A growing number of couples are incorporating secondhand and upcycled items into their wedding celebrations as part of a broader trend toward sustainability and personalization. This movement reflects both a desire to reduce waste and create unique experiences that differ from traditional wedding norms.
Jade Cabrera-Madden, a vice president at JPMorganChase, sought to add a vintage touch to her September 4 wedding in San Diego but found some desired elements, such as an analog photo booth, cost-prohibitive. Instead, she connected with Kornelija Newcomer, founder of Korn Upcycled, who transforms thrifted clothing into customized designs sold at a local artisan market. Cabrera-Madden enlisted Newcomer’s help to upcycle apparel for her wedding guests, providing them with personalized sustainable keepsakes that guests could continue to use after the event.
This approach is part of a wider surge in eco-conscious wedding planning. An Event Industry News analysis shows a 200 percent rise in Google searches for “eco-friendly wedding venue” from April 2025 to March 2026, alongside the emergence of terms like “zero waste wedding ideas.” These figures reflect growing interest among couples in making their special day more environmentally responsible.
In Raleigh, North Carolina, hairstylist Shanakay Gillespie, who plans to marry in March, is turning to thrifting to match her wedding’s “dark academia” aesthetic. Gillespie has sourced vintage candlesticks, candelabras, books, and décor items from thrift stores, converting them to fit her vision. She emphasizes that cost savings were secondary to capturing a style that feels authentic and personal, noting that much of the time invested centered on transforming these secondhand items into wedding features.
The trend also raises discussions about the role of sustainability versus affordability. Amy Dunk, a 26-year-old bride from Bradford, England, posted a TikTok video highlighting a zero-waste wedding element she crafted from fabric scraps, which garnered millions of views and extensive commentary. Dunk, who runs a crafting business, explained her goal was to challenge wedding overconsumption rather than promote frugality. She visited thrift stores starting 18 months ahead of her wedding and, alongside her fiancé and community, gathered mismatched décor and upcycled accessories that reflected a joyful, eclectic theme.
Dunk described the collective effort as extending the wedding celebration over a long period, adding depth to the experience beyond the wedding day itself. Her wedding featured thrifted brooches as boutonnieres, upcycled backdrops, and embroidered napkins, demonstrating the range of creative possibilities available through secondhand items.
As more couples seek ways to personalize weddings while reducing environmental impact, thrifting and upcycling present viable options. While these choices can require additional time and effort, many find that the results provide lasting meaning and sustainable value beyond the event.