The holiday season, like wedding planning, is not a time most of us think of as slow down time. That hectic pace, the myriad details, the last minute changes, those wonderfully crazy things wrapped up in ribbons, all add up to joyful holiday madness. This is also the time of year that many consider the “Giving Season.”

In the spirit of that season, we direct you to the website for I Do Foundation (http://www.idofoundation.org/). In their own words, they link “engaged couples with a host of charitable giving options at their wedding.” They partner with companies to raise donations via donation registry for the couple’s charity of choice or gift registry for a percentage to be donated to charitable causes. Some partner stores include: Tiffany & Co., Crate & Barrel, JC Penney, Target, and others. See their website for a list of partnered companies and their percentages. They also have tips on wedding dress donations and ideas for those “leftovers” such as food and flowers!

If you aren’t inclined to donate through larger organizations or on a monetary level, your local charities may be seeking volunteers or donations as well. Add a “To Do” note in your wedding planning for giving from the heart. What a wonderful way to count your blessings in your new life together.