When planning your wedding, there are many ways to make it more sustainable, from choosing eco-friendly vendors to reducing waste. One often-overlooked aspect of sustainability is the use of borrowed or thrifted items.
I know when I got married the borrowed items were the ones that made it memorable, from the lucky sixpence borrowed from my Grandma, to the shoes i wore, lent to me by my sister with reluctance. Each borrowed item created a moment, an interaction and now a memory to cherish forever.
By incorporating pre-owned items into your wedding, you can reduce waste and give new life to items that might otherwise end up in a landfill. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best ways to use borrowed or thrifted items for a sustainable wedding.
1. Borrow Attire
Wedding attire can be one of the most expensive and wasteful aspects of a wedding. By borrowing attire from family or friends, you can save money and reduce waste. You can also consider renting attire from a local dress rental service or thrift store. Not only is this an eco-friendly choice, but it can also be a way to incorporate sentimental items into your wedding.
2. Use Vintage Decor
Using vintage decor is a great way to add character and charm to your wedding while also reducing waste. You can find vintage items such as candlesticks, vases, and table settings at charity shops or antique stores, or even in your own family’s attic. Incorporating vintage decor into your wedding can also add a personal touch and make your wedding more unique.
I love it when my couples provide their families collection of cut glass vases for use on their tables, filling these with home grown seasonal flowers is a joy.
3. Rent Vintage Furniture
Renting vintage furniture is a sustainable choice for couples who want to add a touch of nostalgia to their wedding. You can rent vintage chairs, tables, and even sofas from local rental companies. Renting furniture not only reduces waste, but it can also be a cost-effective way to add a special touch to your wedding.
4. Use Family Heirlooms
Incorporating family heirlooms into your wedding is a sentimental and sustainable choice. You can use items such as vintage jewelry, lace, crockery and ornaments. Not only does this add a personal touch to your wedding, but it also gives new life to cherished family items.
5. Donate or Re-purpose After the Wedding
After your wedding, consider donating or re-purposing any borrowed or thrifted items. You can donate items to a local charity, or you can re purpose items into new projects or home decor. This ensures that the items continue to have a useful life and reduces waste.
In conclusion, using borrowed or thrifted items is a great way to have a sustainable wedding. By borrowing attire, using vintage decor, renting vintage furniture, using family heirlooms, and donating or re-purposing after the wedding, you can reduce waste and give new life to pre-owned items.
