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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1992-02-12, Page 15THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12,1992. PAGE 15. Latest trends in bridal party attire Princess for a day This bride will take their breath away in the beautifully hand-beaded "pure silk satin". The V- shaped neckline, long-sleeves, open diamond back and detachable chapel train are sure to make your groom smile as he waits at the altar for you. For the wedding-party, dresses are short, flirty, splashed with play­ ful prints or saturated in candy colours (shoes are dyed to match). Separates also swing into the sea­ son, states Bride's magazine, with romantic sheer blouses atop ballerina-length skirts. Best-dressed buys: • Fabrics - organza, cotton, Lycra™, taffeta, re-embroidered or stretch lace, tulle, chiffon, ottoman, faille, linen. • Prints - polka dots, gingham, stripes, plaid, exotic flowers. • Separates - Lycra™ or organza blouse with a sweeping skirt of taffeta or cotton with a self-sash or belt. • Short dresses made in chiffon­ like fabrics (in yellow, pink, laven­ der, mint, pale blue) that float down the aisle. • Open backs with crisscross straps. • Short dresses with detachable tulle overskirts. • Iridescent taffetas in sherbet shades (mint, icy blue, yellow). • Patriotic colours - solid blue, blue and white stripes, red jersey top with red tafetta bell skirt and blue sash. Formal wear for the groom, best man and ushers go high fashion with lustrous fabrics and a variety of coloured accessories. The fash­ ion industry's focus: • Fabrics - luxurious silky fibers. • Black with sublet flecks of red, pink, green or burgundy. • White and ivory dinner jackets remain strong. • Lapels - peaked, shawl, notched. • Tailcoats stay in the spotlight. • Accessories - bold colours, stripes, and florals for ties, vests and cummerbunds. Classy ready is the only way to celebrate! Pick up your free catalogue at WEBSTER'S Clothing & Footwear > ♦ Know what to look for when buying wedding gown So many questions, so many details, so many emotions - it's no wonder even the most organized bride-to-be can feel overwhelmed and anxious about finding the per­ fect wedding dress. Knowing what to expect before she steps into a bridal shop can help put her mind at ease. Bride's magazine polled owners of top bridal stores nationwide for their answers to the most common dilemma faced by brides-to-be. The resulting “insider shopping infor­ mation” appeared in a recent issue. Here is a sampling: When should a bride start shopping for her gown? Begin the search six to eight months before the wedding, since it can take man­ ufacturers up to six months to fill an order, with alterations taking several weeks on top of that. What homework should she do first? Look through bridal maga­ zines, marking the pages with gowns she loves. Don’t rip them out. Bridal stores need to know the page and manufacturer to locate the style number. Also keep in mind the time and site of the wedding, since a dress appropriate to a gar­ den ceremony will look out of place in a cathedral. What should the bride bring with her for their first appointment? Although most shops offer sample undergarments for try-ons, a smart bride will bring her own lingerie and shoes: a strapless bra or bus­ tier, a slip in a neutral shade, white hosiery, and shoes in different heel heights. How much will she have to pay "up front"? Many shops expect a non-refundable, fifty percent deposit when the dress is ordered, with the balance due either thirty days later or when the bride-to-be picks up her gown. While dress prices differ greatly, shop owners estimate that the average cost is between $l,000-$2,000 and alter­ ations will average from $5O-$5OO. What about "moving up" the wedding date to ensure that the dress arrives in time. Many brides are tempted to try this, but the experts advise against it, pointing out that reputable bridal stores deal only with manufacturers they trust, and that lying may be counter­ productive. For example, if the bride has her heart set on a gown that takes a long time to order, the sales consultant may rule it out because the delivery date cuts it too close to the wedding. What if the bride is in a rush? Larger stores can often accommo­ date last-minute bridal shoppers, placing rush orders for gowns to arrive in three to eight weeks. But brides should expect to pay a sur­ charge for this service. Are there any cost-cutting ideas for the bride-to-be on a tight bud­ get? Many stores will have sample dresses on sale, especially if a line has been-discontinued. Another option: ordering a dress in a less- expensive fabric. What if the bride's weight changes before the wedding day? Weight fluctuations (and brides on diets) are common. Don't buy a dress in a size you hope to be. If the bride gains weight just before the wedding and her dress no longer fits, the shop may be able to get extra material from the manu­ facturer overnight. BLYTH 523-9709 WE HAVE BEEN 100 YEARS IN THE MAKING FOR AN OFFER LIKE THIS NO NO NO MONEY DOWN ... PAYMENTS ... INTEREST ... UNTIL FEBRUARY 1993! ON FURNITURE PURCHASES OVER $495. O.A.C. (6 MONTHS ON ELECTRONICS AND APPLIANCES) ZILLIAX [MW K GODERICH 524-4334 LISTOWEL 291-1461 ■ I OPEN: Mon. to Sat. 9:30 - 5:30 Thurs & Fri. ‘till 9:00 J