Woman catches fiancé cheating before wedding – so she throws a $46,000 party

A bride-to-be wasn't about to waste her wedding celebration after catching her fiancé cheating.

Lindsay Slater, 31, of Nottingham, England, decided to host the planned $46,000 wedding reception and renamed it “Celebration of Freedom” after finding out her former fiancé was having an affair.

Accordingly New York PostSlater was with her partner for 12 years before she found out he had cheated on her.

After the man left his family home after being confronted with infidelity, Slater canceled the ceremony scheduled for Saturday, August 17, but decided to use the reception party as a “celebration of freedom.”

The lawyer then informed her guests about the incident and even published a Facebook post about it. NYP.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

According to the newspaper, about 60 to 70 guests attended the “Freedom” reception, which included speeches, food and a DJ party. A bartender was also on hand to mix Bellinis and Martinis.

Despite the change in the purpose of the party, the bridesmaids still wore their pre-planned dresses, while Slater wore her $1,600 short wedding dress from Charlotte Elizabeth Bridal.

Guests were then treated to fish cakes, chicken and chocolate cake while the party played motivational songs such as “It's Not Right, but it's OK” by Whitney Houston, “Strong Enough” by Cher and “Survivor” by Destiny's Child.

Slater's friend and maid of honor Beth also held up a sign that read: “And she lived happily ever after…”

“I didn't know how I was going to survive. I was desperate – it was too late to cancel the wedding plans. All the money had been spent,” Slater told New York Post“But a big part of me thought, 'I'm free' – it's the beginning of a better era.”

Following the party, the birthday girl traveled to Crete in Greece for her honeymoon on August 20, where she spent seven days in a resort with her friend.

“I'm glad I did it – I really enjoyed the day,” she continued. “I was so surprised by how supportive everyone was – it was so encouraging. I was surrounded by so much love – it really reminded me that I didn't need it.”