Reality TV star Georgia Toffolo is under fire after sharing her so-called “honest” and “controversial” money-saving wedding tips — and it’s left many independent business owners fuming.
The former Made in Chelsea star tied the knot with BrewDog CEO James Watt in a modest ceremony back in March, opting for a quaint church in Gardenstown, Scotland, and celebrating aboard a fishing boat. The twist? Despite a combined net worth of over £400 million, Toff says she skipped the lavish spending — and wants others to follow suit.
In a July 23rd Instagram post, Toff laid out her 7 real wedding tips for 2025 brides, including using £2 supermarket flowers, skipping the traditional wedding cake, and ditching the formal meal for burgers at a BrewDog pub.
“Wedding cakes are a complete waste of money,” she wrote. “We had the children bake ours that morning… Flowers? £2 daffodils from the kitchen table.”
She added: “No need for a three-course meal… Food trucks and grazing tables are way more fun.”
While some fans applauded her low-budget approach and agreed that weddings don’t need to break the bank, others weren’t impressed — especially small business owners who felt her comments were damaging.
Claire Amos, who runs a bespoke treats business, didn’t hold back:
“How incredibly tone deaf and damaging to many, many small (often women-owned) independent businesses. Do you not think people are worth a fair wage? Everything — whether a cake, a bouquet, or table favour — is made with love by every supplier.”
Critics say Toff’s “DIY everything” approach downplays the hard work of local creatives who rely on weddings to stay afloat, especially in a competitive market where artisans are already battling rising costs and unpaid labour.
Despite the backlash, some followers sided with her message, sharing how they, too, kept things casual and personal on their big day — from off-the-shelf cakes to handwritten signs by kids.
One supporter wrote:
“No sit-down meal, we had burgers and let people mingle… Everyone involved felt so important to us. It’s your wedding day… Do you!”
Still, the controversy highlights a wider conversation in wedding culture: How do you balance saving money with supporting local businesses?
Toff may have intended to inspire minimalist wedding vibes, but her critics say the message missed the mark — and the real cost may be felt by the very people trying to keep the wedding industry alive.
