I'll understand your sentiment if you're thinking, 'Who shops at the Dollar Tree?' In fact, the fiance doesn't understand why I get so excited when I tell him I'm heading out to the Dollar Tree. He says he has never understood why I would even go there. I chalk it up to his snobbery. He doesn't even like Walmart. But it's okay. We can have our differences and it still does not deter me from shopping at places that give the best bang for the buck! I feel like a kid in a candy store!! I don't know any other store where the price is perfectly clear: One dollar (plus tax!) True, there are certain things I wouldn't think to purchase there. I'm a bit particular when it comes to my shampoos, lotions, and body soaps. However, when it comes to buying household cleaning products, consider this place a score. I don't think my floors or tubs will care if I'm using name brand detergents in order to get their sparkle on. Don't get me started on sponges. I was stuck and had to buy them from CVS. Two sponges at CVS cost me $4.19. I could get two of the same type of sponges at the Dollar Tree. Over a 400% price difference. Yikes. Since I'm constantly replacing my shower liners, I would stock up on these at the Dollar Tree too!
This store is great for teachers and students alike. So you won't be able to find the G-2 pens here (I love those!), but think pencils, ballpoints, paper, crayons, highlighters... and list goes on and on. You can even decorate your home on a dime for every single holiday, from Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's, St. Patrick's Day and beyond! They have a great kitchen supplies area too. I like to get my ziplock baggies here!
A lot of DIY brides get their glass vases for their centerpieces from the Dollar Tree (I discovered this from the posts on Weddingbee!) Okay, you're not going to get the same selection as the Pottery Barn (I love Nico's floral design tips on Youtube! I'm obsessed with his accent!) But you won't get Pottery Barn's vase price... multiplied by 12 or more either! And for a day's usage, I wouldn't consider it (budget bride here...but if you can afford it, I'm really envious!) So if you are looking for some pretty basic glass vases, shop here first. Dollar Tree carries traditional vases to even those modern short vases that are on trend right now. And since most brides will have to buy around a dozen or so, $12 bucks is a dream come true for brides on a budget! They even carry silk flowers (some brides prefer these to the real ones!) But I noticed that you will probably have to drive around to different Dollar Tree stores to get the flowers you need (or supplement with ordering on Ebay) because they don't have a large quantity of the silks if you want to have all the flowers matchy-matchy.
Oh, and the candles! They have these 3 oz. glass jar candles that burn so well and smell so good! I love the linen and vanilla scents. I wish there was a wider selection on scents, but what they do have is awesome! Who knew that these would work so well for only a buck?
In fact, I will be getting my candles from here for my candelabras for my wedding day! Since I'll be needing around 35-40, I won't break the bank because I'll be spending less that $40. Similar ones from Yankee (I love that place and I use to work there!) would cost $10.99 (price on their website) for a 3.7 oz jar. That would be well over $400 dollars on candles. I can't burn that much cash (literally) and be able to sleep well at night. Which reminds me, I better go stock up on these candles and have them ready for my big day.
Whatever we end up saving here, we will be allocating to the photographer. OhhhEmmmGee, photographers are pricey. But if they can capture the mood and the moment so I can hold onto them forever...heck, I'll sell both my arms. Maybe with some of the cash I save from the Dollar Tree, I'll only have to give up one. This is one area where a bride should take the time and do her research! Find a good photographer whose portfolio you like, read his/her reviews on Weddingwire, meet with them to negotiate your package, and then place the deposit. I've read so many horror stories of brides who never got their photographs or the photographer never showed up on their wedding day. If you are reading a ton of bad reviews on a particular photographer, it's probably a red flag and you should keep shopping (don't be lured by price alone!) We are saving a lot on our centerpieces. It will only cost me about $500-600 for all our flowers and centerpieces! Not only do I find it fun to make my own flowers, but we will be saving at least $3000 from what the florist quoted me. Since I will be playing florist, this means we will be able to hire a videographer as well. Yay! Kinda weird I'm so excited about this since I don't like to see myself on film. I'm not exactly the most photogenic person, but hopefully the eyes behind the lenses that day will be able to create a little magic and transform this little duck into a swan... or at least find my best angle. I always cringe a bit when I see myself in photographs...sigh... so insecure sometimes.
Anyways, if you are on a tight budget or just want more value for your dollar, don't overlook the Dollar Tree! This makes me feel less guilty when I do end up splurging on paraphernalia with interlocking CC's!
XoX,
Marikym
