10 THRIFTY WEDDING FINDS FOR A BUDGET-FRIENDLY BIG DAY

ARE YOU WONDERING HOW TO HAVE YOUR DREAM WEDDING WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK?

Weddings are a joyous occasion, but they can come with a hefty price tag. As reported by CNN, the average cost of a wedding this year in the United States is $29,000.

Want the good news? There are ways to save money and still have a fun, stylish wedding!

One of the best ways to cut costs is by thrifting for wedding items. Thrifting is also a smart strategy for reducing waste and lowering the carbon footprint of your wedding.

To help you have the budget-friendly wedding of your dreams, we’ve rounded up 10 thrifty wedding finds. Stop in to your local Goodwill today and see if you can score any of these great finds for your wedding!

THRIFTY FINDS TO ELEVATE YOUR WEDDING AND SAVE BIG

1. CHIC, ECO-FRIENDLY DRESSES

The wedding dress can be a big expense. However, with a little bit of hunting and some patience, it’s possible to find an affordable, stunning gown at Goodwill.

We can offer a wide variety of dresses, from traditional gowns to more bohemian and alternative styles. Many of these dresses are in excellent condition, and you might even find designer gowns at a fraction of the original price.

Bridesmaids can also benefit from this approach. Instead of requiring each bridesmaid to buy a brand new dress that they may never wear again, you can all go thrifting together and find affordable, beautiful dresses that everyone will love.

The best part is that thifting your dress is eco-friendly, so you can feel good about helping the environment while looking amazing on your big day.

2. SECONDHAND SUITS

You can also look for the groom or groomsmen’s suits at Goodwill. You may find some amazing deals on suit jackets, blazers, dress shirts, neckties, bowties, waistcoats, or cufflinks.

With secondhand suits, you’ll save money and make a sustainable choice. You can even donate the suits back to Goodwill after the wedding to continue their life cycle.

3. VINTAGE ACCESSORIES

Thrifted accessories can add a timeless elegance to any wedding look. Here are a few accessories to consider hunting for at your local Goodwill.

Veil: Look for veils made of delicate lace or tulle with intricate detailing. Consider a blusher veil for a more traditional look.

Shoes: Vintage shoes can add a unique touch to a wedding outfit. For men, you might find classic loafers or wingtips. For women, you might find anything from classic pumps to funky sandals. Try searching for shoes with interesting details like beading or lace to make a statement.

Jewelry: Add sparkle or sophistication to your bridal look with a pearl necklace, statement brooch, or gloves. Vintage hairpieces like floral combs and headbands can create a romantic feel. For both the bride and groom, watches can be a stylish accessory that adds both functionality and vintage charm to the wedding day look.

4. DIY INVITATION MATERIALS

You can create your own wedding invites that reflect your personality and set the tone for your wedding. Goodwill is a great place to start looking for supplies. Vintage and rustic themes are popular this wedding season, and you can easily achieve this aesthetic by using thrifted materials.

Consider looking for old books, maps, or sheet music. These can be used as backgrounds or as accents on your invitations. Vintage postcards can also be repurposed as invitations.

For those who prefer something more minimalist, craft paper and twine can create a simple, yet elegant invitation. You can add your own personal touch using handwritten details.

5. FLORALS

When it comes to wedding florals, there are a lot of things to consider: bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, flower girl petals, reception centerpieces, cake florals, flowers for the head table and ceremony structures…the list goes on. It’s easy to go over budget on florals.

Stick to your budget by thrifting for artificial flowers that look just as stunning as real ones. You can make your floral arrangements ahead of time, which prevents stress on the big day.

For inspiration, check out this video on how to make a wedding bouquet with artificial flowers.

6. FURNITURE

Add character and charm to your wedding day using secondhand furniture. Make a cozy area for guests to lounge in using vintage couches, chairs, and coffee tables. A thrifted vintage dresser or table can also be repurposed as a dessert display or bar station.

Using thrifted furniture also promotes sustainability, as you are giving new life to pre-loved pieces that may have otherwise been thrown away.

7. TABLEWARE

By thrifting tablecloths, linens, glassware, and silverware, you can cut costs and still achieve a beautiful table setting.

Vintage doilies or colored glassware add eye-catching detail, and they can often be found for a steal at Goodwill.

8. CENTERPIECES

Stop by your local Goodwill to look for vases, candles, tea lights, baskets, picture frames, and more items that can make excellent table centerpieces. We’d encourage you to stop in multiple times, as new items are always being donated.

For affordable table decor inspiration, check out this post by thrifty bride Emily.

9. FRUGAL FAVORS

When thrifting, keep an eye out for items that could make the perfect wedding favor. Imagine giving your guests vintage handkerchiefs, mason jars, or candles. One couple gave out thrifted coffee mugs as favors. This is a fun opportunity to be creative!

You might also find great deals on favor bags and boxes.

10. DECOR

One of the most exciting aspects of thrifting is that you never know what you’ll find. It’s the perfect way to personalize your wedding because you can handpick decor that is meaningful to you.

Here are more decorative items you might consider thrifting for your wedding: signs, picture frames, candle holders, lanterns, vases, cake toppers, books, or records.

When it comes to decor, embrace your creativity and think outside the box. Read this article to find out how one frugal bride brought her wedding vision to life with thrift store decor finds.

THRIFT YOUR WAY TO A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING DAY

From vintage decor to secondhand outfits, thrifting offers countless ways to save money on your big day. It’s also an excellent option for environmentally conscious couples.

So what are you waiting for? Stop in to Goodwill to see what you can find! If there’s a certain item you’re looking for, feel free to ask us if we’ve seen it in store – we’re happy to help.

Happy wedding season!

Sources:

10 Thrifty Wedding Finds for a Budget-Friendly Big Day