This week the Sweetwater Daughter and her husband will celebrate their 3rd Wedding Anniversary....Happy Anniversary to you both!
I can't believe it has been 3 years since we were in the midst of organizing the big day!
And of course...it was also the last days of school for me....but we DID IT and it was so much fun!
Since the last week of school is so frantic for me...I am reposting this guest post I did for Alecia over at Chicken Scratch!
Enjoy...
Are YOU planning a wedding?
Then....I suggest you get yourself to the thrift shop!
Two summers ago, our daughter got married in June and our nephew in August.
The planning and preparations were almost more fun than the big days!
Both weddings and receptions were held at my brother and sister-in-law's beautiful Willow Ridge Gardens.
But, you ask, "What's that got to do with Good Will?
Notice the stack of plates and the silver urn in this photo!
Pretty....and elegant don't you think?
We did our research....
- the cost of china rental for the two weddings....for almost 400 guests...at least $400...Yikes!
- OR.....paper products-less expensive....but not very elegant!
We had RULES!
- Nothing could cost more than a dollar...
- We needed dinner plates, salad plates, wine glasses and drinkware...
- Everything should be basic white or cream colored....
- Every piece should be something we might want to keep and use later....
Here are just a few of the great pieces we found!
The china worked wonderfully for the buffet and casual styled wedding!
Much better than floppy paper plates to carry around!
For the more formal sit down dinner....it was fun to coordinate the china on the tables.
Every table was unique and lovely!
We also used my collection of thrift store silver for serving and decorative accents!
I think everything looks better on silver...don't you?
Here are all those silver trays put to good use at another wedding for the cupcake service!
Now for the best part!
Both those Brides from two years ago split up the china pieces they liked....
and they have enough lovely place settings to use at almost any gathering for years to come!
In fact....I might just have to borrow some of this from the Sweetwater daughter the next time I have a big party!
I have enjoyed sharing our fun way to save money on wedding china...and I hope it inspires you to get yourself out there shopping the thrift stores!
Remember....as you are in the midst of all the planning and preparation....be sure to enjoy the process! The day will be gone in a heartbeat....but the memories will be forever!
I would love for you to hop over to Sweetwater Style and see some of the other wedding themed posts I have done!
Linky Parties
You are Talking Too Much Skip to My Lou A Pinch of Joy
Very Merry Vintage Style Sugar and Dots The Artsy Girl Connection THe Sasse Life Southern Lovely
You are Talking Too Much Skip to My Lou A Pinch of Joy
Very Merry Vintage Style Sugar and Dots The Artsy Girl Connection THe Sasse Life Southern Lovely
What fun! AND what great ideas. I love that it was a mix-match of everything and it was just perfect. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I have a friend who gathered wine glasses at thrift stores for her reception, but I wouldn't have thought about getting china, too. That's so much more special than rentals or God forbid plastic--and the brides got to keep it--something they won't be afraid to use--it only cost a dollar so if it breaks no big deal.
ReplyDeleteI WAS HAPPY TO FIND YOU FROM NAPTIME REVIEW, I THINK AFTER READING ABOUT 5 OF YOUR POSTS YOU AND I WOULD BE BEST FRIENDS IF WE LIVED NEAR EACH OTHER!! NEEDLESS TO SAY I AM YOUR NEWEST FOLLOWER!! HAVE A TERRIFIC DAY!!
ReplyDeleteOk.. so I must visit a thrift store!!! Such GREAT tips!! Everything looked beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
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ReplyDeleteLoved the pictures of the china. Love it www.iheartpears.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to use mismatched china for a wedding!! So much cheaper and you have the china after the wedding too!! Looks like it was a fun time.
ReplyDeleteFabulous idea! So much fun to hunt (with the rules!) and then divide up the spoils later -- much, much better than renting! Thanks so much for sharing on Busy Monday at A Pinch of Joy. Hope to see you again soon!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. I'm gonna keep this one on hand and use this bit of inspiration one day when the time comes for my daughters. Thanks so much for sharing your idea! Found your post at Blackberry Vine's Tuesday To Do. Hope you'll stop over and visit at Quirky Vistas.
ReplyDeleteLiz
Wonderful idea, people end up spending so much because they think that is the only option. How much more memorable to have used the pieces you did. Love it!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Tanya
This is an awesome Idea. I don't have any weddings to plan, but this would be great for a mother's Day brunch, or even Easter dinner. Buying one large matching set is costly- especially if you have a big family. This is a great alternative! I would love for you to link up at Sweet Sharing Monday! http://saynotsweetanne.com/2012/sweet-sharing-monday-10/
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. I love that they split it up and each have some to add to their wonderful memories. Everything looks gorgeous! Thanks for linking up to Share the Love Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteMary
Wow these are stunning photos.. also the wedding preparation is very great... it gives me a lot of ideas.
ReplyDelete