Chloe Gregory, a thrifty bride, shared her unique wedding experience, revealing she purchased her wedding dress from the popular online shop SHEIN for a mere £80. Despite the incredibly low price, Chloe, aged 24, felt like 'a million dollars' and a 'princess' on her wedding day, August 23rd, confidently stating that many guests believed the gown cost 'thousands'. Her aim is to inspire other brides to achieve their dream wedding without succumbing to exorbitant costs.

Chloe and her husband, Ashley Hooper, meticulously pieced together their special day by sourcing items from various bargain websites like Temu and AliExpress to keep expenses minimal. The savvy couple managed to host their wedding for approximately £7,000, with the photographer and videographer being their primary splurge, recognizing the importance of capturing lasting memories.

The beauty therapist explained her decision to forgo traditional bridal shops, opting instead to avoid the disappointment of falling in love with dresses beyond her budget. When her SHEIN dress arrived in January, just weeks after Ashley proposed on Christmas Day, she found it fit 'like Cinderella's slipper,' requiring only a minor hem alteration due to her height. She was particularly impressed by the quality and floral details, initially having concerns common with online purchases, but found the reviews to be overwhelmingly positive.

Reactions to her budget-friendly dress were largely positive, with many people reportedly 'gobsmacked' by the £80 price tag, often comparing it to similar styles they had seen or purchased for thousands of pounds. While Chloe admits to receiving a few negative comments online, she believes these individuals only criticized the dress's perceived cheapness because she openly disclosed its SHEIN origin. She emphasized that no one would have known otherwise, and the compliments she received were all that mattered.

Chloe's wedding further showcased her commitment to budget-friendly planning, with her makeup costing £85 – more than the dress itself. Her family contributed significantly to the food, complementing professional caterers, and decorations such as candlesticks, table clothes, and artificial flowers from Temu and AliExpress received widespread compliments for their quality and affordability. Through her experience, Chloe hopes to demonstrate that planning a wedding can be done on a budget without compromising on the joy and magic of the day, offering a practical alternative to the often overwhelming and expensive bridal industry.