Every Wake collegiette knows that beach weekend can get pretty expensive. Whether it’s the cooler, the food, or the alcohol, catering to your date’s every need can definitely add up. Here’s a few tips to get you through the weekend, without breaking the bank of course.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Hey eco-friendly chicas, the three R’s of recycling can apply to beach weekend, too!
Reduce the size of your cooler. After the first time, you should have realized that the cooler doesn’t need to be that big. Fit what you can in the cooler and carry the extra in plastic bags. The cold stuff just has to make it to the beach house. That’s what refrigerators are for, ladies.
Reuse those paints you bought for mountain weekend. Paint is expensive, so consider chipping in with friends to buy larger bottles.
Recycle ideas for designs from friends. Check out ‘The Cooler Connection’ on Facebook, or Three to Four Ounces’ ‘Coolest Cooler Contest’ winners for inspiration.
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Consider Alternatives
Is your date an upperclassman? Why waste your time and money on a cooler, just to watch it end up filled with punch in the basement of a fraternity house? Rather than giving him his fourth cooler, consider an alternative gift. Put your paint-penning skills to use and make him a chug-a-lug! Another popular present is buying your date a monogrammed flask. Classy, convenient, and cheap.
Embrace Family Dinners
Go grocery shopping with the other dates in your house…you’ll buy less food, and be encouraged to make ‘family dinner’ a la Jersey Shore! Split the cost of meals rather than everyone buying four bags of Bagel Bites. Your date (and your wallet!) will thank you later.
Thanks Mom and Dad
A wise Wake Forest collegiette knows to use up all of her Pit swipes and Deacon Dollars by the end of the semester. With only four weeks left, take advantage of your meal plan by grabbing extra fruit to bring with you! And don’t let those Deacon Dollars go to waste: buy your chasers, chips, and salsa at the Sundry.
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Remember the Price of Beauty
Many beach weekends include fraternity formals, and girls often forget that they will need a semi-formal dress for the occasion. If you don’t already own that perfect dress, consider borrowing from a friend to save money. Want an even bigger selection? Try ‘Borrow Me Pretty’, a borrower’s boutique run by WFU’s own Caroline Hales. You can rent dresses and accessories from other girls on campus for cheap prices. For an even larger selection, Rent the Runway offers tons of super cute designer dresses, at a significant discount. You’ll never be seen wearing the same dress twice again!
With these tips, you’ll be sure to save a few bucks prepping for the big weekend. Don’t forget your sunscreen, and enjoy the beach, collegiettes!
*Photography by Karleigh Ash