Wedding décor swap market coming to Stratford

Couples planning their weddings – and anyone searching for unique event décor – will have a chance to browse bargains and inspiration at an upcoming wedding market in Stratford.

The Wedding Market, an indoor wedding décor sale, takes place Saturday, March 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Grayson Mills Weddings & Events, 114 Erie St.

The event will feature vendors, local sellers and pre-owned wedding items ranging from candle holders and linens to decorative accents and styling pieces, with free admission for visitors.

Organizer Rebecca McCracken said the idea grew naturally from her background in the wedding industry and her current role as venue manager at Grayson Mills.

“I actually founded the Ontario Wedding Swap and Sell 18 years ago, which grew into the largest Facebook group for swapping and selling wedding-specific items,” she said. “After stepping away during the pandemic, coming back into the wedding world felt like returning to my roots.”

McCracken said the market is designed to help couples both save money and reduce waste by giving décor a second life.

“Buying pre-loved décor helps couples have more of a budget because they’re buying things that are not full price – sometimes almost new items – so it definitely helps them save money in the long run,” she said. “It’s also so good for the environment. You’re reusing loved items and giving them new life again.”

Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration for couples planning weddings, she added, with many looking for creative ways to reuse or repurpose items.

The market will also include local wedding businesses, including Stratford bridal shop Odette Bridal, which is sponsoring the event and offering a $500 gift certificate giveaway.

McCracken said visitors can expect a relaxed, treasure-hunt atmosphere where inspiration often comes from seeing items in person.

“Sometimes unless you visually see things, it’s hard to imagine them,” she said. “Being able to touch items and see sizing makes such a difference.”

With more than 20 years of experience in weddings, décor and florals, McCracken said she enjoys helping couples discover pieces that match their vision.

“If couples aren’t sure what they’re looking for, I’m happy to walk around with them and talk about their vibe and help them pick pieces,” she said.

The timing of the market also aligns with the start of wedding season, when many newly engaged couples are beginning to plan.

McCracken said she hopes the event creates opportunities for connection as well as shopping.

“We’re just excited to have everyone out,” she said. “There will be great bargains, conversations, inspiration – and lots of fun.”

Parking is available at the venue and nearby municipal lots. Attendees are encouraged to bring cash and reusable bags or boxes for purchases.

Vendor and seller spaces are still available, with organizers welcoming both businesses that cater to weddings and individuals looking to sell pre-owned décor items.

McCracken said the market is expected to return next spring, offering couples getting married this year the opportunity to participate in the same eco-friendly cycle by reselling their décor items. If the inaugural event is successful, she added, the community may also see another wedding market as early as this fall.

The Wedding Market runs Saturday, March 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Grayson Mills Weddings & Events, 114 Erie St. Admission is free.