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Planning a wedding gets expensive fast, but honestly, it doesn’t have to be that way. I can pull off a beautiful, memorable celebration with thrifted decor that fits my style and my wallet.
When I shop secondhand and add my own touches, old treasures get a whole new life.
It saves money, sure, but it also makes the wedding feel more personal and one-of-a-kind.
1. Repurposed antique picture frames as table numbers
I hunt down old picture frames at thrift stores and turn them into table numbers. A fresh coat of paint ties them into my color scheme. I just print out numbers and pop them inside each frame—easy and cute.
2. Vintage candle holders with mismatched candles
I’m a fan of vintage candle holders with all sorts of candles—different shapes, colors, whatever I can find. It keeps things interesting and not too matchy-matchy.
For People Who Love to Make Things ✂️
Mixing brass, glass, and ceramic pieces gives the tables a cool, collected-over-time vibe. Most of my favorite candle holders came from thrift shops, honestly.
3. Lace runners layered over patterned tablecloths
I’ll grab thrifted lace runners and layer them over patterned tablecloths. It adds texture and a cozy, welcoming feel. Plus, layering lets me play around with vintage finds in unexpected ways.
4. Mason jars filled with wildflowers
Mason jars show up everywhere in thrift stores. I fill them with wildflowers—nothing fancy—and they make the tables pop with color and a touch of rustic charm.
5. Old door backdrops for ceremony entrances
I drag in old doors for the ceremony entrance. They’re rustic, vintage, and just different. I’ll hang some flowers or drape fabric for extra flair.
6. Thrifted glassware used as vases and drinkware
Thrifted glassware makes great, affordable centerpieces. I find all sorts of vases—tall, short, weirdly shaped—at my local shops.
I’ll even use mismatched glasses and cups for drinkware. It adds a little personality to every table, which I love.
7. Pampas grass centerpieces in rustic containers
I stick pampas grass in thrifted vases or old metal buckets. It’s soft and natural, and when I mix in some greenery or little flowers, the texture really stands out.
8. Crochet napkins and linens from thrift stores
I’ve found so many cool crochet napkins and linens at thrift stores. They give the tables a handmade, homey feel. I like to mix and match patterns and colors—perfection isn’t the point.
9. Quirky vintage books stacked as decor accents
I grab vintage books to stack on tables. They add height for candles or flowers and just look charming with their worn covers and faded spines.
10. Buffets and sideboards to showcase wedding photos
I use thrifted buffets and sideboards to show off framed wedding photos. It’s a cozy, personal touch and gives guests a place to linger and reminisce.
11. Upcycled lanterns for ambient lighting
I scout out old lanterns in secondhand shops, clean them up, maybe give them a new coat of paint, and drop in LED candles. The glow is so inviting—way better than harsh lights.
12. Family heirloom items displayed on shelves
I set out family heirlooms on open shelves. It’s a sweet way to share some family history, and every piece has its own little backstory.
13. Vintage suitcases stacked for gift table decor
Stacking vintage suitcases on the gift table brings in extra style and a touch of nostalgia. Sometimes I’ll line them with fabric so everything looks tidy and intentional.
14. Hand-painted signs on reclaimed wood
I love painting simple signs—“Welcome,” “This Way”—on reclaimed wood with whatever acrylics I have. Thrift stores usually have random wood pieces that work perfectly for this.
15. Rustic wooden crates for favor display
I use old wooden crates from thrift shops to hold wedding favors. It’s a rustic look that feels relaxed. I’ll tip the crates on their sides and fill them up with favors for guests to grab.
16. Antique silver trays for cocktail hour
I serve drinks during cocktail hour on vintage silver trays. They look fancy, but honestly, I find them for next to nothing at thrift stores.
17. Mismatched thrifted plates and flatware
I mix and match plates and flatware from thrift stores. The different patterns and styles give the tables a vintage, lived-in charm. Plus, it’s a fun way to get creative and save some cash.
18. Bulk vintage buttons used in bouquet wraps
I love wrapping bouquet stems with bulk vintage buttons. Mixing all those colors and shapes adds such a quirky, charming touch—honestly, it’s hard to resist. You’ll find tons at thrift stores or poking around online, if you know where to look.
