Just can't do it! Goodwill/Value Village etc.

Actually I've had great luck at goodwill. I go on thier half off saturday so its cheaper. It's the first of every month. Also, sundays are student days, 20% off. Im not a student, but I use my old college ID and it works! I found our arch (fully intanct, working lights included) for $20, then went back the next day (which happened to be half off saturday) and got it for 10 bucks! Also found a BRAND NEW card box for 3 bucks, plus fifty cent baskets for our flower girls. I'm sort of a goodwill junkie if you couldnt tell by now. lol You really have to look often to find good deals. Plus the coupons they send out every month help.

I think the pricing and availability of items greatly depends on your geographic region. We wanted a lot of milkglass vases to use as reception decor. I found a few vases in the Indy area for less than $3. Then my fiance happened to stop in a couple of Goodwills in small towns in northern Indiana (while traveling for work) and found a ton of them - all for less than $2 and some as cheap as 20 cents.

Wow the goodwills in my area have amazing items and CHEAP!!!

Yeah, GW cracks me up wit the prices they charge for what is, essentially, someone else's garbage.

I remember the days when a cake platter at Goodwill was $1.75, and little votive holders were 35 cents. What's changed is that more and more brides are DIYing, and they're interested in doing vintage themes. Many think Goodwill is the best place to find vintage elements for their weddings. So, the cake platter that was donated after grandma passed away, which would normally sit on the shelf for a year, is now a commodity. Supply and demand. If the DIY/vintage trend dissipates over the next few years, the prices on wedding elements at Goodwill will probably go down. You used to be able to pick up Mason jars for next to nothing at country auctions. Now? Not so much.

If you're going to pay $15 for a cake platter, go to TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or the best of all -- Home Goods. They have beautiful pieces in those stores.

Yeah, TJ Maxx and their clearance section pretty much rocks my world. I actually got a Dublin cake platter from Ross for $12 and Macys has it for just a bit more

Eleanor - what's Deseret Industries?

It's like Goodwill. I believe its run by the LDS church but I'm not sure. Prices are the same or better and it's cleaner and a little higher quality. I'm not sure if there are any in Seattle proper but there's one outside the city in Federal Way.

I think our local Goodwill is kind of expensive but they also have certain days when things are 50% off. Then it wouldn't be too bad...

I got big vases for centerpieces on clearance at Tuesday Morning for $4.50. Based on what others are selling stuff on Craigslist, I figure I should be able to resell them for at least $4 (similar ones were posted for a lot more).

I agree--crazy prices!

I agree with you, I've tried looking for stuff and I just found a bunch of overpriced junk. I think there are much better deals on new stuff out there.

I tried at GoodWill too, and didn't have much luck.

Try to hit up end of season sales to scoop up what you need (I got a STEAL on $25 shepherd's hooks at Joann Fabrics in the end of July - they were $5.50!). Try the wedding sites like weddingbee.com to see what other brides are trying to unload. Good luck!

Um, look, you might not find what you're looking for at Goodwill, but calling their stuff garbage is pretty silly. I got a pair of like-new Nine West patent wedges for $7 a few weeks ago and they are killer.

I"m getting everything I need either from Hobby Lobby or Joann's or I'm renting it.

I found it cheaper to get my votives from Quickcandles.com, they were cheap and I was able to color them to my liking.

I've stopped going to goodwill, and started searching at more of the smaller independent thrift stores. Their prices seem to be more what I'm looking for. Also, craigslist has been my go to, and depending on how far away your wedding date is, I've struck gold a few times at yard sales! Good luck!

Oh also ikea! Votive candle holders come in bulk for a great price!

I got the last part of my crystal serving set for 12 dollars at Tj maxx and it was EIGHTY at macys.

I pretty much only use goodwill for books.

I bought my wedding dress $80 veil $10 invitation $2 and favor box$10 and center pieces $20 all at goodwill in phoenix az . All of the stuff including the dress was new. The stuff was still in orginal box and tags on the dress. I was lucky but it took me a year of looking for stuff every weekend.

Have you tried Dollar Tree? I mean, it's not "crystal" but it's better than spending a fortune. Worth a shot!

I actually went to the dollar tree for vases but they weren't tall enough. I'll end up getting frames for my table #'s there though probably.

I understand thats why i got my vases at the dollar store for my center peices.