16/08/2026
I love this!!
A thrifty bride dazzled on her big day after tying the knot in an incredible wedding dress, costing just £2.👰🤯
Gina and Jacob Dodds, from Chester, decided to skip the usual £20,000+ wedding price tag and focus on raising cash for good causes instead👏. The couple, who have been together for 11 years, hosted a completely second-hand service at Chester's Storyhouse venue.
Both Gina's gown and her engagement ring were found at the Hope House Children's Hospice outlet. When she spotted the bargain dress, she grabbed it without even being able to try it on first.👗
“I saw the dress, but I couldn't try it on. I got it home and it fitted me perfectly,” Gina revealed.
“I've been thrifty shopping for many years now through trying to be more sustainable. I like to have unique pieces and love the fact the money goes to a good cause.”
Her groom Jacob was fully on board with the eco-friendly idea and even picked out her charity shop ring himself💍. He shared his own top advice for fellow bargain hunters: “You might not find exactly what you're looking for but if you try it on, style it up. It's always worth checking out a charity shop.”
The newlyweds asked every single guest to turn up in pre-loved outfits bought from charity shops👏. Their loved ones gladly embraced the challenge, helping save more than £1,000 that went straight towards supporting vital hospice care for children and families across the region.
Hope House Chester store manager Nia Davies praised the couple, adding: “It really does go to show that shopping sustainably can unearth some real treasure, as well as supporting a great cause.”
