16 Things to Thrift to Give Your Wedding a Unique Vintage Feel

As a wedding photographer and a massive thrifter, I’ve spent lots of time dreaming about what items you could thrift for your wedding day. I love how unique it looks when you find secondhand items that are all different, yet cohesive. And if they’re vintage, that’s even better. I also love the idea of using inherited items in my wedding, and any of these would be so fun to receive from a loved one! But if you don’t have that option, you can also thrift things to create a similar vibe, though it may not be as personally sentimental. I do most of my thrifting around Louisville, KY, because that’s where my wedding photography business is based. However, I love thrifting when I travel, too, and I think you could find these things in almost any area!

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1. Glasses and dinnerware

Glasses and dinnerware are probably the easiest things to find secondhand! Most thrift and antique stores have plenty to choose from, and it adds to the charm if they are all unique. You could probably find enough glasses and/or plates and silverware for all of your wedding guests in just a handful of trips to the thrift store. If you want to add some vintage appeal, consider looking for colored glasses like Depression Glassware. Bonus points if you let your guests take them home as wedding favors! 

2. Gloves 

Okay, I love the look of lacy, vintage gloves. I think these would be easy to find at an antique store and instantly level up your wedding day outfit. You could pair with your ceremony fit or save for your reception outfit. Or you could just get a pair for both! 

3. Reception outfit

This one may be a little trickier, but I think you could thrift your outfit for the reception, especially if you are more fem leaning. In just a few scours of the thrift store, I imagine you could find the perfect little white dress. 

4. Robes for wedding party

If you want your wedding party to wear robes or kimonos to get ready in, consider thrifting them! (especially if you can find vintage ones!) That way, each robe will be unique, yet cohesive, and you’ll instantly add a vintage flair to your wedding day. 

5. Jewelry

You may have to hunt a bit to find jewelry you love, but it’s totally doable, and you could find some really unique, vintage jewelry. 

6. Rings!

While we’re on the subject of jewelry, let’s talk about rings! I have always said that if I ever get engaged or married, I want to thrift my rings. You could probably find some nicer ones at an antique store. And while it’s not for everyone, I personally would love thrifted rings. It’s such an easy way to keep your rings unique and all your own and a great option for someone like me who doesn’t love the look of traditional wedding bands. This is also notably a great way to save money and create more room in your wedding budget for other things (like photography! ;)).

7. Cufflinks or tie

If you’re masc leaning, and you plan to wear cufflinks or a tie/bowtie, consider looking for them secondhand! 

8. Your wedding dress

Okay, this one is definitely not for everyone. And it would definitely take a while to find a wedding dress you really love. But I have always dreamed of thrifting my wedding dress. It’s also such a good way to create more room in your budget. 

9. Clutch or purse

I dream of scoring a vintage clutch for my wedding. Something cute and just big enough to store my lipstick and phone in. Maybe my vows. Adding a pretty clutch instantly elevates your look and makes it so classic and timeless. 

10. Candlesticks

I have been really into taper candles and candlesticks lately. I think they’re so timeless and beautiful, plus they add a vintage feel. I love the idea of thrifting a bunch of different types and sizes of candlesticks and then placing them on all the tables for your wedding reception. And candlesticks are so easy to find at the thrift! If you go with this idea and plan to light a bunch of taper candles, I would recommend using slow burn or dripless candles so that they last longer and don’t create a fire hazard for your wedding. If you live in Louisville, I would suggest looking for candles at Kozy Kandles. She sells taper candles in-store, and they are such great quality!

11. Frames for displaying photos

If you plan to display photos of you and your partner or of loved ones at your wedding, finding the frames second hand could be a great option. It’s more sustainable and eco-friendly as well as being a way to find something a bit more unique. 

12. Hat or veil

For fem people, I think veils are so pretty, especially vintage ones, and I feel like it would be so easy to find a pretty one at the antique store! If you’re more masc, a hat would be so fun and so unique. I’m picturing either a tophat or even a wide-brim fedora! 

13. Fur coat or shawl to wear over a wedding dress

If you’re wearing a wedding dress for your wedding celebration, especially if it’s in the winter, one way to add warmth and some extra flair is thrifting a fur coat or even a lacy shawl or similar outerwear.

14. Cake topper

I think vintage cake toppers are so cute, and I have been seeing them all the time in the thrift store lately. It would take a minute to find one you loved, but it’s definitely doable. 

15. Cake knives and plate

I love when couples have a pretty plate and cake knife to use for cutting their wedding cake. Little things like that just add that extra touch to your wedding decor. Plus, it looks so pretty in your wedding photos!

16. Chairs for couple and/or wedding party

I think it’s so cute when the couple and maybe their wedding party, too, have unique, high-back chairs, and I see these all the time at the thrift store!

There are so many other things you could add to this list, but I hope this got you started! If you end up scoring any great finds for your wedding day, please come back and let me know! I would love to hear about it. 

If you’re still in need of a wedding photographer, click here to see if I still have your date available! I would love to work with you.

Note: some images second shot for Frames and Letters Photography and Jordan Pantoja Photography.