Reuse Centre: A Wedding Store

When I got married 10 years ago, I didn't have a huge budget. I made my own invitations, and my best friend helped me with the decor and planning. Yes, it was stressful (mostly for my friend, haha), but at the end of our day, we were so proud of what we were able to do with a limited budget. I think most people take pride in showcasing something they have made themselves. It is very fulfilling to be able to create a beautiful and personal thing for your special day.

For this post, I will share some wedding decor ideas, and create wedding items from materials at the Reuse Centre. You might ask, "What can I possibly get there that I can use for a wedding?" So, I'm going to show you a few easy projects you can do to not only save money (only $5 per 25 kg), but also help you reduce waste created from planning your special event.

1. Egg carton flowers and mini-cupcake/mini-donut holders

Paper flowers have slowly been taking the place of balloons, which is awesome since balloons end up in landfills. Instead of using card stock, you make roses out of the egg cartons.

It took me one carton to make five roses and other flowers

Hand-painted each rose with red acrylic paint.
 (I think they turned out eggcellent!)  

Painted with food safe acrylic paint

2. Empty containers for a candy buffet or favours

Instead of buying a box of jars for your candy buffet, check out the Reuse Centre for an amazing variety of tin cans, bottles, and jars. Start collecting empty containers from your own home. Take the labels off, wash thoroughly and voila, you have candy containers! Baby food jars are perfect for holding wedding favours such as mints, tea leaves, plant seeds, etc. 

Just a few empty containers from my kitchen

A bin of baby food jars at the Reuse Centre

3. Old picture frames are multi-functional

The Reuse Centre has a lot of  picture frames that you can use to show the seating chart for the guests, or to simply display pictures of the couple. Large-sized frames can become fun props for wedding pictures or photo booths. 

Perfect for a rustic feel

My models!
 

4. Broken crayons to wax seal invitations

There is an area at the Reuse Centre with all the school supplies to stock up on crayons, envelopes or stationary. But if you, your friends or family members have kids, chances are they have broken crayons lying around the house. For this project, all you need are crayons, a glue stick, a candle, and an old metal spoon. Melt a piece of the glue stick and crayon in a spoon and pour it onto your envelope. At this time, you can either stamp it with a personalized stamp or let cool.

  

You can also mix different crayons for a rainbow effect.

5. Tissue paper/gift wrap rolls can become napkin ring holders 

                

From these rolls (photo taken at The Reuse Centre)

To these cute napkin rings

There is not much to say here. Simply cut the rolls to the desired size and paint in the colours of your choice.

6. Books used as centerpieces

I saved the best for last. Honestly, this is something I wish I had thought of when I got married: using books as centerpieces.This idea is genius because I can't think of a more personal centerpiece than books specifically picked by the couple according to their tastes or motif. Not only that, but having books as centerpieces eliminates the need for wedding favours because the guests can bring home whichever book they want. There will be zero waste with this idea. I mean, what more can guests ask for? Food. Party. Books.

So, there you have it, just a few ideas for you! I'm sure once you enter the Reuse Centre and see all of the items in there, your mind will light up with other projects. Please comment with your own Reuse Centre ideas or creations.

Enjoy planning!

                                                                                        Photos and Submission by Mariz F (volunteer)