Don't mean to be a "Debbie Downer," but ... with all woes of our world -- hurricanes, tsunamis, natural catastrophes, and just the general heartbreak of our times – our donated dollars can go a long way!

Bethany Robertson, Executive director of the I Do Foundation, recently told me that about 10% of all engaged couples nationally are now choosing to give back as a part of their wedding celebrations.

“Couples are finding that sharing their weddings with charity is a great way to personalize their events and add even more meaning to their special day,” she said.

Here are some ways the I Do Foundation can help you celebrate your love… and help a good cause. (Full disclosure, I am on the Board of Advisors of I Do because I believe strongly in their cause).

Bethany Robertson provides this a basic summary of I Do services, which can all be accessed at www.Idofoundation.org :

With all of the I Do Foundation’s services, a couple’s first step after creating an account at www.idofoundation.org is to choose which charity or charities they would like to support through their wedding. Couples can choose from the I Do Foundation’s suggested organizations, or pick a charity of their own. By selecting a charity that is meaningful to them, couples can add a unique and personal touch to their celebration.

1) Favors for charity: Through this service, couples decide how much they would like to donate on behalf of their guests. Then, they can select from a variety of card options which can be left at each place setting. The favor cards are a great way to thank guests, and inform them of the donation that’s been made in their names.

2) Direct Giving: Through the I Do Foundation’s Charity Registry, couples can suggest that their guests give directly to charity in lieu of more traditional wedding gifts. After couples set up their Charity Registry through their I Do Foundation account, it’s easy for guests to give either online or by check.

3) Gift Registries that Give Back: Through this program, couples come to the I Do Foundation and indicate the partner stores at which they’d like to register. Couples can choose gifts either in store or online. For some stores, like Linens ‘N Things, registry purchases both in store and online generate donations for charities. For other stores, purchases must originate online through www.idofoundation.org. Current partners include: Macys, REI, Linens ‘N Things, Home Depot, REI, Mikasa, Cooking.com and Amazon.

Check them out at www.Idofoundation.org.

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway is an interfaith and non-denominational wedding officiant and wedding columnist. She creates unique ceremonies for couples of all backgrounds and faiths, and is also widely recognized as a bridal stress expert. She is author of WEDDING GODDESS: A Divine Guide To Transforming Wedding Stress into Wedding Bliss (Perigee Books, May 2005). Visit Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway at WeddingGoddess.com.