Stephanie Spear Local wedding planner Natalie Seng of Designed Perfectly Events came up with the idea of the Wedding Yard Sale™ after many of her couples ended up with assortments of decorations and other items after their weddings. What started as a way to reuse these items and for the couples to make some money is now part of many couples’ wedding planning experiences. The next event is November 9th, 2025. It’s part yard sale, part industry expo, and above all, a treasure hunt. Read on for more about Natalie Seng and the Wedding Yard Sale™.
The Fairfax Girl: What year did The Wedding Yard Sale™ start?
Natalie Seng: We hosted our very first yard sale on March 31st, 2019, as a way to connect our local wedding community. Newlyweds could sell gently used wedding items and decorations, recouping some of the money they spent and freeing up space in their homes. Meanwhile, engaged couples and wedding vendors could shop for less and find great bargains and one-of-a-kind finds. It was our hope that this effort would help make weddings more sustainable, affordable, and inspiring.
Photo courtesy of Natalie Seng
FG: What was the idea behind it?
NS: Another wedding planner and I both started noticing the same thing – couples kept asking what to do with all their decorations once the wedding was over. Many offered to give them to us to use for other weddings, but before long, my garage was overflowing with stuff. We’d ask each other if our clients could offload their items somewhere, and that’s when the idea took shape – to create a space for our local community where married couples, engaged couples, and vendors could come together to exchange and repurpose. We wanted to give those pieces a second life while building something that feels both sustainable and community-driven. It’s about making weddings more attainable and eco-friendly.
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FG: How has the event changed over time?
NS: The integrity and belief behind the event remain at the core of our mission, but over time, we’ve watched it grow in ways we never imagined. What started as a local experiment has become a widely accepted concept that people are genuinely excited to be part of.
Our base has grown significantly, with more sellers and shoppers joining at each sale, and the event has gained both national and international attention – showing there’s a real need for this kind of community-driven marketplace.
FG: Who is invited to participate as a seller or as a shopper?
NS: Really, anyone who feels they can benefit from this event. For sellers, in addition to newlyweds, we also see a lot of wedding vendors participating in and using the sale to get rid of inventory. We’ve had florists, wedding planners and designers, photographers, bakers, as well as catering and rental companies selling at our events.
For shoppers, our main ticket holders are engaged or soon-to-be-engaged couples, but we also see wedding vendors shopping for inexpensive inventory and other party hosts for decorations for their own celebrations. It’s truly a mix of everyone in the wedding and event community coming together under one roof.
Photo courtesy of Natalie Seng
FG: What can people expect at the sale?
NS: They can expect a highly curated wedding resale experience with thousands of decorations, attire, and more – all from sellers eager to pass along their items, often priced up to 90% off retail.
Over the years, we’ve refined our processes to make sure the day runs smoothly for both buyers and sellers. We limit the number of participating vendors to those offering truly unique additions for couples planning their wedding, and we love highlighting local artisans by giving them an engaged platform to showcase their work.
To make the experience enjoyable for everyone, shoppers are admitted in timed waves, creating a comfortable flow on the sales floor and giving everyone plenty of space and time to shop.
Photo courtesy of Natalie Seng
FG: What’s something you’re excited about for the November event?
NS: I love seeing how the event continues to come full circle. Every year, we have past buyers returning as sellers, new volunteers eager to be part of the day, and so many messages from couples who can’t wait to shop. That level of excitement and connection from our community never gets old.
We’re introducing a new Community Dress Rack for anyone who only wants to sell their wedding dress, giving more people a simple way to be part of the day. Plus, we have new artisan sellers joining us with unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that will make this iteration feel extra special.
And perhaps one of the most exciting milestones – we have shoppers and sellers traveling in from 12 different states, doubling the reach from our last sale. One shopper even shared that they’re making the 7-hour drive from Tennessee just to be here. It’s incredible to see how far this event has grown and how many people want to be part of it.
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FG: What’s something you want people to know about the sale?
NS: The Wedding Yard Sale™ isn’t just about saving money. It’s about re-creating the wedding experience sustainably. Every purchase keeps beautiful items out of storage or landfills and supports small businesses and local couples. It’s a chance to give those pieces a second life and help someone else bring their vision to life.
What makes it even more special is how different every sale feels. The variety of items is always changing, and that treasure-hunt energy keeps people coming back. Most shoppers leave with more than they ever expected to find, and many sellers make back an incredible amount of money, with many even hitting four-figure sales.
Photo courtesy of Natalie Seng
FG: What advice do you have for first-timers?
NS: My best advice for first-timers – whether you’re shopping or selling – is to come with an open mind and a plan. The event moves fast, and the selection is always unique, so be ready to explore but also act quickly when you find something you love.
Shoppers should arrive early, bring measurements or inspiration photos, and keep an open mind – most leave with more than they expected.
For sellers, presentation is everything. Have enough table space (if they can’t see it, they can’t buy it), display photos of items in use, and be open to offers. If you choose to price, be prepared to negotiate.
Above all, have fun. The energy is contagious, and it’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Wedding Yard Sale™ will be on Saturday, November 9th, at Brentsville Hall, 9915 Discovery Boulevard in Manassas, VA. Tickets are available online.
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