Ive discovered that there must be a gene for thrifty living. I dont mean cutting coupons or canning and freezing to within an inch of your life. Those are great ways to save and to have a stockpile of things on hand. What I mean is a mentality. A way of living that doesnt involve regular huge purchases. A lifestyle that doesnt stress when something big comes your way like a wedding, or a huge party. Our family has had a myriad of weddings over the years and even though, yes, it costs money – we dont stress because we all have what you might call that thrift mentality. We know we can track down things and gather them for cheaper.
I will say right out loud that my wedding cost $1,500 – and thats including the beautiful homemade dress. We rented a few things like a drink fountain, and maybe a few pillars, but overall we made it beautiful from our own creativity. Cloth for the tables came from a local retailer known for great deals, my sister and her sister-in-law made all the flower arrangements, and we had enough food made by close family friends hands. It wasnt over the top, we still got married, and remain happy today with or without every detail. It was that thrift mentality that got us through.
Weddings are bigger and a bit fancier today than they were back in 1990, but that doesnt mean they cant be just as thrifty. Unless my girls have saved thousands of dollars for a dress, theirs will be the same, although tailored for the age we are in. You can be just as ethereal in a dress that doesnt cost $5000, because how many hours do you REALLY wear that dress? You will stare at it for eternity wishing you had a bit of that money back you spent on it.
This mentality applies to graduation parties (of which another is coming up in May), birthday parties for little kids (which have become huge affairs), or even baby and bridal showers. Many people panic when they realize they have to feed one hundred people. I never panic because I know it can be done simply and cheaply – and no one will know the difference.
Ive lived my life this way for as long as I can remember. Garage sales netted finds, as well as deep clearance rack shopping. I will never pay full price as long as there are stores that have things to move out the door, gleaming red clearance stickers, and deals waiting to be had. Its a process that should be moved through carefully, gleaning and separating until you find the items you need for whatever event you are having.
It may be that some dont have the patience for this type of shopping. You may want to just go and get things done, and if you have unlimited funds, then go for it. But if you worry that you will not have enough, or want to spend more money on food and other things, then search away. You can find fabulous décor in places you never suspected and use it in ways you hadnt thought at first.
These are the things people notice when they come to your event or even to your home for a dinner party - the atmosphere, the twinkling lights placed in strategic places, and the food. They wont care how much that dress cost or that special thing you tracked down for the centerpieces – it will be whether they had a good time or not. And you will be sitting pretty with more cash in your wallet because you didnt panic and spend it all on frivolous things no one will remember. Thrift mentality is where its at.
