What do you think of these as favors...THANKS!

---

Posted by mccarm

---

Posted by Beth1210

why not just do a donation?

---

Someone from the not-for profit world should pipe in here if I'm totally off base but...

It seems to me that this sort of charity is more sustainable than a standard donation. Once the money is sent, it is routed and administered and applied where the folks that run the charity think it will do the most good. This is GREAT, but with these type of 'fair trade' items, the people who are making and selling their crafts are working together with the NGO(non governmental organization)/charity to create a sustainable improvement in their standard of living.

In short, it seems more like teaching to fish instead of giving fish. Then again that is just my opinion...

---

I agree- just do it then!!!

I think they are cool!
I love the reasoning behind it and hope you include the message. Plus, if they are used as ornaments, the holidays really aren't THAT far away. I already see X-mas stuff!

Good luck!

I love the idea of fair trade and I do buy things sometimes knowing that they are fair trade products. However, I think what I would ask myself is this: Is it more important to me to spend my money where I know it is being put to good use, even if the favor won't be used, or is it more important to get a favor most people will use or like? If the first reason is more important to you, get the favors, but honestly, I am not sure how many people would use them. I also think that since this is unique, it would educate people about free trade and if that is something that represents you and your ideals as a couple, then go for it!

At the risk of getting flamed for this, I also think in a way, that no matter what favor you get some people are going to throw them away. At least if you get these, you know the more of the money you laid out for them is going to fair wages for those who make them. For me personally, if I didn't think people would use them, I would probably just make a donation to a good cause, but I understand the reasons you stated earlier for going this route

---

Posted by Beth1210

I love the concept

but I doubt I would use the favor- sorry

---

I have to agree.

uhhhh...honestly i wouldn't know what to think if i received these as favors.

---

Posted by mccarm

What would you think about getting these as favors? It would be one ornament in a pouch per person. Also in the pouch would be info about the fair trade artisans that made them. The big thing I like about going 'fair trade' with the favors is that most of the $$ paid goes right to the person who made them. These are people, mostly women, of very little means who are using skills to earn money to provide for their children.

Here is a link with info on what fair trade is... Link

---

This is so off topic but How long in advance did you know you wanted to be married at VM? I wanna be a VM Bride too it's just so hard ith their Iyr Policy.... Did you get the date you wanted?

Thank all you brides for all your opinions! Honesty is important and helpful!!

I'm going to look around to see if I can find something that people might be more inclined to use but I'm definitely going to stick with the 'free trade' angle. With these as a backup, I still feel pretty good about it....


Thanks!!!

I love the idea and the fact that you are so passionate about it. It puts your personal touch with it. Honestly, I never used any of the favors I received. Either they aren't for me or they are too cheap to hold up.

I think the favor is simply a gesture to your guests that you thought of giving them a little something- and you are- a little eye opening. Weddings can get so crazy and commercial and people keep doing the same things over and over.

I tried to be unique with a student string trio from Juliard, guess what? A wedding I'm going to in Nov is not only in my room in my hall but they want student musicians also (purely coincidence). This is the best way to make your wedding YOURS. I love LI and there is nothing else like it but the 'sameness' and show people like to put on gets tired. I'm not trying to offend, I appreciate ANY guesture given to me at a wedding but I'd truly like the thought behind this- and it's better than a donation bc you show your guests something for it!

I think it is a great favor idea! Most of what people choose as favors is essentially put in a drawer after a weddnig, but these will have some lasting value to the person you are supporting. I think they are really nice..who doesn't need ornaments for their christmas tree or for a window in their home?

I just looked through the website and they have great silk scarves that look nicer then pashminas and are sooo reasonably priced $40. I know some of the brides here were looking for these to give to their bridesamids.

Amy