Buy or Sell New & Preowned Wedding Items

Even with the economy on the rise, brides are still finding new and innovative ways to stay within their wedding budget. This is why we wanted to share the top 5 budget bridal trends you’ll be seeing more of in 2012.

1. Paperless Invitations

Several companies offer electronic wedding invitations now. They are formatted like a traditional invitation but also give you the opportunity to track your RSVP’s online, manage guest lists and include multiple wedding events. Not only are they a fraction of the cost of paper invitations and postage but they’re also a huge time saver and eco-friendly.

2. Preowned Wedding Items

Most wedding items are generally used once and for a short period of time. Because of this brides are buying everything from gently used wedding dresses to decorations and reselling them on online marketplaces like BravoBride. It’s a great way to help another bride-to-be and to recoup wedding costs.

3. Cash Registries

Starting a cash registry in lieu of gifts is a new concept that is becoming increasingly more popular. They are many websites that provide this service, which allows brides to use their ‘gifts’ on their wedding expenses, honeymoon or even a down payment on a house.

4. Faux Flowers

Brides are beginning to forgo the traditional bridal bouquets and opt for non-floral arrangements. Bouquets are being made entirely of brooches, paper, clay and even felt. These types of flowers will never wilt or die and you can use them as a wedding keepsake for years to come.

5. Rent Your Wedding

Grooms have been renting their tuxes for years but we are starting to see a new trend for brides and bridesmaids as well. Some new businesses are offering rental bridesmaids dresses and wedding gowns and you can rent your bridal accessories too such as earrings, necklaces and headpieces.

2012 brides have a lot more options then brides did even a few years ago. It’s exciting to see what even more innovation and smart wedding ideas this New Year will bring.