Event Recap: The Great Wedding Recyclery

by Kate Lerman of Chicago Vintage Weddings

As someone who runs a vintage rental company, I have a hard time resisting a good garage sale. There are all sorts of hidden gems and unique pieces to be found. One problem I encounter when rummaging through those sales, though, is that it can be hard to find enough matching items to create a look that’s consistent enough to decorate an entire wedding. I just don’t have the time to spend going from sale to sale, sourcing enough pieces to make the look work.

There’s also the issue of leftovers, of course. After the wedding is over, my rental couples and planning clients almost always come to me with pieces that they bought for their big day but can’t keep. After all, who really needs 30 vases or a box full of table number holders?

A wedding-centric garage sale is just the solution to these problems! It’s where newlyweds and engaged couples come together to swap wedding goods in style. This year’s second annual Wedding Recyclery, hosted by the Green Wedding Alliance last month at member venue Loft on Lake, was a massive success. Hundreds of bargain hunters lined the block from early in the morning to get a jump on the best deals. They were greeted by GWA ambassadors bearing complimentary hot chocolate from Luscious Layers, keeping them nice and toasty until they could get through the doors and score that great find. Everything from gowns to glassware was featured at garage sale prices.

The event raised over $1,000 that the GWA will use to continue promoting eco-conscious weddings for all. Savvy shoppers who attended the Recyclery took a big step in the right direction, reusing some ultracool wedding goods rather than buying new (and more expensive) ones. We’re thrilled with the turnout and even more thrilled that so many pounds of waste were saved. See you at next year’s event!

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