HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-02-10, Page 29Eoc.p.e.it addice pvt. finding ide. tight gaum
being married and if yourc wedding
has a theme. However, while this is a
factor, it need not necessarily define
the choice you make.
“There are people getting married
on a beach who still want the big.
traditional gown, and those married
in a church who want something
simple.”
“There’s no right or wrong. If you
feel good and look good in the dress,
why question anything. What’s
important is that you're comfortable
with the advice you've been given
and the choice you’ve made. That's
what matters.”
That goes for brides being married
the second time. too. says Stratton.
"1 have had second and even third-
time brides come in with the
intention of buying a formal dress.
Then they try on a gown and they
•High’ up. They’ll ask if they should
feel this way. My answer is 'Yes,
you’ie a bride.’”
One important thing is to not let
even if it looks pristine. Stains like
body oil and perspiration are
invisible, but can turn the fabric
yellow over time.
Question the cleaner or
preservationist on his preservation
process. Different cleaning solvents
should be used on gowns than on
regular clothing because traditional
solutions are too harsh. If cleaned
improperly, stains may appear or the
fabric may yellow years down the
road.
After it's cleaned, the gown will
be wrapped and boxed. The folds of
the dress and bodice should be
Continued on page 6
By Bonnie Gropp
Citizen editor
Every woman should feel like a
bride on her wedding day. And the
biggest factor to achieving that is
choosing the right gown.
Julie Stratton, owner of a bridal
and formal wear business, said it’s
important to take the time and make
the right choice for yourself. To
begin the process it’s wise to get an
idea of what you like from
magazines and off the internet.
A person’s build plays a
significant part in the style you
select, as well. “Find what flatters
you. what accentuates your best
feature. The dream dress may not fit
your body type.” says Stratton.
“That's a reality. Not everybody is a
size six body.”
The type of wedding can also
determine the kind of gown you're
seeking. Stratton suggests taking
into consideration where you're
aiedding
You spent weeks, maybe even
months searching for it. And then
you wore it in front of family,
friends and your now husband. You
were a vision of white topped with
satin, lace, beads and more.
Something as special as your
wedding gown shouldn't just be
lossed in a closet after the big day.
Protect your gown by having it
professionally cleaned and
preserved by an expert dry cleaner
or gown preservationist.
Have your gown preserved as
soon as possible after the wedding
so stains won’t have time to set in.
Every gown needs to be cleaned.
the task prove overwhelming. “Set
aside a day to go to a couple of
stores. Too many can just prove
exhausting and you lose sight of
what you really want.”
Though budget is a big
consideration in wedding planning,
Stratton feels it shouldn’t be the
initial qualifier when choosing a
gown. “I have a lot of people come
into the store and buy something
completely different than their
original idea, so I’d recommend a
fairly flexible budget so as not to
limit you.”
Price range typically runs from
$200 to $1,200, with the average
being about $799. says Stratton.
o0)
Whether you want a traditional or 1
contemporary look we will create 1
elegant yet affordable bouquets, 1
centerpieces, boutonnieres, and' *
corsages that suit your style.
Book an appointment with our floral decorating
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At Zehrs we also offer a large selection of wedding rentals
including baskets, arches, candelabras, etc. (Deposit required). Q
o
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Plus our in-store bakery offers fresh baked buns, cakes and a fine
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Listowel
291-5210
Watching for sales is a good way
to save on the cost, but Stratton
reminds you won’t want to be loo far
ahead of the big day as styles are
constantly changing.
Styles currently are showing
colour integrated into the traditional
white. “Colour is coming in
strongly, now. We are seeing reds,
oyster, gold and even black. Gowns
are getting away from the norm.”
Shopping for a gown should begin
about one year before the wedding
day, with the time to order at about
eight to 10 months. “This allows a
lot of lime to make the right choice,
have it ordered and alterations
made.”
Rush orders can be done,' of
course, but they are usually
accompanied by extra charges.
When the big day is over, many
people want to preserve their gown.
Stratton recommends taking it to be
custom-cleaned by a qualified dry
cleaner. They should wrap it in blue
tissue and box it. “This should keep
it for 25-30 years without any
discolouration.”
“1 have had clients say that they
wanted to wear the dress to do their
cleaning, it felt so special on them.
When they’re having fun like that
you know they’re happy with their
choice and living that special day to
the fullest.”
Page 4. The Citizen. Weddings 2005