With the arrival of spring comes the height of the wedding season. Congratulations to all the engaged couples of the year! We understand that you want this day to go off without a hitch because of how important it is to you. There is a cost associated with attaining perfection. The average cost of a wedding in the United States is $30,000. Given the magnitude of this outlay, you may be wondering, “Are wedding expenses tax deductible?” Unfortunately, the answer is usually not. However, there are a few opportunities where you might be eligible for a tax write-off.
Legally Deductible Wedding Costs
Wedding costs can really add up, especially when you factor in things like food, flowers, and the dress for the bride. A portion of the money you spend on these things is tax deductible, but not the whole amount.
Dress for the Occasion
As the bride, your wedding dress is one of the most memorable pieces of bridal attire your guests will remember. It’s easy to spend $2,000 or more on it, given how much you care about location and personal preferences. However, this doesn’t account for things like alterations, dry cleaning, or preservation after the wedding. What a waste of money on a dress, you will likely never wear again.
Donating your garment to charity for a tax deduction is one option to get your money back. Consider the following, among many others:
- To locate a Goodwill store near you, check out their online store locator.
- The Salvation Army — Arrange for a pick-up or drop-off at a place convenient for you.
- Bridal gowns and accessories (veils, jewels, gloves, etc.) are gratefully accepted by Brides for a Cause, a national organization that helps brides in need. Check out their website if you want to learn more.
- If your dress is less than three years old and in outstanding shape, you may be able to donate it to Brides Against Breast Cancer. Go to their webpage if you want more info.
- Dresses older than four years are not accepted by Brides Across America, a nationwide charity. They are then distributed to members of the armed forces, emergency personnel, and healthcare providers. Jewelry, veils, bridesmaid dresses, and even wedding favors are all welcome contributions to the group. You can make a donation by filling out the form on their website and sending it in as directed.
You may also research charity events in your area, such as Night to Shine, which holds a prom for people with disabilities every year and is in need of donated dresses.
Floral Arrangements and Bouquets
The flowers at a wedding are usually another major expense. Donating flowers to a local charity, homeless shelter, or hospice may allow you to claim a tax benefit in addition to doing good for those in need in your community. If you want to donate flowers to a certain organization, you should call ahead to make sure they can use them. Also, check that they meet the requirements to be considered a tax-exempt organization so that your contribution will be properly credited.
Petals for Hope is a great option if you can’t find a donation center in your area. The flowers from your wedding will be collected the day following the event and redistributed to hospitals across the country in the form of bedside bouquets. You may find out if a local affiliate is available to help you out on your big day by filling out their online form.
Ceremony Accoutrements
Did you spend any money embellishing the venue for the wedding? It’s good news! Most of these things are suitable for donation to thrift stores and charitable organizations in your area. Balloon arches, silk flowers, and other party decorations can be reused and appreciated by many nonprofits. Keep in mind that you can only deduct the things’ current market value, not the amount you paid for them.
If you plan on having food left over after your reception, you can donate it to a local shelter by getting in touch with them beforehand. With some forethought, you may avoid waste in places that have severe laws against unwrapped food. You’ll not only get a wonderful feeling from helping those in need but also a nice tax break.
Since you can’t get a deduction for the food your guests eat, you’ll need to figure out what proportion of it is donated. A maximum of $500 might be deducted if you spent $5,000 but only gave 10% of the entire cost of the food.
Where Will It Take Place?
Wedding venues are not easily deducted from your taxable income. Since you are receiving value in exchange for your fees, even if you use a tax-exempt location like a church, you likely cannot deduct their use. However, you can avoid paying the suggested fee if you make a larger donation. If the church asks for $500 to utilize their space, you can give them $1,500 instead. The additional $1000 could be considered a gift to a good cause.
However, any money given to a priest or minister is not tax deductible. For starters, they are not a tax-exempt group but rather private citizens. Second, the services you have paid for have been rendered to you.
Obtain a Receipt as Proof of Payment!
Keep your original receipts and a letter verifying your donation from the charity if you want to write off any of your wedding costs on your taxes. You must also demonstrate how you arrived at the item’s true market worth. In the event of a future IRS audit, you’ll require these materials. Talk to a tax expert if you have doubts about deducting something.
