Chloe Gregory, a thrifty bride, captivated her wedding guests on August 23rd with an £80 wedding dress purchased from the popular online shop SHEIN. Despite the minimal cost, Chloe felt like 'a million dollars' and 'a princess,' with many attendees believing the gown cost 'THOUSANDS'. Her experience challenges traditional bridal spending, inspiring other brides to consider budget-friendly options without compromising on their special day.

Chloe's decision to forgo traditional bridal shops stemmed from a desire to avoid falling in love with expensive dresses. She found her 'Cinderella's slipper' dress on Shein, having only to alter its hem due to her height. The 24-year-old beauty therapist, along with her husband Ashley Hooper, meticulously pieced together their wedding day from other bargain websites like Temu and AliExpress, keeping their total wedding expenditure to a modest £7,000. Their main splurge was on a photographer and videographer, deeming it essential to capture precious moments.

The couple sourced items such as candlesticks, table cloths, and fake flowers from budget sites, which received numerous compliments from guests who couldn't discern their low cost. Chloe was initially apprehensive about the quality of her Shein dress but was pleasantly surprised by its intricate floral details and sturdy construction, a sentiment echoed by her bridal seamstress. She noted that her £85 makeup even cost more than the dress itself.

While Chloe received some negative comments online after revealing her dress's origin, she largely ignored them, asserting that people only identified it as a 'Shein dress' because she disclosed it. Conversely, many commenters expressed admiration, with one bridal consultant even admitting they couldn't tell the dress was from Shein. Others shared similar positive experiences with affordable wedding gowns. Chloe, from Ammanford, Dyfed, Wales, aims to empower future brides by demonstrating that a dream wedding is achievable on a budget, emphasizing that the joy and memories are what truly matter.