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3.28.2011

6 Wedding Write-Offs

Weddings are expensive, it's too bad you can't write them off on your taxes. Or wait.... can you? With careful planning, you can say "I do" to these six wedding write-offs.

1. The church. If you are paying a ceremony fee, it may be tax deductible. If not, ask whether or not the church waives fees for members who donate at a certain level. It may be worth upping your donations for the year to get a triple benefit: a fee waiver, a tax write off, and good karma.

2. The venue. If you are having your reception or getting married at a historical garden, museum, or national or state park, the fee you are paying may be deductible as a donation. Check with the site for more details.

3. Flowers and food. Once your wedding is over, have a friend take the leftover food and flowers to a homeless shelter, women's center, or similar non-profit organization. Not only will you have done a good deed, with a receipt, but you'll be able to take a deduction for the value of the items donated.

4. The gown. Donate your wedding gown to a non-profit organization like Making Memories or the I Do Foundation and you'll help others enjoy their day in style. The same goes for the flower girl and bridesmaid dresses, as well as candles and other decorations that won't spoil.

5. Wedding favors. Instead of soon-forgotten trinkets, make a donation to a charity on behalf of everyone in your wedding and your guests, and you'll be helping others while garnering yourself a tax deduction. You might even let your wedding party choose the charities they treasure.

6. Gift registry. Create a wedding gift registry through the IDFoundation.org and 10% of gift purchases will be donated to your favorite charity. You can harvest charitable rebates with wedding purchases through the foundation, and even create a charity registry where guests can donate to commemorate your special day.

Be sure to document these wedding write-offs with receipts and contracts, so you'll have the back up available at tax time. Then you can claim your deduction, boost your tax refund, and have extra funds to toast your wedded bliss.

*Turbo Tax notes these wedding write-offs on their blog.

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