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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1993-02-17, Page 19The new ease of elegance SYD SILVER e Catalogues showing all the latest styles & fashion colours now available at: WEBSTER'S Clothing & Footwear Blyth 523-9709 tqSA I THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1993. PAGE 19. Bride's family has greatest expense By far the greater part of the wedding expense must be paid by the bride and her parents. The bride and her family are responsible for: Accommodation for out-of-town bridal attendants. Bouquets and gifts for the bride's attendants (sometimes assumed by the groom). For the bride and bridegroom, their families and friends, their "big day" is one of celebration and joy. Whether the guest list is large or small, the event is sure to be remembered fondly by all participants and observers. The mention of the word "wedding" conjures up thoughts of delicate lace, fragrant flowers, the exchange of rings and strains of Here Comes the Bride. Whether the bride walks down the aisle in an elaborate, long- trained gown or in more simple garb, it is certain that much deliberation has gone into deciding on the style for this special occasion. Today's couples choose to incorporate whatever elements of tradition they find meaningful. Many of the customs associated with weddings came to the fore during the Victorian period. The tradition of the honeymoon was established, and it was during this time that wedding attendants were first identified as "maid of honor" and "best man". At royal and social weddings, six or eight bridesmaids were necessary to help carry the elaborate train of the bride's dress. Even at less flamboyant weddings, the weight of the bride's clothes necessitated at least one attendant to help manoeuvre her gown, and of course she needed assistance with the pre-wedding dressing in order to accomplish the drastic corseting that was in vogue during the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Bride's trousseau (an invariable rule). Cars for the bride, her attendants and parents. Engagement party (usually also a rehearsal party). Fee or gifts for organist and soloist. Then, as now, the maid of honor would help the bride with assembling the trousseau and planning the details of the wedding. Bridesmaids are no longer needed to aid in the uncomfortable donning of the corset, and in most cases the bride's train trails gracefully behind her as she walks down the aisle. Rather than serving as ladies in waiting, today's bridal attendants are chosen by the bride as special friends whom she wants to have standing with her on her momentous day. The enormous floral arrangements which sometimes threatened to dwarf the Victorian bride have given way to smaller, more refined bouquets, with the bride usually carrying an arrangement of her favourite. flowers. While elements of Victorian wedding customs are still present in modern ceremonies, they have changed and been adapted over the course of the years. No longer is the phrase "love, honor and obey" automatically uttered by every bride. Men are also becoming much more involved in making the wedding plans. Gone are the days when the bride and her family automatically took charge of all the arrangements and decisions. From helping to choose a china pattern to picking the wedding site, the groom can now be involved in all aspects of the pre-wedding planning. Flowers and other decorations for the church. Gift for the groom (strictly the bride's privilege). Groom's ring, if a double-ring ceremony. Household items (flatware, china, linen). Invitations, announcements and mailing of these. Mailing of wedding cake, if this is done. Photographs (both engagement and wedding). Press notice. Reception expenses (all details). Rent for the place where the wedding is solemnized. EXPENSES OF THE GROOM Traditionally, the home and its furnishings are supplied by the groom, though nowadays the bride usually helps to furnish the home. The following are strictly the groom's responsibility: Accommodation for the groom's out-of-town attendants. Bride's bouquet. Bride's wedding ring. Cars for the clergyman, groom and best man. Corsages for the two mothers; boutonnieres for the groom, groom's attendants and fathers. Fee for the clergyman and the sexton or church caretaker. Gift for the bride (usually jewellery). Gifts for the best man and ushers. Marriage licence. Wedding trip. EXPENSES OF THE GROOM'S FAMILY The groom's family provide their own clothes and a gift. They may, if they like, assume the responsibility for the rehearsal party. EXPENSES OF THE BRIDE'S ATTENDANTS The dresses and accessories of the bride's attendants are usually their own responsibility. However, the attendants' dresses are sometimes a gift from the bride's family. The maid or matron of honour and the bridesmaids give a shower for the bride, either singly or as a group. EXPENSES OF GROOM'S ATTENDANTS The best man and ushers buy or rent their clothes for the wedding, though it is frequently the groom who provides the gloves and ties. If a bachelor dinner is given, either the groom's attendants or the groom himself may give the party. Wedding traditions reflect Victorian age open Monday to Saturday 9-5:30 G 1FTs FOR) LL occAsioNs AND FOR OUR SPECIAL BRIDAL REGISTRY WITH JEANNE'S HELP at TOKEN TREASURES your Gifts become TOKENS OF LOVE FOREVER! Leave it aft to eanne! 254 Josephine St. Wingham 357-2993 I 1 I S t .r-„ 4446 ( J), I You Ire Invited to take 20% OFF WEDDING INVITATIONS & ACCESSORIES • Napkins • Matches • Guest Books • Quill Pens • Invitations • Thank you cards SPECIAL BUCK & DOE 250 $32.00 TICKETS 500 $34.00 PRINTING 308 Main St. E., L.istowel ttl 4 NtL Fax 291-1706 291-1914 . • :_t3w! • Order your wedding invitations and flowers from the Flower Nook and We'll pay the tax! Wedding Reception Accessories Napkins • Glasses Matches • Decorations All in a wide range of colours and styles. And (with your invitation and floral order) We'll pay the tax! Special offer valid if booked by May 15, 1993 218 Josephine Street WINGHAtiA 357-3335 Fax 357-4350 Wedding Rental Services • Candelabras • Topiary trees • Wedding Arch • Candleholders And (with your invitations and floral order) We'll pay the tax!