**Bride Revamps Charity Shop Find into Dream Wedding Dress for Just £25**
A bride-to-be from Wales has turned heads after revealing how she secured her wedding reception dress for a fraction of the usual price—all thanks to a local charity shop and a flair for upcycling. Hannah Penberthy, 23, took a creative leap when she stumbled upon a vintage gown in her High Street charity shop. With a keen eye for design and a commitment to sustainable fashion, Hannah not only transformed the garment but also significantly reduced her wedding costs.
Speaking about her experience, Hannah shared how she was instantly drawn to the classic style and intricate detailing of the dress, which set her back a modest £25. “As soon as I saw it, I knew it was coming home with me,” she said. Recently engaged and with her wedding plans taking shape, Hannah envisaged herself wearing the revamped dress to make a memorable exit from her wedding reception—a vision that spurred her creative process.
Upcycling, a burgeoning trend in the fashion world, involves repurposing and modernising pre-loved or vintage clothing. Hannah’s project not only illustrates this concept but demonstrates the potential for brides to combine affordability, creativity, and environmental awareness when selecting their wedding attire.
Hannah explained her transformation process: the dress, originally long-sleeved and floor-length, underwent a dramatic make-over. She opted to remove the sleeves and shorten the skirt into a playful cocktail length, crafting a bubble hem for a touch of volume and fun. Making use of every scrap, she fashioned new sleeves from the leftover fabric, while revising the neckline into a flattering sweetheart shape. Hannah was keen to retain much of the dress’s original character, blending its vintage charm with her own contemporary flair.
The motivation behind her decision to repurpose a second-hand dress was threefold: cost savings, eco-consciousness, and self-expression. “It’s more than just a budget-friendly option,” Hannah noted. “Thrift flipping not only helps keep clothes out of landfill but also supports more sustainable, community-focused fashion. And the best bit? I get to stretch my creative muscles.”
Hannah compared her £25 charity find to the cost of purchasing a brand-new dress, often ranging between £400 and £800 for similar designs. By channeling her energy into redesigning a pre-owned gown, she saved hundreds—proof that with a little ingenuity, brides can achieve both individual style and substantial savings.
Upcycling, it appears, has become something of a passion project for Hannah. Over the past year, she has embraced the challenge of regularly picking up and transforming second-hand garments, discovering immense satisfaction in creating unique, wearable pieces. “People often ask where my outfits come from, and it feels amazing to say, ‘Actually, I made it!’” she said, hinting at her hopes of one day turning her hobby into a professional venture.
Industry reports echo the rise in upcycled fashion’s popularity, with the market forecast to swell to £12.4 billion by 2032. Celebrity influences, too, are helping to normalise upcycling, with figures such as Stacey Solomon applauded for re-imagining their own wedding dresses for red carpet events. “When celebrities champion upcycling, it shows how stylish and sentimental it can be,” Hannah reflected.
For others considering repurposing their wedding dress or other garments, Hannah’s advice is encouraging: “Just start! The hardest part is taking that first step, but the results are so personal. Sewing may seem daunting, but it’s less complicated than it looks—and the creative freedom is incredibly worthwhile. Wearing something you’ve poured your heart into makes the day even more special.”
Hannah’s journey highlights not just the financial sense in sustainable shopping, but the powerful narrative and connection behind every upcycled item—inviting more of us to reconsider the story we wear, one stitch at a time.