Let’s face it. I’m no baker and I’m no crafter. But for some reason, I just can’t stop watching The Great British Baking Show on PBS or Making It on NBC. There’s just something about watching these plucky Americans with their glue guns and googly eyes trying to win a patch from Simon Doonan that makes me smile.

The Making It contestants recently competed against each other in an upcycling challenge. Despite my crafting inadequacies, the challenge seemed like something I could take on myself. (Cue me trying to turn my excessive collection of books into decor for my house). So, in the spirit of turning “trash” into “treasure”, here are some ways that you can incorporate upcycling into your wedding (googly eyes not included).

1. Invitations

While e-vites are certainly an option if you’re trying to cut down on cost, they aren’t the only option. Use recycled or seed papers as an eco-friendly upcycled option that can also help you save money.

2. Décor

While watching an episode of Making It can give you great inspiration, you don’t have to be a master crafter to upcycle the décor at your wedding.

Glass bottles and tin cans from your recycling bin can make great centerpieces.

If you’ve got a theme for your wedding, incorporate an item traditionally associated with that theme as part of your tablescape.

Ask important people in your life to donate a piece of dinnerware.

And just like the books made my living room look great, they can also be used to decorate your wedding venue. 

3. Fashion

Whether you wear a wedding dress passed down from a family member or purchase a donated dress from Church Street Bridal, there are lots of ways to incorporate upcycling into your wedding day fashion. Remember, just because you’re wearing grandma’s dress doesn’t mean it has to look like grandma’s dress. Ask your family members for permission to make the dress your own.

If your favorite pair of shoes aren’t feeling wedding appropriate, but you can’t imagine wearing anything else, never fear. You can upcycle your existing kicks with some paint, glue, glitter, and sequins. Make sure your supplies work with the material of your shoes (you may need a stronger glue for patent leather as opposed to fabric). The best part of this look (other than the fact you don’t have to break in new shoes) is that the new look will cover up any old scuffs.

The wedding party can also get in on the fun by wearing preloved fashion. Give the bridesmaids a color theme and let them bring their favorite dress in that color (you can enact a preapproval clause if you want – just in case you’re worried about what they select).

4. Favors

I’d like to thank the Google gods for this one. Turn your wedding décor into party favors by using small potted plants to decorate the venue and then giving them away to your party guests. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

5. After the Wedding

If you upcycled your wedding, you’re likely the kind of person who will want to pay it forward. While you can turn your wedding dress into a gorgeous keepsake, you can also donate it to help other people in need. For a list of places that you can donate your wedding dress, check out this article.

up·cy·cle |  (verb)

to reuse discarded objects or materials in such a way as to create a product of a higher quality or value than the original.

 

So, you don’t have to be a crafter to upcycle your wedding. And whether you choose to upcycle as you go, or just pay it forward with your own décor/dress, we’re here to make sure your captured memories are 100% your own.