Anti-genocide ceremonies

It is my privilege to be able to offer three ceremonies where 100% of my fees, excluding additional travel, are being donated to organisations doing work in Sudan and Congo, and to families and communities in Palestine.

All three of these ceremonies have been booked for 2026 weddings, with my to-be-weds donating directly to the fundraisers.

Here’s what’s happening, where my marriers are donating, and what they had to say about it, as well as some things we can all do, whether you’re a supplier or celebrating your love, to take a stand against genocide…

Sudan

Sudan is experiencing the fastest displacement crisis in the world. It is also the largest humanitarian crisis ever recorded.

30.4 million people — more than half of Sudan’s population — are in urgent need of aid as the ‘Rapid Support Forces’ continue their genocidal regime. Every type of violence, including sexual violence, is being used.

• 21.2 million people are experiencing acute hunger due to forced starvation.
• Over 12 million people are displaced.

(Data source: International Rescue Committee and United Nations)

54% of women living in Sudan’s poorest households were married before the age of 18, with child marriage being exacerbated by poverty. 12% of girls in Sudan marry before they’re 15 years old. (Data source: Girls Not Brides)

Tasha and Will’s ceremony fees are being donated to the World Food Programme’s Sudan Emergency Appeal:

“When it came to wedding planning we were conscious of designing a day that truly reflected us and our values, and aware of our privilege in being able to have such a day.

We began researching vendors that we felt would understand us and represent us well, and who we equally felt thrilled to support. When we reached out to Aliya and were informed of the option to select an anti-genocide ceremony it was an incredibly easy decision. Not only would we be receiving an amazing ceremony by someone we felt could truly understand us, but we were now able to give to an incredibly worthy cause in the process.

We’re grateful that we can dedicate some of our wedding budget to make a positive impact to those suffering in Sudan, and hope that we can help to further increase awareness of this genocide by highlighting it to friends and family.”

– Tasha & Will

Congo

Over 1 million people are displaced due to M23’s occupation. (Data source: Panzi Foundation)

Over 21 million people are in urgent need of aid. (Data source: Oxfam)

Gender-based violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has increased by 300% in recent years. (Panzi Foundation)

The West is significantly responsible for what is happening in Congo due to our legacy of colonisation and our continued exploitation of Congolese children and adults for their country’s resources, including wedding jewellery and batteries for the tech we use to photograph, video and capture content for weddings.

Ally and Rich’s ceremony fees are being donated to the Oxfam’s Democratic Republic of Congo Crisis Appeal.

“One of us has spent over 15 years working in the charity sector, within humanitarian aid and international development, while the other volunteers for a disaster relief charity.

Supporting others in times of crisis is deeply woven into both our lives, so when Aliya suggested an anti-genocide ceremony, we felt genuinely moved and excited. Learning more about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the DRC made this feel even more meaningful — it brought our shared values, compassion, and sense of global responsibility into sharp focus in the most powerful way.

We clicked with Aliya instantly and already knew we wanted her as our celebrant, but this truly felt like the icing on the cake. Her warmth, kindness, and thoughtful approach mean so much to us. Thank you, Aliya, for everything you bring to this journey — we truly couldn’t imagine doing it without you.”

– Ally & Rich

Palestine

Although a ceasefire was declared in October, Israel has broken this and is continuing to murder Palestinians and seize their land. (Read more on Al Jazeera)

The devastation of Gaza caused by the genocide will take many decades to repair and restore, and people continue to live in inhumane conditions.

Right now, displaced Palestinians are also facing flooding and the arrival of a harsh winter, bringing with it a myriad of health concerns on top of all those being experienced as a result of the genocide. The amount of food coming into Gaza is nowhere near enough to feed its starving people. (Data source: Choose Love)

The British government is imposing some of the harshest sanctions on people challenging its participation in the genocide and it continues to arm and support Israel, despite its flagrant breach of the ceasefire agreement.

One of my couples, who has requested to remain anonymous, has donated their ceremony fees as part of the Wed4Pal fundraiser, where they’ll be shared between grassroots organisation Pal Humanity and supporting Gazan couple, Sama and Khalil, and their families.

They said:

“When we heard about Aliya’s unique and thoughtful pledge, it really felt right for us. With one of us working for a humanitarian organisation operating in Palestine, DRC and Sudan, and the other a long term supporter of Punks for Palestine, it just felt right.

The atrocities that have been committed in Palestine; not only the genocide now, but for decades before that, are beyond horrifying. We attended @t4plive in September which was incredibly moving and emotional, why wouldn’t we want to support the people of Palestine as much as we can?

This is an effective initiative to raise funds and awareness. More suppliers and businesses could speak up and do the same, and not just in the wedding industry.”

Free free Palestine!

– Anonymous

What else can we do?

Jewellery: Don’t buy newly mined diamonds and gold for your engagement or wedding jewellery – The DRC exploits children and adults for these, and is severely harming the environment in the process. Treat yourselves to vintage jewellery or other ethical alternatives instead.

Music: Boycott Spotify (who invest heavily in drone weapons and treat the musicians you love like sh*t) and switch to Qobuz for streaming music on and off the dancefloor.

Accommodation: Book local accommodation directly with the owners rather than using AirBnB, Booking.com or Expedia, whose businesses are involved in illegal occupation on stolen Palestinian land.

Swap favours and new client goody bags for donations made in their name: Swap out your budget for wedding favours or, if you’re a supplier, treats you send out to new clients, for donations to organisations working to support those impacted by genocide.

Right now, the International Rescue Committee is tripling donations made to deliver essential aid to Sudan, so your gift will be three times as effective!

Flowers: Boycott Israeli flowers and opt for locally grown or faux arrangements instead. Wed4Pal has a resource on this which was referenced in November’s Ethical Consumer magazine!

Let your solidarity shine: Show your allyship through visual displays of solidarity on your special day.

Win your dream wedding: Enter some of Wed4Pal’s AMAZING raffles to win elements of your dream wedding whilst supporting Palestine, and find other anti-genocide suppliers donating their fees to this cause. New offers are being added until the end of 2025, so interested suppliers, please reach out ASAP!

None of us are free until all of us are free.

There’s always something we can do. Let me know how you’re standing against genocide in the comments.

In love and solidarity,

Aliya (she/her)