By Yvette Wakelin
Natasha Bates may have only just recovered from her special day - but that hasn't stopped her from trying to help organise another big party.
Just a week after the 20-year-old Tauranga woman walked down the aisle, she is doing her bit to ensure another couple get their dream
wedding.
The sales assistant and husband, Brendon Bates, know just how hard it is to organise a wedding on a tight budget and want to help a deserving couple by giving away Mrs Bates' dress.
"We know exactly how difficult it is to get a wedding together when you have very little to work with. Brendon and I really, really struggled. We have a little baby and getting the money together was really hard," she said.
Their wedding, which took place at Worlds End Sports Cafe last Saturday, would not have happened without the help of friends who paid for everything from the flowers to the bar tab.
Mrs Bates said she and her husband sympathised with other couples in their predicament.
"Weddings are an expensive affair but you really don't know how expensive until you start pulling it all together."
It was because of this that Mrs Bates (nee Pruess) had decided to part with her wedding dress, a sequin and diamante encrusted corset and A-Line skirt.
It would fit a woman size 12-14 but because it laces up at the back, it could be altered.
"We want to help another couple struggling to pay for their wedding just as much as we did. We are keen to help people who really need a helping hand to get the wedding off the ground."
But she said it was important the dress, valued at $400, went to the right couple.
"It needs to go to someone who is deserving and will appreciate it. Obviously they also need to be looking for a dress - we really want it to go to a nice couple."
Locals who are struggling to fund their dream day and believe they are deserving of the Bates' generous donation are urged to contact More FM by emailing their plea to dan@morefm.co.nz
