Wedding Blog
In this age of cutting costs and finding ways to save (on everything, not just weddings!), Freecycle can be an invaluable resource. I joined the Chicago Freecycle group quite a while ago, mainly just to see what it was all about. I was blown away!
Freecycle is a network geared towards the individual (and non-profits) that provides an electronic “recycling” forum. Their mission is “to build a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources and eases the burden on our landfills while enabling our members to benefit from the strength of a larger community.” We all throw so much away each and every day that someone else might need or want. Did you move in with your fiance/hubby and now have duplicates of everything? Freecycle it!
You can post “OFFER” items that you no longer want. You can also post a “WANTED” message for things that you well, want, natch. Sometimes people just need a little reminder that they have an extra queen-sized box spring squirreled away in their storage unit, taking up space (that’s how we got ours!). And just think, that box spring didn’t end up in a landfill and we didn’t have to go out and spend money on one.
Freecycle can be a great resource for finding wedding items as well.
When I was planning a Wisconsin wedding, I posted a WANTED message for old Bell canning jars. Three emails came back instantly and I had offers that added up to around 45 Bell jars. I also see people giving away wedding items, from dresses, to vases, to linens, to you name it!
I’ve seen some pretty… interesting… posts before, which is also a source of entertainment during the day. 
Someone was giving away a (singular) bag of frozen asparagus. I laughed for an hour, but I bet that bag was given to someone who needed it.
To find a Freecycle network in your area, click here. You’ll be directed to a Yahoo group for your local community. Everything has to remain local, everything has to be free (and legal).
Have you acquired any wedding items from a non-traditional source? Let us know!
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I heard about this awhile back, but never thought to apply it to wedding planning!
Yes! Gotta love freecycle
Also, don’t forget to try craigslist!
This is also a WONDERFUL tool when trying to plan something on a budget.
I got my 50 vintage blue ball jars on Craigslist for $1 each, now they’re more like $5 each 
I’ve never heard of this site, but I think it is AWESOME! What a great idea! Thank you for sharing
Wow, what a great idea. I just joined the Austin freecycle group and I can’t wait to see what comes my way. I’ve been addicted to craigslist for years, but this sounds awesome. Thanks for the info, Miss Quiche!
I love free cycle too. I am like you–I enjoy browsing all the random items that are out there!
P.S. I am also a fellow Paris/All-things-French addict like you are!
I haven’t used this site for anything wedding related, but I check it regularly for anything that I might need. Saw a message just before Christmas from a family of six whose washing machine had broken down and we had just bought a new set with the intent of selling our old washing machine. It was a great opportunity to give the machine to a family w/ four kids under age 10 rather than worrying about getting $100 for the thing. Try it ladies!
That’s great! I’m going to check out my local network. Thanks for the tip!
I found out about freecycle while planning my wedding. I was hoping to find a free crinoline because it seems like there must be a million out there, somewhat unwanted. Anyway, I did not but one user let me borrow her very nice handmade crinoline for the wedding. In addition, I have been able to get rid of a few things around the house (things that aren’t even goodwill worthy) without throwing them away-it has been great!
I’ve never heard of freecycle before, thanks for the great tip!
My MOH and one of our groomsmen use this site all of the time, but we have yet to sign up! Maybe today is the day.
I will definitely check the site out, thanks for sharing
Love Freecycyle!!! Such a great idea to share to brides-to-be!!!
i have sooo much stuff that i can freecycle. i gotta look into this!
@Mrs. Bee: Do it! I have freecycled sooo much stuff. Microwave, VCR, CDs, DVDs, bags of kids clothes, etc. Such an easy way to get rid of extra “stuff”!
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Mrs. Quiche, Chicago/Montego Bay
Age and Occupation: 28, Interior Designer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 42, Telecom Guru
Engagement Date: July 2, 2008
Wedding Date: May, 2009
Venue: Coyaba Resort, Montego Bay
About Me: I love Chicago and can’t imagine living anywhere else (Well, except Paris. Or anywhere in France, for that matter!). I’m a full-time worker, part-time student, soon-to-be-step-mom, indie music lovin’, architecture and design fanatic, macaroni and cheese addict, vegetarian, Francophile, Ohio State football obsessed, wedding planning girl. Mr. Quiche and I are “Partners-in-Crime” and cannot wait to celebrate our marriage surrounded by our family and closest friends. I plan on DIYing my little heart out (or as much as a suitcase to Jamaica will hold).
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