Getting to travel to other wedding markets outside of southern Ohio, West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky, it’s always nice to see what is on trend and how wedding professionals incorporate new items into their event design. What particularly caught my eye was some fabulous furniture rentals I discovered in the Southern Georgia market that was great inspiration for Weymouth Hill garden parties and/or tented seating areas.
Coincidentally, the company had a surplus of fabulous pieces after hosting a famous couple’s second wedding to each other, this time in Savannah, Georgia. Let’s just say the rentals lasted longer than the second marriage and the inventory surplus made it’s way to many other luxury weddings.
While it’s the business of event rental companies to reuse its equipment, why not upcycle for your wedding? Why wouldn’t you take advantage of a close friend who just married or a sibling having collected some items that may be on your radar for purchase? This week, I polled an associate who could reuse many elements her ever-crafty friend created when she planned her Weymouth Hill wedding. This blog is compiling a list of perfect recycled or “upcycled” items. Also, we say upcycle as there’s a lot of creative ways to take an item and make it your own. Here are a few great items that can easily be recycled/upcycled
- Mirrored signs – Oversized mirrors are still trending for putting together welcome signs and seating charts. All you need is a cricut and you can make it your own
- Faux Floral – This is one area where you will want to assess the condition of the used faux floral and consider sprucing it up or adding in color to suit your design.
- Glass Vases – Not the most pleasant of wedding décor to bubble wrap, pack and transport, but the cost of these begins to add up when decorating for a wedding. If your venue doesn’t offer these or have them for rent, this is another great money saver to borrow.
- Table Numbers or reserved signs – While small items, these are a one-time use that is a great item to borrow or reuse. You’ll want the style of the sign to match your look, of course
- Table linens, runners and dinner napkins – If your venue does not provide and you know someone with a respectable stash, by all means, recycle. Tip: don’t be fooled that a white table linen is just a white table linen. The weight and quality of the fabric can be the difference in something that looks elegant or the opposite…. cheap. Be sure you’ve checked the linens for quality and stains well before your event and don’t forget to press or have them professionally pressed. The savings can be as much as $20-$40 a table linen.
- Floral walls or other backdrops – We see a ton of DIY pinterst-worthy projects come through our venue. The popular one for 2024 was the mug wall. Typically, these plywood boards are a one-and-done use. A fresh coat of paint is always a fabulous way to upcycle and make your own.
While it is good for the environment, your budget and just feels good to save on recycling wedding products, there are some common courtesies to remember when you’re on the receiving end of a friend or relative allowing you to use their items. Here are some tips:
- This goes without saying but needs said, do return in a timely manner and in as good or better condition than you borrowed.
- If your friend does not wish to have the items back, consider paying it forward by donating to another person.
Don’t forget to thank the person who passed along items. This means really thank them. Write the giver a note thanking them for their kindness and consider.
Photo by Heather Christine Photo
