As wedding trends evolve year to year, future brides and grooms should know about this eco-friendly trend on the rise: thrifted weddings. Combine the beauty of vintage aesthetics with the practicality of sustainability by finding items from thrift or vintage stores, from decor to clothing to furniture! By incorporating second-hand and upcycled items, couples can have an environmentally conscious celebration without sacrificing personal style. Get inspired to charm your guests with something borrowed, made new to match your dream wedding vibes.
Trend alert: Thrifted wedding decorations
Opting for thrifted wedding decorations is a wonderful way to add character and sustainability to your big day. Instead of buying new, begin your wedding decor search at a thrift store (find local thrift stores). After determining your wedding vision and color scheme, keep an open mind about how different items could be reused and made new to fit your style. Keep an eye out for frames, furniture, vases, candles, and other hidden treasures.
Thrift your wedding attire
Many brides and grooms are opting to spend less on clothing garments that are typically only worn for one day. Consider looking at local thrift stores or vintage clothing boutiques (search our local reuse directory) for dresses and suits. If sifting through a thrift store for hidden treasures does not sound like your ideal wedding dress shopping experience, ask a bridal stylist about purchasing a sample dress instead of buying a made-to-order gown, or research boutiques that only sell sample dresses. These dresses are typically discounted and often have no flaws—the bridal shop might not be able to take orders on the style any longer. Websites like Borrowing Magnolia, Once Wed, Still White, and Etsy can also be great options. Dress rental services are also gaining popularity—search sites like Rent the Runway to wear a designer gown that can continue to be reused! Keep an eye out for accessories at thrift and vintage shops. Find special vintage jewelry and shoes with unique history and styles. Don’t overlook clothes thrifting websites such as Depop or Poshmark for finding the perfect finishing touch to your wedding party’s look!
Furniture rentals and more
Use furniture rental services like Après or Ultimate Events to create elegant seating arrangements and lounges that match your wedding theme. Many furniture and decoration rental businesses have a variety of styles that will cater to your wedding vision. Or, continue the mismatched vintage trend by renting or borrowing chairs, sofas, rugs, or decorative items that are unique from each other for your ceremony setup. Reuse rugs for an outdoor aisle or dance floor to curate a backyard-bohemian feel.
Thrifted weddings not only support sustainability but also allow couples to express their individuality through one-of-a-kind pieces. Each thrifted item has its own story and adds a layer of depth and meaning to your wedding decor. Take this trend as far as you’d like to wow your guests with a style they’ve never seen before! By choosing to thrift for your wedding day, you’re reducing waste, supporting local businesses, and creating an event that’s both beautiful and environmentally responsible.
