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. 

How Much Is Our Time Worth?

Our wedding date is 138 days away (thanks for the countdown clock, HBC Registry) and as we inch closer and closer to the big event, the budget for my time is spread pretty thin. Life gets busy, and as someone who suffers from the occasional bout of anxiety coupled with insomnia, I know a thing or two about the importance of unwind time. 

Lately, I haven't had a chance to unwind. In fact, I've been the complete opposite -- wound up. It'll eventually pass, but it made me think about how sacrificing time to save a few bucks can be counterproductive. I've read enough entries on the Bunz Wedding Zone Facebook group from brides who decided to DIY and suddenly, days before their wedding, are overwhelmed by the entire process and frantically looking for a wedding coordinator to save the day. 

When it comes to our wedding, we've been really lucky that Peter's parents have taken on a bunch of DIY projects (I'll share in another post), but we don't want to burden them with anything else -- they've done so much. 

So lately, I find myself asking how much my time is worth, and whether spending some extra money (and going over our budget) will make the day run smoother. We want the day to be one that we will never forget because it was romantic and fun and amazing, not because of the stress.