How to Save on Glassware for your Wedding

Saving money and staying on budget are a big part of many couples' wedding planning. If you're trying to cut cost but boost the creativity of your wedding, do what I did. Save money by mixing and matching glasses from inexpensive sources.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Local access to donations stores
• About $1.25 per person
• Willingness to have everything not match perfectly

1. A few months before your wedding, begin visiting the local donations stores in your area (Goodwill, Urban Ore, Salvation Army). ALL of them have an overstock of wine and champagne glasses so they're almost always cheap.
2. Choose glasses that are unique in some way. Good designs, funny logos, hand painted, or beautiful colors are all nice touches. Buy glasses that are $1.25 or less. OR, ask for a discount if you're buying more than 10. Often the stores will sell them for $1 or less.
3. Bring your glasses home and soak them in hot soapy water. The glasses are likely dusty and labeled with a price tag. Let them dry and box them up for safe keeping.
4. One month before the wedding, check the count of the glasses to be sure you have enough for your accurate guest count. Decorate them with homemade wine baubles to add an air of unity to the beautiful mismatched glasses. Remember to pick up some children's glasses from Ikea or somewhere that sells cute, non-breakable cups for little ones.
5. At the wedding, post signs reminding the guests that they get one cup for the evening that they can take home at the end of the evening as a wedding favor. Ask the bartenders or caterers to kindly rinse glasses for your guests as they get additional drinks.
6. If glasses remain after the dust has settled, donate them back to Goodwill or a similar store. You may also offer them to a friend with an upcoming party or gathering. Or someone just moving into a new place as a homecoming gift.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your caterer to make sure they're ok with using non-rental glasses and rinsing them at the bar.
• Remember that guests love things that are surprise details, showing that you put a lot of thought and love into your ceremony and reception.