Measuring Up

GOAL: To plan a DIY, budget-minded, and eco-friendly wedding in under 7 months.
How are we doing? Read on...

We are desperately trying to stay under budget. Well, at this point, since we already blew it with the BBQ caterer and an extra unanticipated tent, we're trying to at least keep our budget reasonable. It's tricky. I admit that I have misplaced receipts and lost track of some of the little purchases - craft supplies here, paper there... - it can really add up. We have managed to save a lot by borrowing (serving trays, etc.), making (invites, placecards, decor) and repurposing (old mason jars). When we come out on the other side of this thing, I hope we manage to net out. We are holding a wedding/garage sale after the event, to sell off all of our DIY supplies, accessories, old housewares that may be replaced by shiny new things (gifts), etc. I do hope that helps the cause! Regardless, however, of being over budget, we have still managed to keep it reasonable. I checked a few online sources, and the average wedding in Canada in 2009 is expected to cost between $19K and $25K. We are certainly well below average, and that makes this thrift-store-bargain-hunting girl very, very happy.

Two things that don't often go hand in hand are bargain and eco-friendly. Truth is, buying local, handmade or organic products can be quite pricey (trust me, this is my job!). Rightly so, however: it costs more to make something by hand rather than machine, to pay people fair wages, and farm without the use of pesticides. Through our stores, we attempt to educate our customers on this point everyday. We have been criticized in the past for our prices. But, until you realize that locally handmade/organically farmed/fair trade certified products can never compete (in a dollar sense) with goods mass-produced in China, you'll always have this opinion. I have learned, over time, the benefit of spending more on things, for better quality, peace of mind, and a sensitivity for the earth and other people. We really wanted to practice what I preach 9-5 each day. We strived to consume less, reuse, and choose environmentally responsible sources for our purchases. All while staying within budget. I think we have mostly succeeded. Here's how our DIY, somewhat-budget wedding is also green:

• Our beer is local
• Our wine is carbon neutral/organic
• Much of our food is fresh, local and organic
• The invitations were printed at home on post-consumer recycled paper
• Much of our decor is recycled or repurposed (antique glass bottles, old cans)
• The favours are useful, and were made by hand from local strawberries and rhubarb; the jars are reusable/recyclable
• My dress is new, but my alterations involve vintage lace and notions, natural undyed linen and organic cotton thread
• Our boutonnieres and corsages are handmade, and reusable (made from ribbon and fabric)
  
• We purchased beeswax and soy candles (as opposed to polluting paraffin)
• Of the serving items we could not borrow from family, they are mostly second hand or made from sustainable materials (bamboo)
  
• Along with registering at two retailers, we are also including an environmental charity option (The David Suzuki Foundation), to allow guests to make a green contribution to our day
• We are looking into purchasing carbon offsetting credits
• Our wedding gift to ourselves? We are adopting a rescue dog (a pal for Mr.D) after the dust has settled!
  

I suppose we could have been much greener still, but we were low on time and budget and still wanted some of the beautiful extras (flowers and miles of twinkly lights, etc.). I am pleased though, that we managed to be somewhat mindful during an event that is typically quite wasteful. I have minor guilt over a few purchases, like paper cups (for back-up), non-eco napkins (they were cheap and JUST the right colour), and my overpriced shoes that will likely be tossed aside by the time the dancing begins. But, with only 8 days to go, I suppose I should save my anxiety for bigger fish!

As for the DIY aspect, if you've read our previous entries, it's about as do-it-yourself (with a little help from our friends) as a wedding can get, we think!

Our scorecard:
Staying on Budget B
Being Green B+
DIY A+