There seems to be a new trend in the world of weddings and that is of “Flea Market Weddings”.  The theme seems appropriate for an ‘outdoor’ or ‘backyard’ wedding as it fits into the ‘rustic chic, worn, distressed and repurposed’ ways that are so mainstream today. There is even a publication out now on Flea Market Weddings.

For several years my husband and I owned a darling wedding chapel and married hundreds of couples. One of the most memorable couples we met came to our chapel for a vow renewal service we performed to celebrate their 12 years of marriage. They had two daughters and the bride and groom changed into their original wedding attire from 12 years ago. The story was that each year they would travel to a different state to renew their vows and each would wear their attire worn on their original wedding day. They were a lovely family.

I sum-up the wedding industry as ‘emotional’ and couples having the frame of mind that ‘money is no object’. We learned very quickly that couples are willing to begin their lives together with huge debt.  Brides wanted the most expensive venues, services, attire, etc. While it is true that each couple has a ‘budget’ none of them would have ever considered having ‘flea market finds, thrift store items, or hand-me-downs’ as part of their wedding unless it was a sentimental family heirloom. A wedding is the one time in a couple’s lives where extravagance and expense go hand-in-hand. Credit.com states the average cost for a wedding in 2013 is over $33,000 even though the economy is still in trouble; people will spend lots of money on their wedding.

So, how does a flea market wedding really come together? I can see how today’s ‘flea market trend’ could apply to weddings with vintage elements like brides wanting their own rendition of the vintage brooch bouquet made famous by Miranda Lambert . How about some vintage hand painted Limoges china for the cake cutting or the desert table? Vintage tablecloths, embroidered napkins, salt and pepper shakers, teacups and saucers, ribbons, vintage hankies, and vintage lace too could certainly all contribute to elements of a flea market themed wedding. I think the flea market wedding theme is charming and it is wonderful that young couples are embracing the beauty of ‘vintage’ and including these elements in their weddings today.