A thrifty bride has done the ultimate 'Princess Kate outfit repeat' by wearing her school prom dress to her wedding 13 years later. Kezleigh Peace fell in love with the black and cream corseted tulle dress when she chose it for her school prom in 2013. The senior residential support worker, now 28, vowed in the dressing room at age 16 that she would wear it again, despite her mother's reservations that she would never find another occasion for the size 4 gown.
A Dress Too Beautiful to Wear Once
After more than a decade stored in the attic, the dress got its time to shine again when Kezleigh's now-husband Cameron Peace proposed in June 2025. Describing the gown as 'too beautiful not to wear again', Kezleigh fulfilled her promise on February 21, 2026, wearing it to say 'I do' at the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre in Scunthorpe. The bride, now a size 8-10, managed to fit into the dress with her mother's help, securing it with a corset back.
Kezleigh said: 'When I was 16 my mum bought me that prom dress and from the moment I put it on I always knew that I wanted to get married in it. The dress was too beautiful just to wear it once, I'm glad that we saved it.' Her mother initially worried the £500 gown looked too bridal, but Kezleigh insisted she knew what she was doing.
A Budget-Friendly Wedding
The couple spent just £561 on their wedding, far below the UK average of £21,990. They saved by recycling outfits, scouring for bargains on Shein and Temu, and accepting generous gifts from family. Kezleigh wore Converse sneakers from the Valentine's Day collection, while Cameron wore his own suit from a previous event. The wedding had only 30 guests, with a reception at their favourite members' club, where they enjoyed pizza ordered by Cameron's mother as a gift.
Kezleigh said: 'I just thought I'd want a small, intimate wedding and I wouldn't want to be spending loads. It was amazing. The nerves just disappeared as soon as I saw my husband at the bottom of the aisle.' Guests played charity shop games and sang karaoke, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Advice for Other Brides
Kezleigh urges brides not to feel pressured to spend a lot: 'It's about you two and spending the day with the people that you love. You have the rest of your life as well. It's not just about one day, it's about building a future with your family.' She hopes to show others that a beautiful wedding can be achieved for under £1,000.
Breakdown of Costs
- Wedding dress: Free (bought 13 years ago for £500)
- Groom's suit: Free (already owned, bought for £100)
- Bride's Converse: £95
- Groom's Converse: Free (already owned)
- Wedding rings: Free (family heirloom)
- Ceremony fee: £250
- Photography: Free (guests' phone photos)
- Four bridesmaid dresses: £40 (£10 each, Shein sale)
- Four bridesmaid shawls: £40 (£10 each, Shein sale)
- Bridesmaid shoes: Free (wore their own)
- Artificial flowers, bubbles, and ribbon: £100 (Temu)
- Pizza for guests: Free (gift from mother of groom)
- Venue hire: £30 (members' discount)
- Games: £6 (charity shop)
- Cake: Free (made by a friend)
