By Felicia Czochanski Bisaro
Wedding season is such a special time, with flowers in bloom and love in the air. Wedding celebrations are full of memories to treasure, and it’s rare to have all of your loved ones in the same place to support and celebrate you. Traditions are also part of what makes weddings special. The “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” tradition has been a way for brides to manifest good luck on their wedding day while also getting creative. Whether it’s your own special day coming up or you’re on the guest list for a friend or relative’s upcoming nuptials, don’t forget to shop second-hand first — Goodwill can be your one-stop shop for all things wedding attire and décor.
Saving Money on Weddings
Weddings are expensive and while couples go through great lengths to organize their special day, budgeting is just as important. Saving and spending money on a wedding can be stressful — especially when you think about all the costs and details only lasting less than twenty-four hours. Of course, the memories and photos will last a lifetime, as will the special items you preserve from your big day — like your dress, shoes and accessories. But at the same time, finding ways to cut costs is also imperative. One way to do this is to browse the racks at your local Goodwill store. Goodwill accepts hundreds of thousands of tons of goods each year, diverting them from landfills so shoppers can give them new life. That makes shopping at Goodwill a more sustainable way to continue the lifecycle of items that could be put to better use by someone else. Goodwill receives donations from individuals, organizations, stores and even designers to the stars.
Photo: @alabamagoodwill
Celebrity wedding dress designer Galia Lahav, who has created bridal gowns for Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce and Paris Hilton, recently donated seven custom gowns to Goodwill stores throughout the U.S. If you’re one of the lucky brides who found them, tag us on Instagram so we can see you in those beautiful styles!
In New York City, I’ve found designer gowns from Monique Lhuillier that were drool-worthy with beautiful white tulle and floral embellishments. You never know what you might find, even if you’re the bride!
Photo: @shopthriftbeat
Looking for something extra unique for the big day, rehearsal dinner or bridal shower? Think of the possibilities with upcycling a vintage designer dress like this lovely Dior slip. Putting in a little extra work can go a long way to create something one-of-a-kind that you’ll love forever.
Photo: @thrifted.mint Photo: @itsgabriellereyes
On the guest list? In the age of social media, wearing a dress just once has become the norm, meaning the racks at Goodwill are full of wedding guest dresses that are perfect for any type of reception: black tie, backyard party, beach bash, Hollywood glam or cocktail formal. Goodwill has got you covered, and its donation centers are ready for you when you’re ready to swap it out for something new.
Did you find a special second-hand “something old but new-to-you” wedding look at Goodwill? Let us know by tagging us on Instagram @goodwillintl for a chance to be featured in a future blog.
