Bride Jacqui is not afraid to ask for what she wants! Last week, New Idea revealed she had contacted a small Australian business requesting free items in exchange for exposure on the show and on social media.
In an update on the story, an insider revealed to The Daily Mail the true extent of Jacqui’s requests.
According to the insider, Jacqui, 29, spent much of her time during the filming of the show in her apartment shopping online and messaging local brands requesting clothing and accessories.
The insider also revealed that she and groom Ryan’s, 36, spare bedroom was “full” of clothing deliveries after brands lined up to secure exposure on the megahit show. It has been revealed that the lawyer also shared a spreadsheet of “willing” brands to the other brides so that they, too, could source goods.
Jacqui has since slammed the claims, taking to Instagram to say that cast are expected to provide “three of our own outfit options for every dinner party and commitment ceremony”.
She claims she is not the only ‘guilty’ cast member, saying “almost all the cast collab with small local brands and business owners to help dress ourselves for the show!”
Jacqui says “nearly all cast” hit up brands for freebies.
In leaked messages seen by New Idea in early February, lawyer Jacqui reached out to a small Aussie label, asking for free product to promote on her social media accounts, adding she will be seen by “millions of viewers”.
The message read, “Hi there! I’m one of the MAFs 2025 brides.. just wondering whether you’d be interested in gifting any pieces for me to wear and showcase on the show.. and tag & create around during airing next year on Instagram / TikTok? The show is international and seen by millions of viewers! This is me! Let me know & I’ll be happy to send my address and/or preferences. I’m a size 8 🙂 xx”
But our source says that Jacqui’s social media accounts would not be accessible to her during or for a period after the airing of the show, making it difficult for the bride – or any other participant who may have solicited freebies – to live up to promises to promote stock.
Speaking anonymously to New Idea, the brand owner said they were “shocked” to see such a brazen message from a person who “was not yet famous and might never be”.
They added that it was also galling to receive the message in tough trading times for small businesses.
But times seem to be tough for the stars of the show, who are paid a bare minimum to appear on the reality juggernaut.
“Just because they’re on TV doesn’t mean they’re entitled [to free clothes],” they sniped.
It’s not the first time a MAFS participant has been exposed for asking for a freebie – and it likely won’t be the last.
They are reportedly paid just $1,178 a week, which includes a daily appearance rate and food allowance.
