Top Wedding Items to Rent or Buy Secondhand for a More Sustainable Celebration
Planning an eco-friendly wedding? One of the best ways to reduce waste and lower costs is by renting or purchasing secondhand wedding items. Not only does this support sustainability, but it can also add unique charm to your big day. Between renting from vendors you’re already working with and attending events like the Wedding Recyclery on 4/27 at Loft on Lake, it won’t be difficult to rent or purchase second hand!
Here are some of the easiest wedding items to rent or buy secondhand:
1. Wedding Attire
Wedding Dresses and Bridesmaid Dresses
Wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses are often only worn once, making them perfect candidates for secondhand shopping. Many brides sell their gowns in near-perfect condition, allowing you to find a stunning designer dress at a fraction of the price. Whether you're looking for a vintage-inspired gown or a modern minimalist style, secondhand boutiques, online resale platforms, bridal consignment shops , and even sometimes the Wedding Recyclery offer a variety of options while keeping beautiful dresses out of landfills.
From the Wedding Recyclery at Loft on Lake in 2023
Suits and Tuxedos
Suits and tuxedos are also excellent items to rent or buy secondhand, especially for grooms and groomsmen who may not need formalwear often. Many men’s formalwear shops offer rental packages, ensuring a polished look without the commitment of purchasing an outfit that may only be worn once. If you prefer to buy, thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces frequently have high-quality options at a discount.
Bridesmaids and Wedding Guests
For bridesmaids and wedding guests, clothing rental companies provide an eco-friendly alternative to buying a dress that may only be worn for one event. Services like Rent the Runway and other formalwear rental companies offer stylish gowns in various sizes, colors, and styles, making it easy to coordinate a cohesive bridal party look without waste. Some companies even offer rental options for accessories like veils, jewelry, and handbags to complete the ensemble sustainably.
Photo provided by Sustainable Soirees / Photo by Anna Zajac Photography
2. Décor & Signage
From romantic candlelit tables to elegant floral centerpieces, wedding décor plays a big role in setting the mood for your celebration—but that doesn’t mean you have to buy everything new. Renting or purchasing secondhand décor is a fantastic way to cut costs and reduce waste while still achieving a beautiful, cohesive aesthetic.
Candles, Lanterns & Votives
Candles instantly add warmth and ambiance to your wedding, and the good news is they’re easy to find secondhand! Many couples sell gently used candle holders, lanterns, and votives after their big day, making it simple to source these items sustainably. Additionally, many florists also offer these items for rent.
Wedding Signs & Stationery
Welcome signs, seating charts, table numbers, and bar menus are often reusable or easily repurposed. Check secondhand wedding marketplaces or local resale events like the Recyclery, where couples can buy and sell gently used décor, signage, and more. If you find a sign with the wrong wording, don’t worry—many chalkboard or acrylic signs can be customized with removable vinyl lettering or rewritten to match your needs.
Vases, Candle Holders & Centerpieces
Vases, compote bowls, and centerpiece stands are some of the easiest items to rent or buy secondhand. Before purchasing, check with your florist or event rental company—they often have a wide selection of vessels and décor elements available for rent, which reduces waste and ensures a polished, cohesive look. Rental companies may also offer specialty items like arches, backdrops, and statement pieces that would be costly to buy outright.
From the Wedding Recyclery at Loft on Lake in 2023
3. Ceremony & Reception Furniture
When it comes to big-ticket wedding items like arches, arbors, tables, and chairs, renting is almost always the best option—not only for cost savings but also for sustainability. Purchasing these items new for a single event often isn’t practical, but fortunately, there are plenty of ways to find beautiful, eco-friendly rental options.
Arches & Arbors
A stunning ceremony arch or arbor creates a gorgeous focal point for your vows, and the best part is you don’t need to buy one new! Many florists and event rental companies offer a variety of arch styles for rent, from rustic wooden frames to modern geometric designs.
Tables & Chairs
Rental companies often offer a wide selection of tables and chairs to match your wedding aesthetic, whether you’re looking for elegant banquet tables, rustic farm tables, or vintage-inspired seating. Additionally, many wedding venues include tables and chairs in their packages, so be sure to check before securing outside rentals.
Photo provided by Catered by Design
4. Tableware & Linens
Plates, Glassware & Flatware
Most caterers provide rental options for plates, glassware, and flatware, which is the easiest and most sustainable way to ensure your guests have everything they need while avoiding single-use plastics. If your catering package doesn’t include tableware, or if you’re looking for something more unique, there are plenty of specialty rental companies that offer vintage and mismatched collections of plates, goblets, and cutlery. These curated rentals can add personality and charm to your tables while reducing waste.
For those interested in a DIY approach, wedding resale groups, thrift stores, and secondhand marketplaces are great places to find elegant dishware, especially if you love a vintage or eclectic aesthetic. Many couples sell or donate their gently used wedding tableware after their event, making it easy to source stylish, pre-loved pieces.
Fabric Napkins & Table Runners
Fabric napkins and table runners are an excellent alternative to disposable options, adding elegance and texture to your tables while reducing waste. Many rental companies offer a wide selection of linens in various colors and materials, ensuring a polished look that aligns with your wedding theme. If you prefer to buy, secondhand marketplaces and wedding resale events like the Wedding Recyclery often have gently used linens available at a fraction of the price. After your big day, you can resell, donate, or even repurpose them for future celebrations.
From the Wedding Recyclery at Loft on Lake in 2023
5. Accessories & Small Details
The little details can make a big impact on your wedding day, and choosing secondhand or rented accessories is a great way to add beauty and meaning while staying sustainable.
Bridal Jewelry & Heirloom Pieces
Jewelry is a wonderful place to incorporate something secondhand, vintage, or even borrowed. Whether it’s a family heirloom, an antique find, or a pre-loved piece from a vintage jewelry boutique, choosing secondhand bridal accessories adds a unique and sentimental touch. Many jewelers also specialize in restored vintage engagement rings and wedding bands, which can be a sustainable and meaningful alternative to buying new.
Veils & Hairpieces
Since veils and hair accessories are typically worn only once, they are widely available secondhand in excellent condition. Bridal resale shops, online marketplaces, and wedding resale events like the Wedding Recyclery often have stunning veils, tiaras, and hairpieces at a fraction of the original price. Many brides also pass their veils down to friends or family, making this an easy "something borrowed" option!
Card Boxes, Guest Books & Signage
Items like card boxes, guest books, and signage are wedding staples that can easily be repurposed from another couple’s celebration. Many wedding planners and event rental companies offer rentals for these small but important details, including wedding table numbers, seating charts, and even decorative frames for signage. Choosing a rental or secondhand option means fewer single-use items and less waste after your big day.
From the Wedding Recyclery at Loft on Lake in 2023
Shop Secondhand at the Spring Recyclery!
Looking for an easy way to find pre-loved wedding treasures? Join the Wedding Recyclery, hosted by the Green Wedding Alliance. This event connects engaged couples with past brides and grooms who are selling gently used wedding décor, attire, and more. It’s a fantastic opportunity to shop sustainably while finding beautiful, budget-friendly items.
Date: April 27, 2025
Location: Loft on Lake
Learn more here!
By choosing to rent or buy secondhand, you’re not only reducing waste but also supporting a circular wedding economy. Happy planning!
