Tying the knot? 13 ways to upcycle and thrift your way down the aisle

A wedding is one of the most exciting events you can organize — it can also be one of the most expensive. So, we’ll let you in on a little secret if you’re trying to keep costs low: Get a little thrifty. Unleash your creativity (and stay on budget) with these simple hacks:

When you say yes to the thrift store dress (or suit), you can score a huge money-saving discount. Wedding outfits are usually worn once, which means you can find options you love that are in great condition. Even if you can’t find your dream outfit, consider thrifting your accessories, whether it’s your veil, a faux fur stole, shoes or something blue. Your bridal party may also welcome the opportunity to find a great deal to look sharp while supporting their best friend on your special day.

If you're new to thrifting (or it's been a while since you explored secondhand), you may be surprised to know just how far it has come. The days of Saturday thrift-store hopping are no longer the only way to save big. Online thrifting allows you to shop at your own pace, search for the best deals and get a little picky about finding the perfect piece.

Between bouquets, boutonnieres, crowns and centerpieces, live blossoms can be a costly wedding expense. Thankfully, you don’t have to hire a florist to get the job done. If you or a crafty friend is up for the challenge, ordering fresh flowers and arranging them on your own can cut costs significantly. You can also buy a mix of artificial flowers, foliage or greenery to create a gorgeous custom look. Exploring creative alternatives like potted plants, antique clocks or vases can also be an opportunity to showcase your unique style.

Add your own flair to the usual guest book tradition by swapping it out with a canvas or picture frame. Set out thrifted craft supplies for friends and family to sign their congratulations. Think outside the box. You may already have a treasured family item (such as grandma's crocheted doilies) that you can frame and memorialize with wishes from your closest friends. You and your betrothed will head off with a new, treasured piece of wall art for your home.

Whether you’re taking the backyard wedding route or hosting an outdoor reception, you’ll probably need extra lighting when the sun goes down. Scour locally and online for string lights in bulk or vintage lamps with oodles of character. Light up the night by draping Edison or twinkle lights between trees, on a fence, bundled in large vases or woven through table centerpieces. Resources such as the Buy Nothing Project can help you locate people looking to share or give away items they no longer need. You may even find a fellow DIY-wedding extraordinaire in your neighborhood with whom you can share, trade and gift materials that you've each gathered for your big day.

Add a romantic touch to the ceremony and reception by filling unique glass containers with candles, sand or flowers. Search your local thrift stores or online marketplace for old lanterns and vintage vases you can use to embellish centerpieces and line the wedding aisle. Collect empty wine bottles with your friends that you can fill with Baby’s Breath for a rustic look. With a soft candle glow, you’ll set the perfect “I do” mood.

Bring character to each reception table by including a variety of decorations. You can use affordable shells or mix and match table linens with objects that showcase your favorite travel spots or milestones as a couple. Whether you decide to have different themes for each table (such as cities of the world), or an overarching theme (such as bohemian or botanical), a theme can take the pressure off having perfectly matched décor while still allowing your photos to pop.

Plates, cups and silverware are must-haves for a dinner reception, but they often come with high price tags. Scour your local thrift store and online marketplaces for mix and match options to add your own look to the finished tables. Start early and gather pieces as you go. Eclectic finds like vintage china and colorful glass goblets will give your mismatch an intentional look and feel. Local finds along with Ebay or Mercari are great places to start your collection.

Decorating your wedding arch yourself can save money and add sentimental value to the ceremony. Whether you decide to purchase a structure or build from scratch, you can embellish it according to your personal style with flowers, fabric and seasonal elements like pinecones, faux evergreen or paint. Think outside the box to get creative and put your own spin on things.

DJs help get the party started, but so can a classic record player. Secondhand records are a great way to find classic hits that will spin all night.  You’ll save money on hiring a professional and have full control over what song comes on next. If you want to take a more modern approach, create a curated playlist with a streaming service and find a trusted friend to act as your master of ceremonies to keep speeches, first dances and cake cutting on track.

Give your guests a small memento to remember your big day. Local postcards, vintage tea cups upcycled into candles, or unique objects filled with candy are all thoughtful, low-cost ways to thank your guests for celebrating and sharing your special day with you.