Swiss bride taps Temu to turn an injury shock into a wedding triumph

For weeks, Swiss bride Marinel Bärtschi eagerly awaited her wedding day. The 38-year-old spent three months to organise everything alongside her full-time job at a security company in Bern. “It was pretty tight, but I wanted our day to be perfect,” she said.

But then came the shock: just one week before the big day, she fell down a flight of stairs and injured her ankle. “The pain was intense, and at first I thought that was it – my wedding was ruined.” Fortunately, nothing was broken, but walking was difficult for her.

Marinel did not want to compromise on her big day. It was this very desire that put her in a dilemma: which wedding dress would make her shine – without the risk of stumbling and falling again?

Weeks earlier she had ordered four dresses from Temu. “I couldn’t decide which style would suit me best, so I ordered several to be sure,” she said.

That decision proved useful: the shorter dress she had added as a backup became the one she wore. “I didn’t want to risk falling again. I could walk confidently in it – and it still looked beautiful.”

On the day, as she walked down the aisle, the accident was forgotten. The lace dress fit well. “My husband Stefan was moved to tears when he saw me. It really was a fairytale wedding – and having four dresses to choose from saved the day,” said Marinel.

Decorating with passion – and a new dream

The wedding itself was celebrated at the newlyweds’ home, where Marinel took charge of every detail. “I found decorations such as garlands, candles and tablecloths on Temu,” she said.

Living in Switzerland, where everyday expenses are high, she appreciated having access to a wide range of décor that was both stylish and within reach. “It mattered to me that everything felt romantic and personal, and having so many options helped me bring those ideas to life.”

Her view is echoed by many. A global Ipsos survey found that around 75% of the respondents from markets including the UK, Germany and Spain believe Temu offers good value, combining variety and affordability.

The glowing success of her wedding gave Marinel the idea for her next project. She is now considering a small events business: her home has a large room suited for celebrations. “I’ve already bought basics like tablecloths and crockery—it’s a foundation for the future.”

Looking to the future

For Marinel and Stefan, the wedding chapter is not yet over. Next year, they want to throw another wedding – this time in the Philippines, right on the beach. With a big celebration, palm trees in the background and family and friends from their home country. “There, I want to make up for what we didn’t have here: our honeymoon. I’m already really looking forward to saying ‘I do’ under the palm trees.”

“And what dress will I wear? I still have three to choose from,” she said.