Jump directly to the content
OH VOW!

Savvy bride reveals how she spent just £1600 on her intimate wedding day for 60 guests and even bagged a £22 designer wedding dress

Mum-of-two Patricia, 30, had her dream wedding, which cost a fraction of the average £30k spent by couples

A SAVVY bride has told how she spent less than £2,000 on her dream day.

Patricia Byrne, 30, and hubby Patrick, 32, from Dublin tied the knot earlier this month, with their gorgeous wedding setting them back just £1,600 — a fraction of the £30,000 spent by the average couple according to  ’s National Wedding Survey 2018.

 Patrick and Patricia Byrne on their wedding day, with kids Brooke and Brandon
3
Patrick and Patricia Byrne on their wedding day, with kids Brooke and Brandon
 Patricia says the couple decided an 'intimate affair' focusing on the marriage with just close friends and family was more important than a big wedding
3
Patricia says the couple decided an 'intimate affair' focusing on the marriage with just close friends and family was more important than a big wedding
 Patricia says her designer wedding gown was the bargain of the century - as it only cost her £22
3
Patricia says her designer wedding gown was the bargain of the century - as it only cost her £22

Mum-of-two Patricia, from Santry in Dublin, told how she managed to bag some bargains and cut back on non-necessities, with the wedding still proving to be a hit with their 60 guests.

She said: “We decided a smaller intimate affair that focused on the marriage and the company of our closest family and friends was more important.

“My wedding dress was the bargain of the century. A Ronald Joyce in Alexander Bridal, it was a shop sample that had never been tried on, tags still attached and was on sale for only €25 (£22).”

Patricia’s kids Brooke, seven, and Brandon, five, were also decked out for the event in items she picked up on sale at Lidl, while hubby Patrick bought a new tie and wore a suit he already owned.

Her aunt made two cakes while a friend gifted his photography skills, capturing beautiful snaps of the newlyweds at Malahide Castle.

Patricia's bargain buys

  • Wedding dress and veil: £22 at Alexander Bridal
  • Shoes: £30 at Debenhams
  • Pageboy suit: £13 at Lidl
  • Flowergirl dress: £29 at Debenhams
  • Flowers: £26
  • Food: £440
  • DJ: £483
  • Cake: gifted
  • Donut wall: gifted

The reception was held in Malahide Rugby Club where Patrick plays American Football with the North Dublin Pirates, with provided for 60 guests by Kyles Catering for €500 (£440).

Patricia said: “I would never judge someone for spending tens of thousands on their big day.

“We had about 60 guests and some said it was the best wedding they were at as it was so laid back and simple. You can’t ask for a better review than that.”

Topics