Last week I was having lunch with a friend (at Greenup, yum!), and realized we were both reusing the same thing: our Anthropologie earring bags. When you buy earrings at Anthro (which I do far too often), they put them in this cute little printed fabric pouch. I use mine to carry my business cards, driver’s license, credit cards etc., and Jessica was using hers similarly as a change purse. It started me thinking on how simple it is to reuse and repurpose things for weddings and events, and also after the events are over. Not only is it easy, but it’s definitely “green” and certainly a cost-saver as well.

Here are a few examples:

1. For Nancy‘s wedding last month (recap coming soon) we used old scrap wood (picked up for free from a local lumber yard) to make directional signs. Even better, when Hurricane Ike knocked down a huge tree in her parent’s back yard (the reception site!), the landscapers chopped it into pieces creating great extra seating around the firepit!

2. Last December, the lovely Amelia needed something to keep warm during the snow storm without taking away from her gorgeous gown.. rather than go out and buy something new, I called up my always helpful friend, stylist Nora Fink, who of course had just the perfect fur wrap. And more in the “scrap wood” department, her florist Courtenay Lambert found an old log on the side of the road and used it as a beautiful votive holder on Amelia’s escort card table. Gorgeous.

3. This July, Sarah purchased a TON of glass jars for her Candy bar, and she has reused them multiple times: at a friend’s baby shower, for Halloween, etc. They are a huge hit everywhere she reuses them. Also, the picture frames she purchased for signs at the wedding have been reused to showcase their favorite wedding photos on their mantle.

4. Last summer, Kristen used potted plants as her rehearsal dinner centerpieces. Some of the plants were gifted to guests, and others were taken home to plant in their garden.

5. Another bride had her wedding dress remade into a top and simple skirt, so she could re-wear it for any occasion!

There are a million ways that you incorporate items you already have in your wedding, and to reuse your wedding items after the big day is over. What are you repurposing for your wedding or your even your upcoming holiday party? What will you keep when the party is over and reuse for everyday life? What are you borrowing?

After your wedding, if you have items that you can’t find a way to repurpose and have no space for – check out Bride-to-Bride Boutique! And of course there is always eBay :)

UPDATED to add this fabulous project courtesy of Design*Sponge – how cool are these wine bottle candleholders??? Click here for instructions — I’m off to buy a glass cutting kit so I can make some of my own!