Planning a wedding can be like sailing through the high-waisted, low-plunged, long-trail-sporting sea of satin and price tags. And although you’d think it would be easy to see the dreamy images and ideas all over Pinterest and just call it a day with inspiration, the force of a reasonable wedding budget is strong. But guess what: There’s a secret weapon in your something borrows that, when kept in rotation, is a magical menagerie of one-of-kind finds, ready to bring a whole lot of extra personality and charm to your big day… all without taking a bite from your wallet. 1 of 35 Thrifting for Wedding Décor Welcome to the magical world of thrifting wedding décor!
Leave it to the dime-store centerpieces and the mass-produced trinkets. When you thrift for the wedding, you have just the opportunity to curate what your wedding can look like in a way that is truly your couple’s style and your vibe, and bring vintage vibes, some game and quirkiness, and one-of-a-kind things that make your guests say, ‘Wow, where did you get that?’ And, let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like the (adrenaline-filled) high of scoring that amazing find for a fraction of retail.
So, are you ready to tackle this thrilling treasure hunt? Here’s how to thrift your way to an eye-catching, lovely, and budget-friendly wedding décor:
Define Your Vision (But Stay Flexible)
You’ll want to have a general handle on your wedding style and colour palette before you ever set foot in a thrift store. Are you aiming for rustic romance, bohemian cool, vintage glamour, or your own brand of cool? Understanding what overall aesthetic you want to achieve will help narrow your search. But keep an open mind to unanticipated discoveries! Some of the most magical earrings are the ones you never searched for in the first place.
Make a List (and Check It Twice… Regularly)
“When you have in your mind a general vision of what you want to create, begin writing down things you could potentially thrift,” she adds. Go beyond the obvious and ask yourself:
- Vases and Vessels: Random vintage vases, lovely glass pitchers, unusual teapots- great for centerpieces or bud vases.
- Linens and Textiles: Lace tablecloths, embroidered napkins, vintage runners, and warm blankets for outdoor seating.
- Candle Holders and Lanterns: A big brass candlestick, an ornate lantern, mason jars (for tea lights) instant atmosphere!
- Picture Frames and Mirrors Frames: A Rustic frame photo display with twine and clothespins Swap out your pictures for any event, farmhouse.
- Trays and Platters: Serve bread and butter, or create an ambience on your table.
- Books and Ephemera: Stack old books for a literary look or heart-used postcards for escort cards.
- Small Decorative Items: Figurings, globes, trinket boxes – ideal to use as decorative accents for tables capes.
- Furniture: Think of interesting seating alternatives, tiny tables for displays, or a vintage dresser for your guest book.
Save this list and mark where you find (or don’t find) them.
Know Where to Hunt (The Thrill of the Chase)
The fun of thrifting, of course, is the range of things to see:
- Community Thrift Stores: This is a good place to start; treasure hunting should always be local first and foremost.
- Thrift Shops: In secondhand shops, selections may be more curated than in general thrift stores.
- Antique Stores: You may pay more, but you can also find one-of-a-kind statement pieces.
- Flea Markets/Estate Sales: These weekend trips can turn up amazing finds!
- Marketplace Websites: Sites like Facebook Marketplace, Etsy (for vintage scores) and even local buy-and-sell pages can turn up treasures.
Timing is Everything (Patience is a Virtue)
Thrift shopping is not the Walmart of clothing. It is frustrating and an uphill battle. Shop often because there is always something new in store. And weekdays are far less crowded than weekends, providing more browsing time. If you don’t find everything on your first few trips, don’t be discouraged. The perfect fit could be just around the bend!
Get Creative with Upcycling and DIY (Unleash Your Inner Artist)
Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on your thrifted finds. A can of spray paint can transform mismatched frames into a cohesive gallery wall. Old jars can be dressed up with twine and lace for rustic centerpieces. The possibilities are endless! This is your chance to truly DIY personalize your décor.
Embrace Imperfection (The Beauty of the Unique)
Scavenged from thrift stores and flea markets, secondhand decorations often carry little tales, and occasionally, that tale involves a bit of wear and tear. Embrace these quirks! A bit of a cracked teacup or faded photo can contribute to the aged allure. But beware of functional or cosmetic damage.
Think Seasonally (Smart Shopping)
Consider the season when the wedding takes place. You may find excellent post-Christmas deals on holiday-themed décor items that can be repurposed for your wedding. For instance, leftover Christmas fairy lights can create a magical space throughout the year.
Don’t Forget the Details (Small Touches, Big Impact)
Small thrifted items can make a huge impact, too. Add some vintage stamps to those rustic wedding invitations, antique ribbons to the bouquets and a pair of quirky salt and pepper shakers to the reception tables.
Be Prepared to Clean and Restore (A Little Elbow Grease Goes a Long Way)
After you score your treasures, prepare to show them some TLC. Some refinishing and a little repair work may be necessary to restore these pieces to their former glory.
Enjoy the Process (The Fun is in the Find)
Thrift for your wedding décor should be fun! Lean into the hunt, execute some creative interior sleuth work, and enjoy the rush when you find that organic, perfectly unassuming artefact/souvenir/ingredient chip of who you are. Not to mention, you’ll save money, and the wedding décor will be one-of-a-kind tailored to your unique style—not like run-of-the-mill décor you can buy in bulk.
So, forget the department stores and dive into the fabulous world of thrifting. Your dream wedding decoration is waiting to be discovered, one beautiful backdrop at a time! Happy hunting!
