Funny thing about being the bride-to-be ... it seems like the whole world revolves around you and your pending trip down the aisle. Yet, the socially conscious, consumer-savvy, politically engaged, globally aware woman you are maintains that the rest of the world still has "issues" requiring attention regardless of whether or not you say "I do." These people — family and friends — are spending so much energy on your big day, and they're taking their cues from you; use this for a greater good. Why not turn your wedding celebration into a group gesture of good will toward your favorite charity, your own community or even another couple just starting out who might have it a little harder than you do.
"Sounds good!" you say. "But how?"
Take heart, fair fiancée. The options are as endless as your reception menu choices, and the rewards as great as a completed registry checklist! Follow these simple steps to turn your nuptials into a nod toward generosity and human compassion.
 
Decide what charity or group you want to help.  It's always easier bringing people together for a cause if you have a target in mind. Is there a charity or non-profit group that tackles issues close to you and your hubby-to-be's heartstrings? Or maybe you've been involved in a philanthropic activity in the past, and it just makes sense to return there. Not only will this be an exercise that will turn into something amazing for someone else, but it's a perfect opportunity for you and your fiancé to really explore some deep issues together. What makes you passionate? What makes you mad? These are the hot-button issues that will inevitably come up during your married years. Lay them out ahead of time. You'll become a team in the fight against anything, and there's nothing more romantic than identifying with each other on the most basic level of human compassion. Think of it as the "how does he treat his mother?" test, only amplified.

Plan pre-wedding activities to generate excitement for your cause. One of the biggest details of your wedding planning is getting the word out. From your engagement announcements to the "save the dates" to your shower and wedding invitations, nuptials are an exercise in communication to everyone you've ever known (or to at least everyone in your mom's little black book of countless cousins whose names you may or may not remember!). So take advantage of it. 
In your engagement announcements or shower invitations, include a statement about your charitable giving. Something to the effect of, "15 percent of all monetary gifts will be given to XYZ organization in celebration of our marriage." Or, "In lieu of gifts from our registry, please send a gift of clothes or food to the nearest soup kitchen/Salvation Army/whatever-other-organization-could-benefit-from-something-tangible."
In addition to giving directives about your philanthropic intentions, educate your guests about your chosen cause. Include a statement or statistic on your invitations or wedding website that grabs attention and plucks chords of compassion. Trust your own ability to start a trend of goodwill among the people who know and love you the most.
Finally, think of pre-wedding activities that shift the focus off of you and direct it toward people in need. Plan your bachelorette party at a Habitat for Humanity build. Nothing builds friendship like hard work, sweat and a healthy dose of good humor at your not-so-handy carpentry skills! Or, instead of a rehearsal dinner, invite your wedding party and family to volunteer at a soup kitchen for the night. There are countless ways for you to generate excitement for a cause close to your heart.
On the Big Day ... Relax. Don't think I'm suggesting you turn your wedding day into a fundraiser. However, there are subtle, easy, stress-free ways to make your big day a big drop in the well of generosity. Insert a fact sheet about your cause in the wedding programs. At the reception, next to your gift table, set up a small, inconspicuous box/jar/chicken bucket for donations. During your toasts and thank you's, share information about the causes and groups that are a part of you. Trust me, if your guests resonate with the fact that you are genuinely passionate about your cause or charity of choice, they will be more likely to come on board with your philanthropic nature and generous spirit.
Remember, a marriage and wedding are all about celebrating love — love between you and yours … between your family… and love that needs to be shared more abundantly between all of us here on good ol' Mother Earth. As a bride-to-be, you have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be the center of attention and get your loved ones excited about the things that excite you. Indulge! Remember: change happens when action and compassion combine. As you and your love join lives and become a single unit, be empowered by your capacity to ignite real change! And remember… if you can get your fiancé and all of his former frat brothers in suits, ties and uncomfortable shoes, you can do anything!