Jake Richardson, 32, and Natalie, 31, from Prestwich, Manchester, found a unique way to save money on their wedding. Instead of splurging on an expensive venue and catering, they decided to host their reception at TGI Fridays and asked guests to pay for their own meals. This unconventional approach allowed them to keep their wedding expenses to a minimal $1,500, leaving more money for their future home.
But why TGI Fridays? Well, it turns out that this restaurant held a special place in the couple’s hearts. It was where they had their first date a decade ago. So, it seemed fitting to celebrate their love in the same place where it all began.
On their big day, Jake and Natalie were surrounded by 60 of their closest friends and family members, along with other diners who happened to be at the restaurant. TGI Fridays went above and beyond to transform their space into a wedding venue, complete with speeches, a photographer, and traditional decorations.
“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,’” explained Jake Richardson, defending their decision.
The total cost of their frugal wedding came down to $1,560, a far cry from the average wedding cost in the UK, which stands at $19,184. One of their biggest expenses was Natalie’s beautiful wedding dress, which totaled $900. But for comfort and personal style, she opted for white trainers instead of traditional heels.
The official marriage ceremony took place at the Rochdale Register Office and cost them a total of £360. Additional expenses included Natalie’s hair and makeup, as well as bunting to decorate their TGI Fridays reception. With all these cost-cutting measures, Jake and Natalie were still able to create a memorable and enjoyable wedding experience for themselves and their guests.
While their unconventional approach received mixed reactions, with some criticizing the couple for asking guests to pay for their own meals, their choice ultimately allowed them to prioritize their future together over extravagant wedding costs.
TGI Fridays was thrilled to be a part of Jake and Natalie’s special day and Rhiannon Scarlett, a representative from the restaurant, expressed their excitement about being involved in such a unique wedding story.
In the end, Jake and Natalie’s wedding was a testament to the fact that love and celebration can shine through, regardless of the size of the budget. So if you’re looking for ways to cut costs on your wedding, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and do what feels right for you.
