Concord Bride-To-Be Hosts Garage Sales To Help Pay For Wedding

Weddings are expensive, especially for couples footing the bill on their own, so Jenna Mahina is getting creative and selling off the "old" to pay for the "new, borrowed and blue."

Mahina is hosting garage sales — with the next one this weekend, June 8 and 9, at her Los Flores Avenue house in Concord — in hopes of raising some cash to put toward a small beach ceremony in Monterey planned for October this year.

"We chose that location to be close to my dad," said Mahina. "He is passed away and that was one of his favorite places so he will be there in spirit."

Mahina will be riding into the wedding on a Surrey bike — also in honor of her dad and his love of riding the unique four wheeled, multi-person bicycles.

With little financial support available from their families, the couple are keeping the wedding plans low budget, Mahina says, and working extra hours as well as bartering and hosting fundraisers to help pay for the special day.

Making a connection with the community has been a "blessing," Mahina adds, at a time when the couple needed it most. They've even received in-kind donations, she explained, including the wedding invitations and a free wedding photography package. Even the Surrey bike might be donated.

"I cannot believe the generosity," said Mahina. "It has made me feel so blessed."

The next sale takes place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and from 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday. Photos of the goods up for grabs are displayed on the Facebook event page for the garage sale.

Did you get creative to pay for your own wedding? Leave a comment sharing your experience and any advice for bride and grooms to-be on a budget.