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10 Wedding Decor Items You Can Keep Using at Home

Sustainable Wedding Styling: Beautiful & Practical Decor That Lasts

Your wedding day is filled with thoughtful details, but what if some of those gorgeous decor pieces could have a second life in your home? Instead of investing in single-use decorations, consider timeless items that transition seamlessly from your big day to everyday life. As a Hampshire and Surrey wedding photographer, I've seen some truly stunning and sustainable decor choices—here are ten wedding decorations you’ll love keeping long after the ‘I do’s.


Elegant table setting with red and pink flowers, candles, and glassware. Text: "Wedding decor you can keep using at home."

1. Classic Candlesticks – A Romantic Touch for Any Room

Are you looking for elegant candlesticks? Charity shops and vintage stores are goldmines for unique finds! Whether you opt for a mismatched look or sleek modern styles, they’ll add warmth and ambiance to your home. Light them for romantic dinners, scatter them across a mantlepiece, or place them in the bathroom for a spa-like glow.



2. Silk or Dried Flowers – Blooms That Last Forever

Fresh flowers are gorgeous, but silk or dried arrangements offer long-lasting beauty. Repurpose your wedding florals into vases for your dining table, create a wreath for your front door, or tuck smaller pieces into bookshelves for a whimsical touch. And... no watering required! I had faux flowers on my wedding day and they're now a lovely decor piece.


If you're looking for a local florist then Hannah at Unfauxgettable is lovely and you won't be disappointed, here's a picture I took of her with her flowers earlier!

A person arranges a bouquet of pale pink roses and white daisies indoors. Focus on flowers; background is blurred. Cozy and serene mood.


3. Table Runners – Stylish & Versatile

Those soft linen or gauzy table runners that adorned your wedding tables? Keep them! Use them for special dinner parties, drape them over a coffee table for a cozy layered look, or even use them as a bed runner for a chic touch.

Elegant table setting with pink napkins, colorful flowers, and lit candles. Wicker chairs in background, creating a cozy atmosphere.

4. Lanterns – Indoor & Outdoor Elegance

Lanterns are a dreamy addition to wedding aisles and receptions, and they make just as much impact at home. Place them on your patio, line your hallway for a soft glow, or use them as a centerpiece on your dining table. They’re perfect for every season, from summer garden parties to wintery Christmas decor.



5. Glassware & Vintage Bottles – Chic & Practical

If you used delicate glass bottles for table centerpieces, don’t let them gather dust! These can be repurposed as bud vases for fresh flowers, or even used in the kitchen for homemade infused oils and dressings. Mismatched glassware is also a stylish addition to open shelving.


Elegant table setting with pink roses, candles, and glassware on a white tablecloth. Warm, romantic lighting enhances the ambiance.

6. Signage & Calligraphy Pieces – Personal Touches

Personalized wedding signage doesn’t have to be packed away. A beautifully written welcome sign can become a statement piece in your entryway, and chalkboard signs can be repurposed for home menus, to-do lists, or even little love notes to your partner.


Elegant sign in a green frame reads "Please sign our Guestbook. Bill & Charlotte 19 October," beside white roses and a lit candle on a table.

7. Cushions & Throws – Cozy Keepsakes

If you created a lounge area for your wedding, keep those cozy textiles! Scatter the cushions on your sofa, drape throws over chairs, or use them to refresh your bedroom decor. Not only do they look great, but they also bring a sentimental warmth to your home.


8. Fairy Lights – Year-Round Magic

Who says fairy lights are just for weddings? String them around your headboard for a dreamy bedroom vibe, wind them through bookshelves, or use them to brighten up a patio space. They instantly add a soft, inviting glow to any corner of your home.


9. Picture Frames & Mirrors – Elegant & Functional

Frames used for table numbers or signage can be repurposed for wedding photos or a stylish gallery wall. Decorative mirrors, often used to enhance wedding spaces, look equally stunning in hallways or above fireplaces. It’s a simple way to keep those wedding day memories alive.

Table setting with wine glasses, floral centerpiece, gold-framed sign reading "Fire," and small gift bags. Elegant and festive ambiance.

10. Ceramic or Wooden Serving Platters – Hosting Made Easy

If you invested in beautiful platters for serving food at your wedding, keep them for your home! They’re perfect for hosting guests, displaying fruit on your kitchen counter, or even as decorative trays for candles and books.


A Thoughtful Approach to Wedding Decor

Choosing decor that lasts beyond your wedding isn’t just a stylish decision—it’s a sustainable one. By selecting items that seamlessly blend into your home, you’ll be surrounded by reminders of your special day without waste or excess storage. If you’re planning a Hampshire or Surrey wedding and love the idea of timeless, sustainable styling, I’d love to capture those details in a way that feels truly ‘you.’



Looking for more wedding inspiration?



Comments

hi! I'm cat and i am a full time wedding photographer
(and a little bit of a photography geek!)
 
I started taking photos as a teenager, my Dad was a wedding photographer and I would often help him. In 2021 I left my corporate job with a dream and hope that I could make photography a full time job. Since then I have been pouring my heart and soul into this business and have been honoured to be chosen as wedding photographer for so many lovely couples as well as being a portrait and event photographer.  
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I TAKE CLASSIC, TIMELESS, DOCUMENTARY STYLE PHOTOGRAPHS WITH MINIMAL INTRUSION

 

But I will step in and offer gentle guidance when it's right to do so, I have learned over the years to read the room, anticipate the next move, hold space when needed and offer support when I can.

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aRE YOU LOOKING FOR A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
When choosing a wedding photographer, consider their style, experience, portfolio, and reviews from previous clients. It's also important to discuss pricing, availability, and any specific requests you may have.
 
Don't forget to meet with them in person to ensure you have good chemistry and feel comfortable with their approach.
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Once you have narrowed down your list of potential wedding photographers, it's a good idea to ask them some key questions to help you make your final decision.

 

Here are a few questions to consider:

  • What is your photography style? Do you prefer a more traditional approach or a more candid, documentary style?

  • Do you have experience with weddings of a similar size and style to mine?

  • Can I see a full gallery of a recent wedding you photographed? This will give you a better sense of their consistency and quality of work.

  • Do you have backup equipment in case something goes wrong on the day of the wedding?

  • How do you handle difficult lighting situations (e.g. low light, harsh sunlight, indoor vs. outdoor)? This will help you gauge their technical expertise.

  • What is included in your packages? Are there any additional fees I should be aware of (e.g. travel, overtime)?

  • How long will it take to receive my photos after the wedding? Will they be edited and retouched?

  • Can you accommodate any special requests I have (e.g. specific shots, family portraits)?

  • How do you ensure that you capture all of the important moments on the day of the wedding?

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By asking these questions and having an open and honest conversation with your wedding photographer, you can ensure that you find the right fit for your big day.

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