4 Ways to Thrift for Your Wedding

Oh yes, it can be done! And as more and more people are becoming increasingly eco-conscious, second hand is definitely the way to go. Even for your wedding. Today on the blog we have Carmen, the face behind Loudoun Thrift, who creates social media content about thrifting in & around Loudon County, VA. With over 30 years of thrifting experience, she shows others where to go, how to thrift, and what they might find. She loves helping others find unique items, save money, and support sustainable style! Be sure to also check her out on Instagram @loudounthrift and here are her tips on how to thrift for your special day:

Oh, wedding season is upon us! Which means it’s time to go thrifting for your wedding.

Wait, what? Yes, I know those are two words that we don’t commonly hear together- wedding AND thrifting, but I’m going to let you in on some ways you can actually thrift amazing items for your wedding, save some money, and showcase your unique style with secondhand items. Here are my favorite four:

1. Thrifted Bridal Gowns

Ok, I know. Maybe this wasn’t the first thought when I mentioned thrifting. Not every thrift store will have bridal gowns, but generally the larger stores will. With a lot of people purging or downsizing nowadays, bridal gowns are sometimes the first things to go. Most times, you can score a gorgeous vintage gownfrom the 60’s, 70’s, or 80’s. Even if the gown is not quite your style or size, you may be able to have it altered and tailored specifically for you. In the end, you’ll have a beautiful, one-of-a-kind gown that’s all you

2. Thrifted Bridesmaids Dresses

Now we’re talking! Almost every thrift store, even the smaller ones, will have a year-round selection of bridesmaid dresses or similar formal wear. If you’ve even been a bridesmaid (3 times as maid of honor for me!), then you know that these are often donated dresses. If you have a small wedding with one bridesmaid, then finding a thrifted dress will be simple. If you have a larger party, think outside the box. Each bridesmaid wears the same/similar color but in different dress styles. Or try a mix & match color theme- half the bridesmaids wear one color & the other half wear another color (be open to mixed dress styles). It will definitely make for some insta-worthy pictures!

3. Thrifted centerpieces or decor

We love décor, right? The options can be endless when shopping for wedding décor. Do some homework before you shop and look for stores with a large housewares section. You will usually find vases galore, but other wedding décor items I often spot are lanterns, glass bottles, faux flowers, wreaths, mason jars, and canvas art. With the explosion of canvas word art and shabby chic looks in mainstream retail, you will often find a large amount of this in the thrift stores. Think about small art for places like the cake table or guestbook area. Larger pieces can be peppered throughout the reception area for a unique look with words that speak to you and your groom!

4. Wedding favors

Everyone likes a gift to take home! And now, you can thrift for favors without breaking the bank. Think candles, small glass votive holders, mini vases with flower buds. A favorite I once spotted in a magazine used thrifted spoons dipped in chocolate (just the spoon part), then bagged and ribboned to be used as coffee or hot chocolate dippers. Again, these can be somewhat non-traditional ideas, but they are unique, sustainable, and budget conscious.

So, now that we’ve discovered that we can thrift for weddings, which one would you try out first?  Let me know in the comments below!

Carmen Corsi, Author

Carmen is an avid thrifter (30+ years!) based in Loudoun County, VA and blogs about her finds, plus tips & tricks to help you find your own second hand gems. Other passions include coffee, make up, and the fluffiest eyelashes she can find. Click here to check out her site