Weddingbee Blog

Mrs. Cupcake incorporated oodles of various cut glass bowls and glasses in to her centerpieces. Mrs. Cherry Pie used mismatched mason jars and cans at her beautiful rustic Montana wedding (which I had the privilege of attending). Miss Bunny used stuff she already owns to create wonderful wedding day decor. These ladies (and many others) created amazing ambiance by hitting garage sales, asking relatives, looking through their attics, and otherwise exercising their bargaining muscles. Heck, Miss Joey is a Craigslist pro!

If you’re taking a casual or laid-back attitude toward your wedding theme (and not everything has to match), have you been taking advantage of thrift shops?

From the time I went to college, I’ve been a big fan of garage sales, thrifting, eBay, and even dumpster diving. Only within the past year did I buy any new furniture; up until then almost everything I owned was used. I have many depression glass bowls and candle holders, ’70s-era wall hangings, and cute little tchotchkes that I’ve picked up over the years… each for under $5. My kitchen mixer cost me $3.49 at a garage sale, my utility shelves are someone’s discarded Target closet-system, and I found my ironing board in the alley behind a former apartment.

I find that thrift stores usually have a mixture of “garage-sale” and “grandma’s-house” stuff. Just think of some of the “shabby chic” centerpieces you could make with some of these previously-loved treasures.

For a couple of who loves to read: mismatched ornate reading lamps and stacks of old books on each table at the reception. You could just cut the cords off of the lamps, turn them in to votive-holders, and even paint the table numbers on the lamp shades. You could find books that match a common theme (example: romances, cookbooks, or travel guides), or simply books whose bindings match your color theme.

I found this great lamp for $1.49. (It even works!) Paperback books are usually 25 cents to $1 each at second hand shops, and hardcovers (especially old textbooks) aren’t much more.

How about some great brass accents for a guestbook table? Wouldn’t these look nice interspersed with framed pictures of grandparents and parents from their wedding days?

Trinkets like these are often under $1 each.

It’s easiest to find things at thrift stores if you have a very open mind about what you’re looking for. You can pretty much find stuff in any color, if you’re patient.

“Previously-loved” candles are always really cheap. And if they’re already lit when your guests arrive, how will they know you didn’t buy them new?

Patience really is key. You’ve got to have time to find the stuff you want. Then, you’ve got to be creative. Remember that dirty things can usually be cleaned. Keep in mind that wooden or metal items can be stripped, sanded or painted. A can of spray paint can turn ugly ’80s gold candle holders into fresh white ones in no time. Many types of furniture can even be painted and/or covered to inexpensively suit your wedding day theme or color scheme.

Are you a thrifty shopper, too? Has it helped you find great stuff for your wedding?