Bride stuns in £2 wedding dress as thrifty Chester marriage ceremony raises money for good causes

Bride stuns in £2 wedding dress as thrifty Chester marriage ceremony raises money for good causes Loved-up Gina and Jacob Dodds tied the knot in a thrifty-themed wedding and urged all guests to take a trip to the charity shop to pick out their outfits for their big day A couple hosted a thrifty wedding by asking all their guests to wear outfits bought from charity shop to their second-hand service - and the bride dazzled in her £2 gown. Gina and Jacob Dodds, from Hoole, Chester, decided that instead of splashing the cash on their big day that they would raising money for some good causes instead. With the average cost of a wedding in the UK now ranging from £20,604 to £21,990, the pair preferred to put their money to what they felt was better use. Both Gina's dress and her engagement ring were purchased from the Hope House Children's Hospice outlet and the couple, who have been together for 11 years, said their family and friends embrace the thrifting and helped put money towards where it is needed more. The tied the knot at Chester’s Storyhouse venue and were thrilled to see everyone turn up in pre-loved clothes with more than £1,000 saved going to help others instead. Gina said: “I’ve been thrifty shopping for many years now through trying to be more sustainable I like to have unique pieces and love the fact the money goes to a good cause. “He knows I love thrifting and if we were to marry then I’d want a ring from a charity shop. He spotted one in Hope House and it is a beautiful ring. To think that some kind person has donated that ring. Not only have they helped the charity, but they have made a wonderful memory for us.” She told ITV that she just can't resist a bargain - and when she found out it was any item for £2, she knew she had to pounce for her dress. Money raised from sales at Hope House there goes directly to hospice care for hundreds of children and their families across Cheshire, Shropshire and North Wales. “I saw the dress, but I couldn’t try it on," said the barista and part-time musician. "I got it home and it fitted me perfectly. Whilst I was there, I asked if they had any more wedding dresses in the back and I bought even more so we could have a wedding themed hen do. “I asked all the guests to buy their outfits from a charity shop and keep the receipts so we can see how much we donated collectively. “The response was so positive and people who don’t normally shop thrifty said they were inspired." Her new husband Alex loved the idea too and is urging everyone to come use charity shops. "You might not find exactly what you're looking for but if you try it on, style it up," he said. "It's always worth checking out a charity shop." Hope House Chester store Manager, Nia Davies said: “This is such a beautiful story and one we are very proud to be part of. Gina is one of our lovely regular customers who has been shopping with us for a while. “It really does go to show that shopping sustainably can unearth some real treasure, as well as supporting a great cause. We wish Gina and Jacob all the best for a wonderful day! And we look forward to welcoming them both back to find more treasure in our shop!”