Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Christmas Tree Shop

My thing with this is that you have to hide the tags aha

So the ethics can be argued as shady but the financial struggle is for real. Following for entertaining stories. 😂

I would skip decorations before I’d do this.


1. Like PP mentioned, you’d have to hide the tags and hope they stay hidden. 2. You’d have to hope none of the stuff got damaged or you’d probably be unable to return it. 3. It’s pretty unethical to buy something, use it for its intended purpose, and then return it as if you didn’t already get use out of it.
You could always buy decor and then sell it on Facebook marketplace.

Hard pass. There are much more ethical ways to have a wedding on a budget. Buying something, using it, and then trying to return it is only a step above stealing. Pass on the decor or buy it used on Facebook Marketplace.

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Haha that's so true. I wouldn't even know how. Maybe just more decoration around it. Idk.

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Lmfao right? Its really being considered here!

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Thats also true. I was also concerned about spending money on decorations and DIY decorations then having a boatload after with no place to go. I really never considered selling them. And now thanks to you I know a place to buy wedding stuff for probably cheaper than the stores. Thank you.

You could totally aim to resell afterwards, but don’t rely on it and don’t expect to get all your money back. But my friend still has stuff in storage from hers a few years ago. (I still need to go check out what she has). I’m trying to make an effort to think long term with decorations. Like how can I reuse them at home. Ok so that’s not possible with real flowers, though since my wedding is in October I am planning on using some potted mums which I can plant at home. I’m doing prayer flags as decoration in our ceremony and they will be repurposed as curtains in our bedroom. There’s a few projects I already have in mind for the wood slices I’m using as centerpieces. And things like my shoes, I’ve picked a pair that I know I’ll wear plenty afterwards. I was thinking about buying a clutch to have my phone and some emergency things on hand at the reception, but as cute as it was I know I wouldn’t use it again, so I’m actually getting my granny to make me one that I know I’ll reuse. So yes, set a budget and keep to it, but also look for uses beyond that one day.

You can try getting them on Facebook Marketplace. Some of the decor are dirt cheap.


Not sure how far into the planning are you, but my venue gives free center piece for rental and free uplighting. So there is not much to decorate

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Wow lucky! What venue do you have!

View Quoted Comment It's in Cleveland Ohio

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Thats all an amazing idea. I dont want to go over budget. Were in the process of doing everything over here. My fiance is in the Military, been with him 6 years, going on 7 who is currently deployed, a 1 year old daughter. And somehow were trying to navigate a budget for a wedding for 125ppl hopefully less, moving to fl, buying or renting a home and all the fees that come with it, im trying to do a career change and go back to school, and this honeymoon we desperately need. Weve been saving but everything seems crazy. I like the shoe idea. And im going to try to see what i can do even with fake plants. Pinterest is amazing with that. Pinterest is a life saver.

View Quoted Comment YES about Pinterest!! Totally a lifesaver! And you can totally make an awesome bouquet with dollar store flowers. I spent $9 on these flowers (the floral tape and ribbons and pearl pins aren’t factored in because I still have more for more bouquets)

View Quoted Comment That looks good! I went to a wedding expo and there was a woman who made boquets out of old fabric and fabric of loved ones outfits and onsies etc. It was really cool. They did this whole bouquet for this one bride out of the brides late fathers clothing. So it was really special and beautiful it matched the brides colors!

View Quoted Comment That sounds super cool too.

Check on facebook to see if there is a Bride on a Budget group for your area! The one I'm in (Oregon) is where a ton of brides go to sell décor, linens, etc for way cheaper than retail. I plan on listing what I have for sale after my wedding there too.

Honestly girl, If you have the time, I would say get your faux florals from hobby lobby ( they actually do a 50% off every other week) & any other decorations they always have sales on either is 50% off OR a coupon. and have some already pre-done bouquets that even I considered. I'm doing real flowers but totally understand for those who are one a tighter budget!

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Thank you! I appreciate your help. The Hobby Lobby closest to me is an hour. That's good to know!

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I am definitely going to look! Thank You