In an era where flawless wedding content dominates social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, one London bride has made a bold statement by prioritising value over extravagance. Jodie Atkinson, a bride-to-be from the capital, recently hosted an engagement party that looked straight out of an influencer's feed, yet cost her just over £100.
Slashing Costs with Online Marketplace Temu
By shopping exclusively on the online marketplace Temu, Jodie managed to reduce her spending on decorations by a staggering 87% compared to typical retail prices. This savvy approach allowed her to create a visually stunning event without succumbing to the mounting social expectations to host an expensive celebration.
Personalised Touches That Made the Difference
Among her favourite purchases was a personalised disco ball featuring her and her fiancé's names printed in elegant cursive script. Jodie described the 'Adam and Jodie' disco ball as looking "unreal on the table," noting how it perfectly set the tone for the entire celebration.
The comprehensive list of items she acquired from Temu included:
- Dried flowers and decorative paper balls
- Table runners and personalised stirrers
- Multiple disco balls and mini disco balls
- Sunglasses and decorative fans
- A welcome drinks sign and various decorative touches
Remarkably, these items would typically cost around £780 from conventional retailers, highlighting the substantial savings Jodie achieved through her strategic shopping approach.
The Growing Trend of Budget-Conscious Celebrations
Jodie represents part of a growing movement among UK consumers turning to platforms like Temu to manage their expenses. According to a recent IPSOS survey commissioned by the marketplace, over 80% of British Temu users reported that the platform offers excellent value for money, with average savings of 25% recorded throughout 2024.
The platform has expanded its offerings significantly since late 2024 by welcoming UK and European sellers, resulting in improved delivery speeds and a broader range of products available to cost-conscious consumers.
Social Media Pressure and Financial Anxiety
The pressure to present picture-perfect events has extended far beyond social media influencers, now affecting ordinary people celebrating major life milestones like engagements and weddings. Research indicates that nearly two-thirds of young people feel compelled to present themselves in a particular way online, while over half admit that social media influences them to purchase unnecessary items.
Perhaps more concerning is that approximately one in three young people report experiencing money-related anxiety, with brides-to-be facing particularly intense pressure to create Instagram-worthy celebrations.
Reclaiming the Meaning of Celebrations
Prominent journalist Shradha Shahani recently reflected on how social media had "warped the meaning of marriage" for her in the lead-up to her wedding. She described how platform pressures affected every aspect of her planning process, causing her to temporarily lose sight of what truly mattered – beginning a special journey with her partner.
With the average UK wedding costing £26,583 in 2025, more couples may well follow Jodie's example. Her approach demonstrates that it's possible to create memorable celebrations without breaking the bank or sacrificing mental wellbeing in the process.
As engagement season approaches, Jodie's story serves as an inspiring reminder that the value of a celebration lies not in its price tag, but in the meaningful moments shared with loved ones.
