Weddings are often seen as a chance to celebrate love with family and friends, but some couples are taking it a step further — by giving back. Instead of asking for traditional gifts, they’re using their big day to support causes close to their hearts.

Take Thouraya and Dr. Yazeed Kesbeh, for example. The couple, both of Palestinian descent, decided to scale back their February 3 wedding. Rather than splurging on an extravagant celebration, they donated a large portion of their wedding budget to Thouraya’s family in Gaza. “It felt like the right thing to do,” said Thouraya.

Then there’s Amelia and Sharbel Maalouf, who tied the knot on May 11 in Northbrook, Illinois. Amelia’s mother, Pamela Pinkowski, had been battling multiple myeloma but was determined to attend the wedding. Sadly, she passed away just weeks after the ceremony. To honor her memory, the couple skipped traditional party favors and instead made donations in their guests’ names to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. “It was our way of saying thank you to my mom for everything she did,” Amelia shared.

This trend isn’t just about personal stories — it’s becoming a broader movement. Wedding planners like Noha Tarabain of Roselite Events in Edmonton, Alberta, are encouraging couples to add a philanthropic twist to their celebrations. “Weddings cost a lot, and many people want to use that opportunity to help others who are struggling,” she explained.

Whether it’s supporting families in need or funding medical research, these couples are proving that love can make a difference — not just for them, but for the world.