The Ultimate Guide to Buying and Selling Used Wedding Decor

Wedding day decor—things like table centerpieces, balloon arches, tableware, photo props and signage—work together to create a unique and cohesive aesthetic for your special day. But together, these items can add up to a large chunk of your wedding budget: nearly 10%. Searching for used wedding decor is an eco-friendly option that can keep your wedding day costs down, too.

Today's average wedding cost is upwards of $33,000 according to The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study. In 2025, over 85% of to-be-weds say the economy has impacted—or is likely to impact—their planning. And tariffs are making things even more expensive.

The good news? The notion of reduce, reuse, recycle totally applies to weddings, too. Incorporating used wedding decor through thrifting, buying secondhand or using social media sites like Facebook Marketplace are great ways to save money on your wedding. If you're intent on staying on track budget-wise, our free budget advisor can help you establish and stick to a plan for your wedding day.

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In this article:

• Where to Buy and Sell Used Wedding Decor
• How to Buy Used Wedding Decor
• How to Sell Used Wedding Decor

Where to Buy and Sell Used Wedding Decor

Once you've nailed down how you'd like your wedding day to look (we recommend creating a vision board to keep all your ideas in one place), you can start looking around for cheap wedding ideas like used wedding decorations, centerpieces on a budget and even used wedding dresses. Here, we'll share some of our favorite used wedding decor sites to find these lower-priced items.

eBay

When it comes to finding great used wedding decorations for sale, you can't beat eBay. A quick search yields tons of results, from table centerpieces to coordinating signage and even ceremony arches. One thing we love is the abundance of "lots" or "bulk" items. For example, one person was selling a lot of table centerpieces that included enough arrangements for as many as eight tables. That allows you to have a uniform look without having to search tons of different sites or come up with something on your own that matches.

Another great feature we love about eBay is the site's "picked for you" section, which shows you a bunch of great deals based on items you search for on the site. This convenient feature can help you find matching decor that complements your vision for your wedding day. As always, eBay is an auction site. While some deals allow you to click and buy right away, others allow you to bid on items, potentially saving even more money.

Goodwill

Your local Goodwill store is a great place to pop into for things like fancy dishware, picture frames, candlesticks and glassware, too. Especially if you're going for a vintage vibe or an eclectic mix of used wedding decor, Goodwill often has great selections at fabulously low prices. A potential drawback of shopping at Goodwill is that items are often not returnable (though you can consign them) if you happen to change your mind about your decor choices.

You can also browse Goodwill's shoppable website to find good deals on used wedding decor. We found the selection to be a little sparse, but the prices are about as low as you get, so it's worth an occasional browse to score amazing deals. Like eBay, you can either bid on or directly buy items listed for sale.

Facebook Marketplace

There isn't much you can't find on Facebook Marketplace. And that's especially true if you live in an urban or suburban location that's densely populated. People are always looking to sell wedding items or give them away for free, and social media is often the first place they'll turn when looking for buyers. The site offers a convenient search function that allows you to potentially find exactly what you need.

One thing to keep in mind when you're engaging in person-to-person exchanges is safety, of course. Always plan to meet in a public place if at all possible. And despite its incredible convenience and wide availability of previously used wedding decorations, another potential drawback of using Facebook Marketplace is the high rate of no-shows. Many users complain of irritations, like people selling items or failing to show up before the scheduled meeting time.

Wedzee

Wedzee is a website set up specifically for the resale of previously used wedding decorations and a host of other wedding-related items. The site is divided into three convenient sections where you can browse new, handcrafted and gently used wedding decor.

Set up filters for things like price, color and condition to help you sort through thousands of gently used wedding decor like arches, faux flowers, bouquets, napkin rings, tablecloths and even wedding gowns, all at prices much lower than resale. Especially if you have a bit of flexibility, there's almost nothing you can't find at this helpful wedding resale site.

Poshmark

While it's certainly not the most robust offering, you can occasionally score great deals on used wedding decor on Poshmark. It's much more popular for its expansive selection of gently used clothing, but a quick search yields off-the-wall items like a cool gold ampersand, which would make a fun table decoration, a vintage chic candelabra and a set of 35 rustic name-card holders. With bargain prices and the option to make an offer or buy now, Poshmark is a great place to check if you're looking for something specific for your wedding.

How to Buy Used Wedding Decor

It's no secret that you can save a lot of money by purchasing used wedding decor. But first, you've got to have a plan. The first step is to consult your wedding decor checklist to decide which elements you'll incorporate into your big day and which you'd like to skip.

Once you have a general idea of what kind of wedding decorations you're looking for, it's time to start searching for used items that will meet your vision. Since thrifting is a bit of a here-today-gone-tomorrow endeavor, it's normal to feel a bit of pressure to purchase when you come across something you love. Below, we've listed some of our favorite tips when it comes to shopping for and purchasing used wedding decor for sale.

Do your research.

Understanding market values will help you recognize a great deal when you see one, says Ray Fabik, president and thrifting expert with Caring Transitions, a senior living downsizing and relocation company. Look up different decor items on traditional retail sites like The Knot and Amazon to get a sense of what things cost before shopping secondhand.

Be patient and flexible.

Thrifting is about the thrill of the hunt, Fabik says. "Instead of searching for one specific item, keep an open mind and explore different possibilities. Some days, you'll stumble upon incredible finds; other days, you might walk away empty-handed. Regular visits and a bit of luck are part of the process," he says.

Don't overlook imperfect pieces.

Not everything you find will be in pristine condition, but with a little creativity, many items can be restored or repurposed, Fabik says. For instance, dull items can be polished to create unique centerpieces that shine, and weathered or mismatched candle holders can create a charming, eclectic look. "Learning some basic DIY skills can make your thrifted pieces truly stand out."

How to Sell Used Wedding Decor

Once you've tied the knot, you might wonder if you can offload some of your swag and make money from your wedding. After all, there's little chance you'll need 12 table centerpieces or a gold arch anymore! The good news is, the sites we've listed above make it simple to sell used wedding decor once you no longer need it. Follow our tips below if you're wondering how to sell used wedding decorations.

Use multiple platforms.

Keep things simple by starting with the sites we listed above for buying resale wedding decor. Facebook Marketplace is probably the best place to sell used wedding decorations. It's an excellent first stop if you're looking for buyers for gently used wedding decor like faux florals, centerpieces, candles, arches and photo booth props. You'll likely save money on shipping costs, since many buyers on Marketplace tend to prefer local transactions.

Take great photos.

Full-color, high-resolution images taken from multiple angles are helpful anytime you're trying to sell or promote something online. So when you're ready to sell used wedding decor, be sure to take the most flattering photos you can, or have a talented friend or family member help you out. One tip we love is to promote your wedding decor resale by including pictures from your wedding that feature the product you're selling. If you had a professional wedding photographer, these photos likely do a great job of showcasing your items.

Include accurate and detailed descriptions.

If you're wondering how to sell used wedding decorations, be sure to include a detailed description with your listing. Being clear and upfront about the condition and quantity of the items you're selling can help prevent misunderstandings and failed transactions that waste your time and the buyer's. If you're selling 12 table centerpieces, for instance, be sure to include that information.

Research price and value.

Before listing your used wedding decor, it's helpful to do some research before pricing your items. This ensures your items are listed at a fair but competitive price. If you price your items too high, they're more likely to get overlooked. Too low of a price, however, can cheat you out of money you could put toward other items you need now that you've tied the knot.