Shopping Around
I have TONS of ideas for my wedding but not a lot purchased yet because I want to stick with buying things on clearance and at the best possible price. Chris trusts me to save money in the areas where we can DIY so we can splurge on stuff (custom Jones Soda bottles, a photo booth, etc). Here are pics of stuff I've already bought and posts about stuff I'm still looking for (there is a BUNCH more to list).
Stuff I Already Have...
Adorable little cake stands that I bought for out "candy bar" (.30 each)
"Color Your Own" jewelry and picture frames for kids table (.10 per pack)
Favor bags for our "candy bar", complete with twist ties (.24 for 140)
My mom is also making "flower balls" to hang (I don't have a picture of hers yet) . They are SO cute and budget friendly.
What I'm Still Looking For...
Here is a quick list of things I'm still looking for and where I hope to find them and how I hope to use them.
Decorations
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White Christmas lights to wrap in tulle and drape from the ceiling. I want to borrow these from family and buy at 90% off Christmas clearance there are always TONS left. I expect to spend no more than $10.00 on these (though I don't know how much the tulle will cost).
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White and pink candles for tables. Candles to put everywhere to set the tone. I would like to spend no more than $20 on these total.
Small Extra Items
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White flip flops (around 50 pairs). I'd like to have these in a cute bin for ladies to wear at the reception if their feet get tired and then take home with them. Old Navy usually clearances out flip flops to around .25 a pair at the VERY end of fall and mid-winter, that would make it a total of $12.50 for all 50 pairs! I'm also keeping my eyes open at other stores like Christmas Tree Shop and Target
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Crayons, coloring books, colored pencils, small toys, etc. I'd like to have these items for my children's tables to keep the kiddos amused. These items usually go on clearance around back-to-school time for about 5-10 cents a pack as door busters. I'm looking to spend no more than $20 on all toys and supplies for this table by keeping an eye out for after holiday clearance, off season stuff, and coupons.
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Vases and Candy for "candy bar". In place of favors we have decided to have a "candy bar" where people can fill their own bags with candy they like. I want to find vases and vintage jars/bowls at the thrift shops, and as they usually have 1/2 off at least once and week I'd like to spend no more than $15 on around 15-20 vases/jars/bowls. As far as the candy goes I will be buying it in bulk from a company my sister works with so I can choose only the colors I want (though I'll be keeping my eyes open for good store deals too). I'd like to spend no more than $50 on all of the candy.
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Bottled Water in Bin for the ceremony since it will be outside. I want to print custom labels. Not positive how much I'd like to spend on this since we don't have a final head out on the guests yet.
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| UPDATE! I found these cute "do it your own" bottle labels for only $2.99 for 25! |
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Jones Soda Bottles as place settings. These are a HUGE splurge but I love love love the custom Jones Soda bottle idea with a cute black and white picture of us.
Inspirations
Here are some pics of ideas I really like and may want to use.
Bathroom baskets for the restrooms with a sign "Forget Something? Help Yourself". With items like feminine products, travel size mouthwash, hair ties, gum, travel size deodorant, lotion, body spray, lint roller, Tylenol, q-tips, bobby pins, disposable combs, eye drops, tide-to-go pens, tissues, small first aid kit, hairspray, men's Cologne, travel size shampoo and conditioner, mints, emery boards, dental floss, Tums, sewing kit, and safety pins. I think I can get most of these items for very cheap or free with coupons and I want to get cute baskets on clearance or from thrift store.
Out-of-Town bags for our traveling guests. I'd like to use re-usable bags filled with small treats like bottled water, pretzels, travel Tylenol, gum, brochures from local attractions, a map of the area, and a phone number list of myself, Chis, the reception site, and the ceremony site in case they get lost. I also like the idea of using a cute postcard as a tag.
