A couple from the East Midlands pulled off their dream wedding for just £1,800, covering rings, attire, venue, and catering for over 50 guests. Paulina Gammon, a 21-year-old content creator and mum of two, married Stanley in August 2025 after a three-month engagement. She shared the details with Abbott Lyon.
Breaking Down the £1,800 Budget
Paulina's bridal outfit—dress, shoes, and bag—cost only £45. Her husband's suit from Charlie Brown was £200. The registry office fee was £180, and the evening function room cost £200. Their rings were the biggest expense at £800. Décor and a bar for the evening added £150, while a three-course meal for family at the Cosy Club came to £300.
"The most expensive thing we paid for was the rings, which kind of makes sense because this is the thing that's staying with you for the rest of your life," Paulina said.
DIY and Family Help Kept Costs Low
The couple did much of the work themselves. Paulina styled her own hair and makeup, and family members decorated the function room. She bought decorations from SHEIN, Temu, and AliExpress. Friends and family created party activities and a snack bar from scratch.
"We did as much as we could by ourselves. For example, I styled my own hair and did my own makeup. I got family members to decorate the function room," she explained.
Planning a Wedding in Three Months
The couple decided to marry in May 2025 and planned everything in just three months, during peak wedding season. Despite limited venue options, they found a function room for £200 that accommodated over 50 guests.
"I had always imagined having a big wedding. However, we wanted to get married at short notice for personal reasons, and there was nothing really within our budget," Paulina said.
Advice for Other Couples
Paulina advises inviting only those who truly care about you and asking family for help. "Weddings don't have to be expensive, and you don't need to have lots of money to get married. Weddings can be done on a budget, and that's something I discovered through researching different options," she said.
