In honor of our beloved tax day, I thought I would share some possible wedding planning write-offs that I have read about over the years.  Before you include any of these recommendations on your tax forms, please run this by your tax accountant first.

The Wedding Venue — If you hold your wedding or reception in a museum or public-owned park or historic house, it is typically a tax deduction.  Why?  Many museums and historic homes are owned by non-profit organizations, so the rental fees benefit the upkeep of the museum and often considered a donation (aka tax deduction).  Check with the venue before you sign on the dotted line.

Wedding Gown — Consider donating your wedding gown to a charity after your special day.  A charity, such as Brides Against Breast Cancer welcomes the donations of contemporary gown styles, slips and veils dating from the year 2000 until now. You will be happy to know that each gown that arrives at most of these organizations is carefully prepared for sale to brides on very limited budgets.  Fortunately for you, your wedding gown donation is tax deductible.

Wedding Guest Favors — Instead of giving wedding favors to your guests, consider making a donation in their name to your favorite charity.  Many charities, such as Truffles for a Cause, allows you to make a donation to a cause and give a traditional wedding favor at the same time.

Bridal Party Gifts — If your bridesmaids are like me, they have more stuff than they know what to do with.  There is a web site called, Changing the Present.  This web site connects you with more than 1,500 meaningful gifts that are created to help improve the world that we live in.  I wrote quite a bit about this site last earth day— In addition to setting up a wedding registry, you can give wedding favors that help reduce your carbon footprint.

Wedding Flowers — When your wedding day has come to an end, ask a trusted family member to take your flowers to a local nursing home.  They can use the flowers to decorate the community room, the lunch room and even some of the guest rooms.  You will be surprised to find that this incredibly thoughtful act is a tax deduction.

Happy Tax Day!

Love & Soul Always, Kawania