With all of life’s financial commitments and obligations, the last thing a newly married couple needs is more accrued debt! However, it really is possible to create the dream wedding you’ve envisioned utilizing a local thrift store as your go-to resource for just about everything you’ll need. In fact, thrift store weddings on a dime are in style even for those who can afford to splurge on every whim. So why not responsibly recycle and imaginatively repurpose wonderful goods for your magical day?

There are so many wedding ideas to peruse on Pinterest, Etsy, designer dress and wedding planner websites, that it really makes “lack of creativity” a very implausible excuse for not being able to have the most wonderful dream wedding on a dime. 

The Dress

While actually finding the perfect dress at an unbelievable price while thrifting is certainly possible, there’s also the treasure trove of fabrics to be considered. Many local seamstresses (or Grandmas) would be thrilled to create your lovely ensemble just as you wish using gorgeous satins, beaded lace, and chiffon, which can be inexpensively gleaned from any second hand clothing store. Just look past the possibly homely garment, and see only the lovely color or texture of the textile to transform.

Vintage brooches, beads and bags, evoking the elegance and quality craftsmanship of other times can be worn for your period style, or dismantled for the stones and pearls to embellish a dress or headpiece. (Or anything, really, with a hot glue gun at hand!)

Wedding Attendants

Personal and memorable gifts for your bridesmaids and groomsmen may be found in any department of a thrift store as well. Gifts that will really say how very much you appreciate their sharing in your joyful celebration. Silly gifts to make them laugh about times you’ve shared or times you hope to share in the future. Gifts for special family members who’ve travelled far to be there, too. And, of course, maybe a gift for your honey as well.

The Wedding Day

Ever consider that mixing and matching beautiful china plates and glassware picked up at a thrift store can actually be less expensive than purchasing that heavy plastic stemware so widely used at outdoor events? And much prettier! (The “clink” of real champagne flutes or water goblets for toasting is such a special sound!)

Perhaps a small gathering is your dream event, with elegantly set brunch for best friends or family. Need picnic items for a giant beach volleyball wedding? Camo and hunting gear for a cabin wedding party?

Some brides dream of staging the ceremony using elegant vintage sofas or chairs for seating special guests like parents and grandparents. Old style settees and fainting couches make graceful props for photographing you in your beautiful dress, and can be easily and inexpensively obtained at thrift stores.

Not all “dream weddings” are of the traditional variety, but all thrift stores can be the vehicle to make that dream wedding come true (on a dime) for you!