A couple from Prestwich, Manchester, managed to keep their wedding expenses to a minimal $1,500 by hosting their reception at TGI Fridays and asking guests to pay for their own meals. Jake Richardson, 32, and his bride Natalie, 31, opted for this unconventional approach to save money for their future home. The choice of TGI Fridays held sentimental value for the couple as it was the place of their first date a decade ago.
On their big day, the newlyweds were joined by 60 of their close friends and family, as well as other diners who happened to be at the restaurant. This unique wedding reception experience marked a first for TGI Fridays. The restaurant was transformed into a wedding venue, complete with speeches, a photographer, and traditional decorations.
Speaking about their decision, Jake Richardson mentioned, “We were never going to afford a luxury wedding, so we’d rather save money for a house. Our first date was there, so we thought, ‘Let’s just get it done there.’”
The couple’s frugal wedding only cost them $1,560, which stands in stark contrast to the UK’s average wedding cost of $19,184, as reported by Bridebook. Their largest expense was Natalie’s beautiful wedding dress, which amounted to $900.
For comfort on her special day, the bride chose white trainers instead of traditional heels. The official marriage ceremony took place at Rochdale Register Office, costing them a total of £360. Additional expenses covered Natalie’s hair and makeup as well as bunting to adorn their TGI Fridays reception.
The couple’s unconventional approach to their wedding day was well-received by their guests, and TGI Fridays was delighted to be a part of their celebration. Rhiannon Scarlett from TGI Fridays expressed their excitement about being a part of Jake and Natalie’s unique wedding story.
However, asking guests to pay for their own meals at a wedding can be a divisive choice. In the past, a bride-to-be faced criticism when she considered asking her loved ones to contribute financially rather than giving traditional wedding gifts. Many people voiced their disapproval of this idea, emphasizing that guests should not be expected to pay for their own meals when attending a wedding.
Despite the mixed reactions to their approach, Jake and Natalie’s wedding at TGI Fridays allowed them to celebrate their love while keeping their wedding expenses to a minimum, ultimately prioritizing their future together over extravagant wedding costs.