, Uncommon Goods prioritizes sustainability and donates a portion of proceeds to nonprofit partners. - The Little Market
A fair-trade nonprofit shop offering home goods and gifts handmade by women artisans around the world, helping to support economic empowerment. - Patagonia
A pioneer in ethical fashion and outdoor gear, Patagonia reinvests profits into environmental conservation and activism. - Parker Clay
This ethical leather goods brand creates beautiful bags and accessories while providing fair-wage jobs and skills training to artisans in Ethiopia. - Bombas
Known for their ultra-comfy socks and apparel, Bombas donates an item to someone in need for every purchase made.
For more inspiration, check out our eco-friendly wedding gift guide.
Charitable Organizations That Offer Ethical Wedding Gifts
For couples who want their wedding gifts to make a difference, consider supporting charitable organizations that provide thoughtful and impactful alternatives to traditional presents:
- Vow for Girls
A global initiative dedicated to ending child marriage and supporting girls’ education. Donations and partnerships with Vow for Girls help fund programs that empower young women with resources, education, and opportunities for a brighter future. - Heifer International Gift Registry
Instead of a physical gift, give a donation that helps provide livestock, training, and resources to families in need around the world. - Kiva Gift Cards
Your guests can fund micro-loans to entrepreneurs in underserved communities, empowering them to build sustainable businesses. - St. Jude Gift Shop
Purchase gifts that support children battling cancer, with proceeds going directly to St. Jude’s lifesaving research and treatment programs.
For more ways to incorporate giving into your wedding, explore ways to give back through your wedding.
How to Find Ethical Wedding Gifts
Not sure where to start? Here are a few simple ways to ensure your wedding gifts align with your values:
Register with ethical and small-business-friendly platforms.
Wedding registries like Spennie and The Little Market allow couples to support ethical brands, small businesses, and sustainable product makers when building their wedding wish lists. Choosing a registry that aligns with your values ensures that your gifts have a positive impact beyond your big day.
Look for ethical certifications.
Seek out brands with Fair Trade Certified, Certified B Corp, or 1% for the Planet designations. Here’s how you can identify some good options:
Shop second-hand or local.
Seek out eco-friendly wedding options such as vintage, thrifted, or locally made items reduce environmental impact and support small businesses. Platforms like Etsy offer a curated selection of handmade and vintage gifts from artisans worldwide, making it easier to shop ethically while discovering one-of-a-kind wedding gifts.
Prioritize experiences over things.
Consider giving meaningful experiences like a spa day, wine tasting, or concert tickets instead of material gifts. Platforms like Tinggly and Honeyfund allow couples to receive experience-based gifts, from travel adventures to romantic getaways, ensuring lasting memories beyond their wedding day.
Donate in honor of your guests.
A charitable donation on behalf of your bridal party or loved ones is a beautiful way to celebrate your big day while making an impact. Our partners at Vow for Girls work tirelessly to end child marriage, and they offer gifting and registry donation options so couples can support this important cause as part of their wedding celebration.
Making a Difference with Your Wedding Choices
Your wedding is a celebration of love, but it’s also an opportunity to shape the world in ways that reflect your values. By choosing ethical wedding gifts, supporting sustainable brands, and incorporating charitable giving, you can make a lasting impact far beyond your wedding day.
For even more ways to keep your big day sustainable, explore our comprehensive guide to eco-friendly wedding planning.
Savvy isn’t just about saving money—it’s about making smart, intentional choices. And what could be savvier than using your wedding to spread love and generosity?
Stay savvy and shop with purpose!
