It’s been a few months since my first wedding blog post, so it’s past time for an update on our efforts to have a low-cost, low-waste wedding.
Our engagement party is now a month away, and the planning is in great shape (I think)! I have plans to borrow chafing dishes and beverage dispensers from specific members of my local Buy Nothing group, and I sourced over a dozen teacups for planting small succulents (still unsure about that project, but at least I have the materials for it!).
We’ll be able to use the chairs at my parents’ house aka the venue as well as borrowing a few from my future mother-in-law. I have a plan to dye some tablecloths using the shibori dye I have on hand, so that’s on the project agenda for June. As is a large gold frame I’ve had forever that I plan to hang small photos inside with wire and clothes pins.
Speaking of projects, my partner’s best friend was able to source the materials we needed to build our own Donut Board and the only thing we needed to buy was shellac to seal it up. We already had the stain and wood glue.
The plan is for it to hold 24 donuts with room for a platter of filled donuts on the table below the bottom row. We’re still figuring out where we’ll be buying the donuts, which means a lot of taste-testing. Which makes Mike a happy guy.
It was a fun project that we spent the weekend of our anniversary working on together. 10 years of art projects and desserts- can’t think of a more perfect way to celebrate our first date.
His friend gave us several options with the vinyl letters, so I plan to give away the ones we didn’t use in the Buy Nothing group, and if no one wants them there, in a bridal group I’m in. It’s not waste if someone else uses it!
We do plan to spend money on food and are close to placing those orders. We’ll also be buying beverages, which is fine. I don’t mind spending money on tasty consumables! I did manage to source compostable plates and silverware from a gig, so that cuts down on the waste as well.
Lastly, flowers- I had planned to grow my own, but none of my seeds sprouted (they were pretty old and I was a tad neglectful). I am going to try again but there may not be enough time left. I can also ask in the Buy Nothing group when it gets closer. Plus my mom’s rose bushes have been going bonkers due to all the rain, so I’m hoping they are still producing next month. Worst case, we’ll buy a few grocery-store bouquets and make magic happen with those.
Wherever and whenever possible, our goal is to get creative in how we source and forage and, when in doubt, buy local.
