Fancy giving something back on your big day? Four couples tell us the story behind their favours
Words by Sarah Gillespie
Nicola & Alan Wagstaff
When and where Nicola and Alan married on Friday 13th June 2014 at Airth Castle. It sure wasn’t unlucky for them – they had their first date and proposal on previous Friday the 13ths!
The favours The couple chose Scottish SPCA pin favours as Louise is a big animal lover. “I have two labradors myself, so when I saw the labrador pin on the charity’s website, I knew it had to be my favour!”
Seal of approval “My friends and family know how much I adore animals, so they understood straight away why I’d chosen the SSPCA. So many guests – women, especially – thought it was a lovely idea that the proceeds went to helping animals in Scotland.”
Words of wisdom “There are so many positives about our decision – every charity needs as much help as it can get, and if it’s a cause that’s close to your heart then even better. It’s great for the guests too as they get a memento of your wedding day – a lottery ticket or sweetie will only last a few days, whereas a charity pin you can wear forever.”
Scottish SPCA, www.scottishspca.org
Jan & James Harding
When and where Jan and James’s special day was 31st August 2013 at Bush House, followed by a reception at Penicuik Town Hall.
The favours The couple chose Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland pin badges and personalised the backing card provided by the charity. “We chose CHSS as both sides of our family have been affected by these illnesses, including my gran, who thankfully had time to recover before our wedding, which made our day. We hope that our donation helps the charity to continue doing its amazing work.”
Seal of approval Jan was pleased by the warm reception the favours received. “Lots of guests commented that it was a really unusual favour and a lovely gesture.”
Words of wisdom “I would really recommend charity favours. It’s a unique way to thank your guests. And if you choose a charity close to you or your family’s hearts, it brings extra meaning to your special day.”
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, 0131 225 6963, www.chss.org.uk
Joanne & Brian Duncan
When and where The couple got hitched on 29th June 2014 at Lodge on Loch Lomond.
The favours Joanne and Brian chose Yorkhill Children’s Charity pin badges and coloured wrist bands for kids’ favours – and also left a few donation cans at the bar (wise idea!). “Brian’s youngest daughter Chloe had been a regular attendee at Yorkhill until a couple of years ago, and they always had something on to make a difficult time much easier to bear.”
Seal of approval “The badges went down a treat, with most guests pinning them on to their outfits straight away. They were also very generous with their donations and commented on what a lovely touch it was to the day.”
Words of wisdom “Everyone has a charity that it special to them for one reason or another and it’s a great way to acknowledge a loved one who sadly can’t be there on your special day.”
Yorkhill Children’s Charity, 0141 201 6917, www.yorkhill.org
Eileen & Hugh Scouller
When and where Eileen and Hugh tied the knot in St Clements Church on Harris, with her minister dad walking her down the aisle and then nipping round to take the service!
The favours Eileen has worked with the Children 1st charity for 15 years, so is well aware of the work being done to ensure every child in Scotland has a happy, safe and secure childhood. “We were conscious that so many wedding items are only used once, so by giving out pin badges we felt we could balance some of our spending with a more meaningful gesture.”
Seal of approval Eileen was delighted to see the favours put to good use. “I recently met up with some friends and noticed they were still wearing their badges, which was lovely to see.”
Words of wisdom “By choosing charity favours you are not only giving money to the good cause of your choice, but raising awareness for the work they do, which is a double benefit.”
Children 1st, 0131 446 2300, www.children1st.org.uk