You go to all the trouble to scout out the perfect decor for your big day. And, sometimes, rental companies just don’t have the specific pieces you’ve envisioned to help piece together your vision! Thus, you’re left with hundreds of candles to set the mood, wedding signage that’s personalized, and even banners, chutes, cake stands, frames, and so much more.

So, what do you even do with it all after your special, once-in-a-lifetime day comes and goes? Well, today, we’re sharing some of our favorite tips on how you can repurpose, reuse, and “recycle” your favorite wedding day decór!

Reuse, Repurpose & Display

1. Special Mementos

You spent all those late nights finding that one-of-a-kind invitation suite to mail off to your friends and family, accessories to complete your bridal ensemble, and even writing heartfelt wedding vows to exchange with your spouse. So, how can you avoid piling up all of those unique mementos and dropping them in a closet where they can’t be admired and reminisced upon for years to come?

Tackle a quick DIY project and put together your very own wedding shadow box! Or, if you feel that’s a little too cheesy for you or doesn’t fit your exact style, consider browsing Etsy for a handcrafted, engraved keepsake box. You can use it for years to come and continue dropping in more and more special mementos as your marriage grows!

2. Custom Signage

You know those stunning calligraphy custom wedding signs you see all over Pinterest—designed on slabs of reclaimed wood, agate slices, and linen banners?

Let’s take a second (or two) to seriously admire this one in particular from Chasing Linen. Swoon.

But, how can you ensure it continues to get some good use for years to come? Because the last thing you want is for it to start collecting dust in your garage.

So, find a blank canvas in your home—aka any wall that’s needing a little love—and hang it there! Or, if it’s a small piece, place it on your mantel or on a bookshelf to put on full display, giving you the opportunity to reminisce on all the beautiful moments of your special day.

3. Bridal Bouquet

Often, your floral arrangements and bouquets make up a large part of your wedding budget. But, unfortunately, we all know they won’t last forever in all their blooming glory. No bride, however, wants to have to part with her wedding bouquet.

So, what can you do? Get to preserving those stunning blooms! There are many ways you can do this after your big event—from air drying to pressing, silica-gel drying, and even freeze-drying.

Though, it can be tough to do it the right way on your own. That said, we highly recommend you reach out to your florist a month before your wedding and see if they have any local or online vendor recommendations, or better yet, if they can do it for you for an added cost!

Donate or Sell

1. Candles

Did you just have to purchase hundreds of wax candles from Candles4Less.com to perfectly set the mood at your romantic reception? We get it. Flameless candles are great and all, but they just don’t give off the same vibe as the real deal.

Thus, donate them to a family member who’s getting married soon if you’d like to avoid keeping these boxed up in your house for months on end! Or, consider selling them for some extra cash on a wedding recycle or swap website, and even to your wedding coordinator (more on this in a bit!).

2. Floral Arrangements

Sure, you can keep your beautiful floral arrangements after the festivities are over. Chances are, however, you’ll be left with more than what you know to do with! Instead of tossing them, consider donating them to a local charity in need, or even a nursing home or children’s hospital in your area.

There’s also a nationwide organization that is dedicated to extending the life of your blooms: Repeat Roses.

It takes the floral displays that beautified your special day and turns them into three highly desirable commodities—a social good, a charitable tax donation, and an eco-conscious way of disposing of floral waste. A triple win as they like to call it! If you’re interested, you can reserve your event date with them here.

3. Excess Linens & Decor

Plates, cake stands, votives, runners—oh my! There’s still so much that’s left from your wedding day decor. And, between the registry gifts and possible leftover linens from your shower(s) and reception, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the number of napkins, tablecloths, and little decor trinkets you’re now left with after saying “I Do.”

So, what will you ever do with it all as you may not have space for it quite yet in your newlywed home? Think about having the linens cleaned and bringing them with you to dinners or potlucks as a gift for the hostess. You can also consider selling excess decor online or to one of your vendors who’s looking to continue building up their inventory!

No longer will you have to worry about looking at overstuffed boxes of wedding day decor taking up space in your spare bedroom, closet, or basement! Best of all, you can recoup some of the money you invested in putting together the event of your dreams by contacting us today. We’re always looking to expand our rental inventory for future brides with a vision.

Have tips for brides-to-be or questions on reusing, repurposing, and recycling wedding day decor? Drop a note in the comments section below—we’d love to hear from you!

Your Guide on What to Do with Your Wedding Day Decór After Your Big Day is Over