Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
Serving Greater Cincinnati

4 Fabulous DIY Ideas for Brides on a Budget

When it comes to wedding planning, it’s easy to go overboard. The expectations for an extravagant “” and overly priced “” affair seem to grow with each passing year. But the truth is, you can still throw a wedding that will wow your guests on a thrift store budget.

Let Goodwill help you create memories “” not wedding debt! Check out these four fabulous DIY ideas for brides on a budget:

#1: Picture Frames

This one seems like a no-brainer, but there’s more than one way to use a thrifted picture frame! Use your imagination, and think about ways you can personalize the frames you find to fit your wedding style.

Picture frame from Goodwill
Picture frame from Goodwill

For example, choose a variety of picture frames to create a sentimental display at the ceremony, or the reception. You could either fill the frames with inexpensive prints of the happy couple (which could also double as favors for guests!) or fill the frames with wedding photos featuring family members on both sides. Many guests will love the opportunity to walk down memory lane, and it’s a romantic tie to the idea that love continues to join families together.

Another idea is to paint large picture frames or even mirrors with chalkboard paint for wedding signage and seating charts, or choose small frames to serve as name cards at the reception tables.

#2: Vintage Cake Stands & Serving ware

punch bowl from Goodwill
punch bowl from Goodwill
cake stands from goodwill
cake stands from goodwill

Elegantly decorated cakes and other treats are elevated when they’re displayed on vintage cake stands or dishes from your local Goodwill store. For an eclectic, yet curated, look choose patterns that don’t match, but complement one another. And be sure to choose vintage serving ware that you can display on the cake table before the cake is cut! Ohio Valley Goodwill is your go-to for stylish, affordable dishes and serving ware for any occasion.

#3: Vases or Tea Sets

teacup from Goodwill
teacup from Goodwill

Imagine show-stopping centerpieces featuring flowers, candles, or even small twinkle lights set against vintage vases or even inside dainty teacups. Tinted glass and porcelain will create a more delicate look with flowers, but you can always paint glass vases to match your wedding color palette. It’s not hard to find beautiful vases, glass jars, containers, and more when you shop at Goodwill in Cincinnati!

#4: Something Old

Bridesmaid dress from Goodwill
Bridesmaid dress from Goodwill
wedding dress from goodwill
wedding dress from goodwill

At your nearest Cincinnati Goodwill, you’re bound to find something beautiful to help you fulfill the old adage: ” Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” Of course, whether it’s vintage jewelry or a handkerchief, your thrifted item will be both old and new to you. If you donate it back to Goodwill after your big day, it could even count as ” borrowed!”

Did you know? Goodwill often has a selection of gently-used wedding gowns! Because most people wear their wedding attire only once, you may find a gorgeous gown in nearly-new condition, for a fraction of the price. If you’re a bridesmaid or wedding guest, Goodwill has you covered too! Shop at Goodwill to save on cocktail dresses, evening gowns, flower girl dresses, suits, jackets, and ties, accessories, jewelry, shoes, and more! 

Wedding Plan with Goodwill

If you’re looking forward to exchanging vows in the near future, it’s time to head to your nearest Cincinnati Goodwill retail store. You’re sure to find one-of-a-kind items that will make your wedding memorable, while leaving you with more money in your bank account to start your new life as a married couple!