Buying Art Supplies for Wedding Crafts

Over the weekend I got crafty. Well, kinda. 

I bought the art supplies that will eventually be used to make our table numbers, place settings etc. etc. And as I was perusing the aisles of Dollarama, Michael's and eventually Wal-Mart, I was reminded of the 'wedding tax' we ran into while looking at venues. 

10 place setting cards for $12. An envelope box for $60. I could go on, but it'll upset me too much. Instead, I'll go over how we saved a buck or two and eventually walked away with a bunch for stuff for $170. 

Make A List and Check It Twice

Before I hit the mall, I made a detailed list of everything we needed craft wise. I find making a list for any kind of shopping helps out big time. Personally, without a list I lose focus and forget what I've set out to buy, which means I start filling the cart with unnecessary and costly items. 

The Dollar Store   

When it comes to buying art supplies, a dollar store should be your first stop. Most have a huge selection, and if you can knock off most of your shopping list there there, do it. They have more than you'd think, too. Place card settings, table number holders, and glue guns. If you're in Ontario, Dollarama's are a great resource. Plus, they're clean and generally well stocked. 

Discount Stores

 I generally shy away from shopping at Wal-Mart because I disagree with their politics and employment practises, but sometimes, you need tea lights and they have the lowest price. Wal-mart also has a selection of art supplies, but like I mentioned previously, I'm not a fan of them politically and try to avoid spending my money with them. Plus, the dollar store has 'em beat on price when it comes to place card settings and markers. 

Art Stores

 If you're looking to save big on cash, the art store should be your last stop. I'd also suggest you avoid their wedding section. Sure, the stuff might be cutesy, but it's going to set your budget back big time. Instead, I'd suggest heading to the general art supply section and picking up any items you still need. When it comes to table numbers and place settings, remember, you can make a stencil of a shape you like, buy some nice paper, and make 'em yourself. 

All in all, my experience buying crafts made me very thankful for the Bunz trading app and Facebook group. Wedding supplies can be hella expensive, and it's great to know there is a community of people out there looking to trade for this stuff you'll only use once. 

*I tried to trade for tea lights on the Bunz App, but was too slow on multiple occasions. 

Shopping With And For Other People (Bridesmaids)

Matching dresses? Not anymore! 

Shopping. Browsing. Malls. 

Three words that make my eyes glaze over -- especially browsing. Why look at a bunch of stuff you can't afford/don't need? Clearly I'm in the minority on this given the fact Canadian household debt reached a record high of $1.68 for ever dollar of disposable income.  

Staggering Canadian debt aside, there are three people that still need outfits for our big day -- my bridesmaids. I've been putting this task off because of my lack of enthusiasm for shopping, and that one of my bridesmaids was pregnant until very recently (she now has a beautiful baby girl!) 

With the arrival of Quinn (the newborn) and the rapidly approaching wedding date, 2/3 of team bridesmaids headed to the Eaton Centre in search of cranberry coloured dresses. 

The Bay? Nothing. J Crew? Nada. Club Monaco? Nope. H & M? Zilch. We headed to the new Nordstrom at the Eaton Centre where we saw some beautiful gowns at horrifying prices. Not to mention the selection of cranberry dresses was minimal. In fact, that was our issue with each store. Lots of purples, not a lot of cranberry. A couple sales representatives told us it's still a bit early for cranberry coloured clothing -- it's more of an October/November colour. 

When we did find a cranberry dress, the consensus on whether everyone liked it varied big time. With each store we went into my patience waned. It probably didn't help that the mall became increasingly busier throughout the morning. 

After a quick regroup at the Urban Eatery, we decided that it's best that my bridesmaids go shopping by themselves and pick out a cranberry coloured dress that they're comfortable wearing. Initially I was into the idea of everyone wearing the same dress, but, after watching my bridesmaids try on the same dress and how different it looked on them, I decided against it. I want everyone to feel comfortable.

Plus, it really doesn't matter if everyone is wearing the same dress. Once we've all cleaned up, everyone is going to look and feel good and that's what matters the most.